Juicy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: Holiday Magic in a Bite

Tiny sliders packed with cranberry turkey delight can turn any gathering into a memorable feast.

Cold winter nights call for warm, comforting bites that spark conversation.

Our recipe brings together juicy meat and tangy fruit in a compact, irresistible package.

Small sandwiches often carry big flavors, and these sliders prove that point beautifully.

Crisp rolls cradle tender meat and bright cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures.

Simple ingredients combine to make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to keep these crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches on speed dial for impromptu parties and game day snacks.

Tips for Flavorful, Juicy Sliders

• Slice Smartly: Keep Hawaiian rolls connected while cutting horizontally to maintain slider structure and easy serving.
• Layer Evenly: Distribute turkey and cranberry sauce uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Butter Brush Technique: Apply butter mixture generously to create a golden, crispy roll top with rich, herbal undertones.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cheese to melt completely during final baking stage for gooey, delicious texture.
• Temperature Control: Cover with foil initially to prevent burning, then uncover to achieve perfect golden-brown finish.

How to Keep Cranberry Turkey Sliders Fresh

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Preheat oven to 350F, wrap sliders in foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Quickly reheat individual sliders for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintain texture.
• Enjoy reheated sliders within 24 hours for optimal taste and quality, as bread may lose its original softness over time.

Best Side Dishes for These Savory Sliders

• Select a crisp Pinot Noir or light-bodied Beaujolais to match the turkey's delicate flavor and cranberry's tangy sweetness, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the slider's taste profile.
• Prepare a zesty arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette, adding bright, peppery notes that cut through the slider's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Brew a cold-pressed apple cider or sparkling ginger tea to complement the slider's herbal thyme undertones, offering a clean, effervescent palate cleanser that highlights the dish's complex flavors.
• Serve quick-pickled cucumber spears or tangy coleslaw alongside the sliders, introducing a crunchy texture and acidic element that balances the warm, melted cheese and savory turkey.

Flavor Add-Ons for Your Sliders

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls or lettuce wraps. Use gluten-free mayonnaise and verify cheese is gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based deli slices. Maintain cranberry sauce and cheese for rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use large lettuce leaves as wrap instead of rolls. Replace Hawaiian rolls with thin cucumber slices or low-carb tortillas for easier handling.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based or almond cheese. Keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.

Why Everyone Loves These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Combine sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and melty cheese for an irresistible taste combination that requires minimal cooking skills.
• Transform traditional turkey and cranberry sauce into a fresh, exciting meal that breathes new life into post-holiday ingredients.
• Easily scale up the recipe for potlucks, game day events, or casual entertaining, making it a go-to dish for multiple occasions.

Ingredients to Build Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet base for sliders with a rich, pillowy texture.
• Sliced Turkey: Lean protein that provides a classic sandwich filling.
• Cranberry Sauce: Tangy, sweet spread that adds festive holiday flavor.
• Cheese Slices: Melty component that brings creamy richness to the sliders.

• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds a zesty kick to the butter mixture.
• Poppy Seeds: Small seeds that provide subtle crunch and nutty undertone.
• Thyme: Aromatic herb that introduces earthy, subtle flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing overall taste.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy spread that helps prevent dryness on roll surfaces.
• Melted Butter: Rich, golden mixture for brushing that creates a glossy, golden-brown top.
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for initial covered baking to prevent excessive browning.

Steps to Assemble Cranberry Turkey Sliders Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab those soft Hawaiian rolls and slice them carefully in half, keeping them connected like a cute little bread family. Spread a whisper-thin layer of creamy mayonnaise across each roll’s inner surface.

Step 2: Layer Your Flavor Dream

• Tender sliced turkey
• Sweet cranberry sauce
• Melty cheese slices

Arrange these layers gently on the bottom half of your roll landscape.

Step 3: Crown Your Creation

Lovingly place the top roll halves over your flavor-packed foundation.

Step 4: Craft Your Magic Butter Blend

• Melted butter
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Sprinkled poppy seeds
• Fragrant thyme
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Brush this golden mixture generously across the roll tops, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and slide into the warm oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking 5-10 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and cheese becomes irresistibly melted.

Step 6: Slice And Serve

Pull your beautiful sliders from the oven, slice into individual portions, and serve piping hot. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent turkey meets zesty cranberry in these mouthwatering cranberry turkey sliders, perfect for game day gatherings or holiday leftovers. Miniature sandwiches packed with festive flavors will delight guests and satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked turkey, sliced or shredded

Bread and Cheese:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
• 6 slices of Swiss or provolone cheese, halved

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish for the sliders.
2. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, maintaining their connected structure, and gently place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
3. Apply a delicate layer of mayonnaise across the interior surface of each roll half.
4. Distribute sliced turkey evenly over the bottom roll section, creating a uniform base layer.
5. Spread a smooth layer of cranberry sauce directly atop the turkey, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Arrange cheese slices methodically over the cranberry sauce to create a consistent melting foundation.
7. Position the top roll halves carefully over the prepared ingredients.
8. Craft a flavor-enhancing butter mixture by combining melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
9. Generously brush the prepared butter mixture across the exterior of the rolls, ensuring complete and even coating.
10. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to initiate the warming process.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rolls achieve a golden-brown hue and the cheese melts completely.
12. Extract the sliders from the oven, slice into individual portions, and serve while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality deli turkey to elevate the slider’s flavor profile and ensure tender, succulent meat.
• Swap Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same soft, sweet texture.
• Test cheese meltability by selecting varieties like provolone or Swiss that distribute smoothly and create a creamy consistency.
• Customize the butter mixture by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to introduce unique flavor dimensions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg