A delightful appetizer featuring turkey sliders served on crispy polenta rounds, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon.
Combine the milk, water, cayenne pepper, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir constantly to prevent the polenta from clumping.
Gradually whisk in the polenta until smooth, then switch to a wooden spoon and stir until thickened.
Cook the polenta until it pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for a uniform flavor.
Pour the polenta into a plastic wrap-lined baking dish, smooth the surface, and refrigerate until firm.
Chilling overnight yields the best texture for cutting.
Cut the chilled polenta into rounds using a cookie cutter.
Use a cutter size similar to the slider patties for a perfect fit.
Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and cook the polenta rounds until golden on both sides.
Ensure the pan is hot before adding the polenta to achieve a crispy texture.
Mix the ground turkey, black pepper, and barbecue sauce in a bowl until combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
Form the turkey mixture into small patties.
Make the patties slightly larger than the polenta rounds as they will shrink during cooking.
Cook the bacon on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F until crispy, then crumble.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cook the turkey patties in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
Cover the skillet during the last minute to ensure even cooking.
Top each turkey patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover until melted.
Use a lid to trap the heat and melt the cheese quickly.
Assemble the sliders by placing each turkey patty on a polenta round and topping with crumbled bacon.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.