There’s something universally satisfying about a slider—you get all the flavor and decadence of a full-sized burger condensed into a few perfectly bite-sized mouthfuls. That’s the spirit behind my Cheesy BBQ Bacon Turkey Sliders. Born from a love of burgers in every shape and size, this recipe is a celebration of comfort food with a slightly healthier, flavor-packed twist.
Traditionally, sliders are made with beef, but in this recipe, I turned to ground turkey for a leaner, lighter alternative. Don’t let that fool you—these little guys are loaded with bold, smoky, cheesy goodness that can stand up against any beefy rival. What makes ground turkey such a great choice is its versatility. It takes on flavors well, especially when enhanced with savory additions like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and oats, which help bind everything together while adding a bit of extra heartiness.
One of the standout elements of this dish, of course, is the bacon. Thick, crispy, oven-baked slices provide the perfect salty crunch, bringing balance to the juicy turkey patty. And let’s not forget the BBQ sauce—a sweet, tangy, sticky complement that ties everything together and gives each bite a punch of smoky flair. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce, or take it a step further with a homemade blend if you’re feeling ambitious.
But what really takes these sliders over the top? The cheesy drizzle. I combined feta and Parmesan for a rich and creamy cheese topping that melts beautifully and adds a depth of umami flavor. Feta brings a tangy sharpness, while Parmesan offers that nutty, aged bite. A little dried parsley adds color and freshness to the final product—not to mention, it smells fantastic once it’s heated and ready to spoon over each slider.
These sliders are built for versatility. They’re bite-sized, shareable, and work well in countless settings—from backyard BBQs to game-day get-togethers, or even as a weeknight dinner option when you want something satisfying and fun. Pair them with sweet potato fries for a little contrast, or keep it classic with crispy French fries and a crunchy coleslaw on the side. Wash it down with a cold brew (I’m partial to something citrusy like a Shock Top), and you’ve got the makings of a perfect casual meal.
Whether you’re a grill enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates handheld comfort food, these Cheesy BBQ Bacon Turkey Sliders are a must-try. They’re quick to make, full of crowd-pleasing flavors, and a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves the savory-sweet combo of bacon and BBQ. So fire up the grill (or brave the weather, if you must!), and get ready to serve up bite-sized bliss—because life’s too short for boring burgers.
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey (minced turkey)
3 cloves garlic - minced
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup oats - uncooked
6 slices bacon
½ cup feta cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons dried parsley - flakes
2 cups BBQ sauce (barbecue sauce)- 1 package slider buns
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil.
- Spread the bacon on the foil and place the baking sheet on the centre rack of a cold oven.
- Turn the oven on to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 17 to 20 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven. Put the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb grease. Set aside.
- Heat a gas grill.
- Place the ground turkey in a large bowl and add the garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and oats.
- Mix gently with fingers to combine.
- Shape the meat into 2-inch patties of equal size and thickness.
- Once the grill is medium-hot, brush the grill grate with oil to avoid sliders from sticking.
- Put the sliders on the grill and let cook for about 4 minutes on each side (or until cooked all the way through).
- For the last 1 to 2 minutes, divide buns in half and place on grill to toast.
- Combine feta, parmesan, and parsley in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave for 10 to 20 seconds on 50% power.
- Take out, stir, and repeat as necessary until cheese is smoothly melted.
- Top each toasted bun with a patty, then top with a few bacon slices. Drip a spoonful of the cheese over the top, and add a spoonful (or two) of BBQ sauce on top of the cheese.
