Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

There's nothing quite like the perfect bite of a Cranberry Turkey Slider to elevate your holiday leftovers or add a festive flair to your party spread. These mini sandwiches combine tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into soft rolls brushed with a savory butter topping.

this Recipe

The first time I made these sliders, I was searching for a way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into something exciting. Now, they’ve become a staple at family gatherings and potlucks year-round. Let's dive into why these sliders deserve a spot on your table.

Why You'll Love These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer or meal. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are bursting with flavor and are sure to please any crowd.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re using leftovers or freshly roasted turkey, these sliders come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy holiday weeks when you need something quick yet satisfying.

They’re also ideal for entertaining. The small, shareable size makes them perfect for potlucks, game days, or holiday gatherings. Plus, you can assemble them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.

Another reason to love these sliders is their versatility. Don’t have turkey? Swap in chicken or ham. Want to add a touch of heat? Use pepper jack cheese or a drizzle of spicy mustard. The options are endless.

Finally, they strike the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The cranberry sauce provides a tart, fruity contrast to the hearty turkey and melty cheese, while the buttery topping adds a savory crunch. Every bite is a flavor-packed treat.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break them down to see what makes this recipe shine.

Slider Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls like Hawaiian rolls are the perfect base for these sliders. They hold up well to the filling and bake beautifully with the buttery topping.

Turkey: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover roasted turkey. Both white and dark meat work equally well, but be sure to slice or shred the turkey into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce is the star here. You can use homemade or canned – either will bring the perfect pop of flavor.

Cheese: Slices of Swiss cheese melt beautifully and complement the turkey and cranberry sauce. Provolone or mozzarella are great substitutes if you prefer a milder cheese.

Butter Topping: A mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds adds an irresistible golden crust to the sliders. It’s the secret to taking these sliders to the next level.

You’ll also need a baking dish to assemble and bake the sliders. A 9x13-inch dish works perfectly to hold a dozen rolls snugly.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Creating these Cranberry Turkey Sliders is a breeze. Here’s how to bring them together step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats, slice your slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected for easy assembly.

Place the bottom halves of the rolls into a greased baking dish. Spread a layer of cranberry sauce evenly over the bread, ensuring every roll gets a generous helping of the tangy sauce.

Next, layer on your turkey. Use enough to cover the cranberry sauce evenly but don’t overstuff – you want the sliders to hold together nicely.

Add a layer of Swiss cheese on top of the turkey. Make sure each roll gets a slice for that perfect gooey texture when baked.

Replace the tops of the rolls, then brush the buttery topping generously over the entire surface. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat everything through. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. They’re best enjoyed warm and melty!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), these Cranberry Turkey Sliders store beautifully.

Refrigerate any remaining sliders in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

If you want to freeze them, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can tailor it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Protein Swap: Replace the turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced ham, or even roast beef for a new flavor profile.
• Cheese Options: Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a different twist.
• Sauce Alternatives: Try a layer of barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or apricot preserves in place of cranberry sauce.
• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture for an herby kick.
• Spicy Kick: Include a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

The best part of these sliders is how easy they are to customize, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are everything you want in a bite-sized treat – flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!

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