I’ve got to tell you, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is an absolute game changer, especially when you want something quick but still super flavorful. It’s like a perfect little bite of Thanksgiving packed into a slider with tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty cheese all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Every time I make these, my family goes crazy for how comforting and satisfying they are.
What makes these sliders so special is how effortlessly the flavors come together—you’re getting that sweet, tangy cranberry paired with savory turkey and a buttery garlic topping that’s just irresistible. They work beautifully as a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, game day, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation all year long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep and Quick Bake: You can have these sliders on the table in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Flavors That Balance Perfectly: The sweet cranberry and cheesy turkey combo hits all the right notes without being overwhelming.
- Always a Crowd Pleaser: Whether for a party or family dinner, these sliders disappear fast—that’s how much everyone loves them.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your twist to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but intentionally chosen to build layers of flavor and texture in these cranberry turkey sliders. When shopping, look for fresh deli turkey without added preservatives, and definitely grab some Hawaiian rolls—those sweet little buns are crucial for the right balance.
- Thick-cut deli turkey or ham: I always opt for thick slices to keep each slider juicy and meaty.
- Swiss or Provolone cheese: These melt beautifully and add a creamy texture that complements the cranberry sauce.
- Cranberry sauce: Store-bought works just fine, but homemade cranberry sauce lets you control the sweetness.
- Hawaiian Dinner Rolls: The soft, slightly sweet rolls make the perfect slider base and soak up all those flavors.
- Butter (melted): This creates the rich, glossy coating that browns nicely in the oven.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle depth of umami in the butter mixture—don’t skip it!
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch, it cuts through the sweetness and brings a bit of tang.
- Poppy Seeds: They add a delightful crunch and a little visual flair.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic amps up the savory notes in the buttery topping.
Variations
I love that this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is super forgiving and easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment a bit—you might be surprised how many tasty variations you can come up with.
- Use Ham Instead of Turkey: I switched it up once with ham and loved the smoky contrast with the cranberry’s sweetness.
- Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar or gouda if you want a different cheesy twist—each gives a new flavor dimension.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace turkey with marinated portobello mushrooms or grilled veggies for a vegetarian-friendly option; the cranberry sauce still shines.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the butter mixture if you like a little heat that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Thoughtfully
Start by slicing your Hawaiian rolls in half—don’t separate them because baking them together keeps the sliders soft. Lay down an even layer of thick-cut turkey over the bottom buns. The turkey is the hearty base that’ll soak up the cranberry sauce flavors nicely. Next, spread cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey. I find it easiest to use the back of a spoon to distribute the sauce without overpowering any slider. Then top each with a slice of Swiss or Provolone cheese, making sure it covers the sauce well so it all melts together.
Step 2: Mix and Brush with the Yummy Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. This mixture adds a garlicky, tangy, buttery layer that browns beautifully in the oven and gives the sliders their signature flavor. Brush this mixture generously over the top buns—don’t be shy! It seals in moisture and creates that irresistible golden crust you’ll love.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Cover the assembled sliders with foil to keep them from drying out and pop them into a 350°F oven for 12 minutes. This gentle baking warms everything through and melts the cheese without burning. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye during this uncovered stage because the butter can brown quickly. You want that lovely crust without scorch marks.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Keep the Rolls Connected: Baking sliders as a whole pan helps keep them soft and makes serving easier.
- Don’t Overdo the Cranberry: A light layer lets the other flavors shine and keeps sliders from being too soggy.
- Watch the Final Bake:** Remove foil carefully and watch closely to prevent the butter topping from burning.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It packs more punch than pre-minced and elevates the buttery topping beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my sliders with a few fresh sage leaves or some thinly sliced green onions to add a fresh, herby pop that brightens each bite. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra poppy seed on top for a pretty finish and a tiny crunch that guests notice and appreciate.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, I often serve them alongside roasted sweet potato fries or some creamy butternut squash soup—it’s like a full comfort food spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a party, slicing the slider bun-laden tray into perfect squares keeps things neat and easy to grab. I’ve also arranged mini slider platters with toothpicks topped with fresh herbs—this little touch makes a big impression for holiday entertaining or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover any leftover sliders tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If I want to prep these ahead, I assemble the sliders but don’t bake them—wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When it’s time to enjoy, I bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time until they’re heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil to keep them moist. Then I remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes to regain that crisp, buttery top—this method really helps the sliders taste fresh and delicious again.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey instead of deli slices?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great—just be sure to slice it thinly so it layers nicely in the slider and heats evenly during baking. You might want to warm the turkey slightly before assembling to keep the sliders from getting cold in the center.
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What type of cranberry sauce is best for this recipe?
I find that both chunky homemade cranberry sauce or smooth store-bought varieties work well here. If you make your own, just keep it on the thicker side so the sliders don’t get soggy. Sweetness level is personal; feel free to adjust with a bit of orange zest or spices for extra flair.
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Can I prepare these sliders vegan?
Yes! Swap the turkey for your favorite plant-based deli slices or roasted veggies, choose a vegan cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute in the topping. The cranberry sauce remains a perfect complement for vegan versions too.
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How do I prevent the slider tops from burning in the oven?
Covering the sliders with foil during the first part of the bake keeps the tops from burning while melting the cheese and heating through. When you remove the foil near the end, watch carefully and don’t step away; the butter topping can brown quickly. Pull them out once you see a nice golden hue.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because of how easy it is to pull together and how reliably it impresses. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy, flavorful snack, these sliders hit the spot every time. Give them a try and I promise you’ll love how simple and delicious they are—just like I told you, these sliders might just become your new go-to recipe!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring layers of thick-cut deli turkey or ham, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Swiss or Provolone cheese, all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian dinner rolls. The buttery garlic and poppy seed topping baked to a golden brown adds a perfect savory finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or ham
- 6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
- 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 12-pack Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
Butter Mixture
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Assemble Sliders: Cut the Hawaiian dinner rolls in half horizontally. Lay down the bottom half of the rolls on a baking dish, then evenly layer the thick-cut deli turkey or ham over the bread. Spread cranberry sauce evenly on top of the turkey, then lay the Swiss or Provolone cheese slices over the cranberry sauce. Finally, add the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Mix well to create a flavorful butter topping.
- Brush Topping: Brush the prepared butter mixture generously over the top layer of the sandwich rolls to add flavor and to help them brown nicely while baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the top of the rolls are golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning once uncovered.
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then separate sliders and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious cranberry turkey sliders!
Notes
- Use thick-cut deli turkey or ham for best flavor and texture.
- Swiss or Provolone cheese gives a mild, creamy complement to cranberry sauce.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the sliders when baking uncovered to prevent burning.
- Best served warm to enjoy melty cheese and soft rolls.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 179 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
