Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders Recipe – The Ultimate Party Snack

Turkey bacon ranch sliders are the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and crispy flavors wrapped in a soft Hawaiian roll. These sliders bring together tender smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and spicy ranch dressing for a mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or holiday feast, this recipe will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.

What Makes Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders So Delicious?

These sliders hit every flavor note – smoky turkey breast injected with jalapeño butter, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese. The addition of a homemade spicy ranch gives the sliders a tangy, creamy kick that perfectly balances the savory meat and cheese. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls provide the ideal base to hold all the ingredients together.

Ingredients for Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Basic Ingredients for Sliders:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (8 lbs)
• 1 bottle jalapeño butter injection (e.g., Tony’s)
• Hot sauce (as a binder)
• All-purpose rub (store-bought or homemade)
• Apple wood chunks for smoking
• 1 stick melted butter
• 12 strips thick-cut bacon
• Parchment paper
• 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Rolls (halved and toasted)
• 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredients for Spicy Ranch:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

1. Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
2. Inject the turkey breast with jalapeño butter, ensuring even distribution throughout the meat.
3. Rub a thin layer of hot sauce over the turkey breast to act as a binder.
4. Generously coat the turkey with an all-purpose rub.

Step 2: Smoke the Turkey

1. Add apple wood chunks to the smoker for rich, smoky flavor.
2. Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) – this typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
3. Baste the turkey with melted butter every hour for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. While the turkey is smoking, cook the bacon strips in a skillet until crispy. Drain on parchment paper and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Ranch

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, and milk.
2. Whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chipotle powder, dill, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if needed. Chill the ranch in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 5: Slice the Turkey

1. Once the turkey breast is fully smoked and has rested for 20 minutes, slice it thinly.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half and lightly toast them.
2. Lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each bottom half of the roll.
3. Top with slices of smoked turkey and a strip of crispy bacon.
4. Drizzle with spicy ranch dressing.
5. Cover with the top half of the roll and brush the top with melted butter.

Step 7: Bake the Sliders (Optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

• Inject Generously: The jalapeño butter injection keeps the turkey moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this step.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: The crunch of thick-cut bacon adds texture to every bite.
• Cheese Choices: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack if you want even more heat.
• Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the correct temperature. Overcooking can lead to dryness.

Nutritional Information

• Calories per slider: 380
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 920mg

Health Concerns

• High Sodium: Due to the rubs, cheese, and bacon, these sliders are high in sodium. Consider low-sodium alternatives.
• Calorie Dense: While delicious, these sliders are indulgent. Moderation is key.

Pros and Cons of Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Pros:

• Perfect for large gatherings and parties.
• Smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors in one bite.
• Easy to prepare and customizable.

Cons:

• Requires a smoker, which may not be accessible to everyone.
• High in sodium and calories.

FAQs

How long does it take to smoke the turkey breast?
– It typically takes 3-4 hours at 275°F to smoke an 8 lb turkey breast.

Can I bake the turkey instead of smoking it?
– Yes, you can roast the turkey at 350°F for about 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I use instead of jalapeño butter injection?
– Garlic herb butter or plain melted butter with a pinch of chili powder works well.

Can I make the spicy ranch ahead of time?
– Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Are King’s Hawaiian rolls necessary?
– No, but their sweet flavor complements the smoky and spicy ingredients beautifully.

Conclusion

Turkey bacon ranch sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining smoky turkey, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing. Whether for game day or family gatherings, these sliders are a guaranteed hit!

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