Flippin' Bird Slider

The 2026 Turkey Taste Off winning recipe submitted by Barry Koppen. These sliders feature a seasoned turkey patty topped with a bourbon bacon jam.

Servings
12
Prep Time
Cook Time
Ingredients
Total Time

Ingredients

Chipotle Turkey Patties Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 12 slices aged smoked gouda

Bourbon Bacon Jam Ingredients

  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon
  • 2 large, sweet onions, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Quick-Pickled Red Onions Ingredients

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Directions

Chipotle Turkey Patties

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, adobo sauce, chipotle powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, panko, and egg.
  2. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
  3. Divide into 12 equal portions and form slider patties approximately 3 inches in diameter.
  4. Press a slight dimple into the center of each patty.
  5. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before cooking.

Bourbon Bacon Jam

  1. Cook bacon until crisp and remove from pan.
  2. Leave approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add onions and cook over medium-low heat until deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
  4. Stir in brown sugar, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Simmer until thick and jam-like.
  6. Chop bacon and stir back into mixture.
  7. Hold warm for assembly.

Quick-Pickled Red Onions

  1. Combine vinegar, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add onions and toss thoroughly.
  3. Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
  4. Drain before serving.

Cooking the Sliders

  1. Preheat a flat top, cast ironskillet, or grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cook patties approximately 4–5 minutes per side.
  3. When patties reach 155–160°F,top each with a slice of aged smoked gouda.
  4. Continue cooking until the cheeseis melted and the patties reach 160°F.
  5. Remove from heat and rest for3–5 minutes. Carry over cooking will bring them to a safe 165°F.

 

Assembly

Bottom Bun

• Toasted King's Hawaiian Slider Bun

Layer 1

• Chipotle Turkey Patty

Layer 2

• Melted Aged Smoked Gouda

Layer 3

• Generous Spoonful of Bourbon Bacon Jam

Layer 4

• Quick-Pickled Red Onions

Finish

• Top with Toasted King's Hawaiian Slider Bun

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