Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate holiday sandwich: the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth sliders are stacked with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled between soft, buttery rolls. Baked until the tops are golden and the insides are warm and melty, they’re an irresistible way to use up leftovers or turn simple deli turkey into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re feeding guests after a big holiday meal or just treating the family to something special, these sliders deliver a festive punch of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each adding a little magic to the final dish. Every component matters here, from the pillowy buns to the herby butter topping—so don’t skip out on anything!
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls (12): Their pillowy texture soaks up all the delicious flavors without getting soggy.
- Sliced cooked turkey (1 pound): Leftover roast turkey or your favorite deli slices both work beautifully—this is what makes the sliders hearty.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (1 cup): Bright, tangy, and sweet; it completely transforms each bite.
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (6 slices, halved): Melts like a dream for gooey perfection, and you can swap for other favorites if you like.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a little extra richness and moisture, but totally optional if you want to keep things lighter.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top for buttery, golden buns.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings subtle tang and depth to the butter topping.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch boosts the savory flavor.
- Dried thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, aromatic holiday twist on top.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors so nothing is lost.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Without separating the slider rolls, carefully slice them in half horizontally using a large serrated knife, keeping each half in one piece. Lay the bottom half into your prepared baking dish. This ensures an even base for lots of gooey, cheesy filling.
Step 2: Add a Creamy Layer (Optional)
If you’re a fan of a little extra creaminess, spread mayonnaise evenly across the cut side of the bottom buns. The mayo will keep the bread ultra-moist and give the sliders a subtle richness. If you’re skipping the mayo, no worries—the other layers offer plenty of flavor on their own!
Step 3: Layer On the Turkey
Pile the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns, being generous so every bite is packed. Whether you’re using leftover carved turkey or deli slices, the warmth and moisture from baking will bring out the very best in the meat. Don’t be afraid to really tuck it into the edges!
Step 4: Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce
Next, dollop the whole berry cranberry sauce right over the turkey. Use the back of your spoon to spread it gently—this layer brings both sweet and tart notes that make the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe so special. The berries give a nice burst of color and texture too!
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Lay the halved slices of provolone or Swiss cheese across the cranberry layer, doing your best to cover all corners so you get melty goodness throughout. As these sliders bake, the cheese will ooze into every nook and cranny, acting as a tasty glue that holds it all together.
Step 6: Cap with Top Buns
Carefully place the top half of your slider buns over the cheese, lining them up with the bottom half so your sliders stay neat and stackable. This sandwich “lid” keeps all the flavor locked in as they bake.
Step 7: Make and Brush the Herby Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme or rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Blend until fully mixed, then generously brush this herby, aromatic butter over the tops of the buns. This step makes the sliders gorgeously golden and infuses every bite with flavor.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before carefully slicing and serving—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Try sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the baked sliders for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a sweet-savory kick, a few extra whole cranberries or orange zest shavings look festive and make each slider even more tempting.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine on their own, but they’re brilliant with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, pickle spears, or a fresh green salad. For fuller meals, pair them with sweet potato fries, creamy mashed potatoes, or a cozy pumpkin soup—these combos round out the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe and keep everyone smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the baking dish by assembling your sliders on a rustic wooden board or festive platter. Skewer each slider with a decorative toothpick for easy serving at parties. Hosting a brunch? Stack the sliders into a “turkey slider tower” or arrange them in a wreath shape for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few uneaten sliders, simply wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days, making midnight snacking or next-day lunches a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, let the sliders cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead during busy holiday weeks so you have a Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe ready to go!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the sliders in a 325°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through (about 10-12 minutes from refrigerated, or 18-20 minutes from frozen). Skip the microwave if you can—it tends to make the buns rubbery and the cheese uneven.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes a tasty substitute, and it’s just as moist and flavorful. The spirit of this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is all about using what you have, so feel free to get creative with your protein of choice.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free slider buns or rolls. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy these sliders without missing a beat.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Definitely—this recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble the sliders up to the butter-brushing step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, remove from the fridge, brush with butter, and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
What cheese works best if I don’t have provolone or Swiss?
Mozzarella, white cheddar, or even gouda are all delicious in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe. Choose a good melting cheese that you really enjoy, and it’ll turn out perfectly gooey every time.
How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, use thick slices of roasted butternut squash or portobello mushrooms in place of turkey. You’ll still get that great sweet-tart combo with the cranberry sauce and cheese, plus a hearty, satisfying bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe, let this be the year you treat yourself! They’re pure comfort and joy in a bite-sized package—easy for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), and guaranteed to brighten the table. Give these sliders a try the next time you have leftover turkey, or whenever the craving for a sweet-savory treat strikes!
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. Packed with delicious flavors of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese, these sliders are easy to make and great for a party or quick meal.
Ingredients
Slider Buns:
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Turkey Layer:
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey (leftover or deli-style)
Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Cheese Layer:
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (halved)
Optional Additions:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Buns: Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a greased baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread mayonnaise (if using), layer turkey, spoon cranberry sauce, place cheese slices, and cover with the top half of the buns.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, herbs, and salt. Brush over the buns.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Perfect for holiday leftovers or using deli turkey and canned cranberry sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or white cheddar.
- Add stuffing for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
