If you’re looking for a perfect balance of savory and sweet wrapped in a soft, golden bun, look no further than this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. These delightful little sandwiches are bursting with flavor from tender turkey, melty cheeses, and that unmistakable zing of whole berry cranberry sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a holiday gathering or just craving a comforting, easy-to-make snack, these sliders bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels both festive and utterly satisfying. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by their simplicity—each ingredient in this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe plays a vital role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls to the rich layers of gouda and cheddar, every component complements each other beautifully.
- Cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish nonstick, making clean-up a breeze.
- 1 bag Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count): These soft, slightly sweet rolls create the perfect slider base.
- 1 lb. deli-style, oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, thinly sliced: Tender turkey brings the heartiness and savory flavor.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds that iconic tart sweetness that brightens up the sandwich.
- 4 oz. gouda, thinly sliced: Smooth, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth.
- 4 oz. mild cheddar, thinly sliced: A mild cheddar adds just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering.
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened: For brushing on top to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives, plus more for serving: Fresh chives give a gentle onion note and pop of green color.
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling: Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder: Enhances the savory elements without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce: A secret touch that rounds out the butter mixture with umami richness.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 13″ x 9″ baking dish a light coating of cooking spray to ensure the sliders won’t stick during baking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference at clean-up time.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Take your Hawaiian rolls as a unit, and carefully slice them in half horizontally using a long bread knife—keeping the rolls connected as you do so. This keeps everything neat and easy to handle. Layer the bottom half evenly with sliced turkey, then spread the luscious whole berry cranberry sauce right over the top. Next, pile on the slices of gouda and cheddar to create that creamy, melty cheese layer. Pop the top halves back on to complete your sandwiches.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the softened butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is beautifully blended. This savory butter glaze is key to creating that golden, flavorful crust.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Using a pastry brush, lavishly apply the butter mixture over the tops of your sliders. Don’t be shy here—cover every inch to ensure maximum flavor and color. Then, sprinkle additional poppy seeds over the top for a bit of extra crunch and visual appeal. Cover the entire baking dish loosely with foil to trap moisture, which helps keep the sliders soft and juicy while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the covered sliders into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until you see the tops turn golden brown and the cheeses have melted thoroughly. This final uncovered baking step gives you those beautiful toasted edges everyone loves.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Cranberry Turkey Sliders to a serving platter and sprinkle on some extra chopped chives for a fresh, colorful finish. Now they’re ready to delight your guests or become your next favorite snack.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your sliders quickly. Fresh chives sprinkled on top not only add a vibrant green pop but also a mild, fresh onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese and turkey. For a touch of elegance, a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary alongside the platter can also work beautifully.
Side Dishes
The Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides that balance the richness. Think crunchy coleslaw, a refreshing mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even sweet potato fries. If you want to keep things cozy, creamy mashed potatoes or a simple bowl of butternut squash soup make comforting companions.
Creative Ways to Present
These sliders are perfect for a casual party spread or holiday appetizer table. Consider arranging them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and pickles so guests can customize. For a festive touch, thread a small sprig of rosemary or a toothpick topped with a fresh cranberry through each slider. It’s a charming, bite-sized sandwich that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders (and you just might, since they’re that good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the sliders tightly covered to retain moisture in the bread and prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders, either before or after baking. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat until warm and melty.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or thawed Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe back to life, heat them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese melts again and the tops regain a bit of that golden crunch. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works perfectly in this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to transform your holiday leftovers into quick, crowd-pleasing sandwiches.
What kind of cheese works best with these sliders?
This recipe shines with gouda and mild cheddar, but feel free to experiment with fontina, havarti, or even Swiss cheese for different flavor nuances. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the turkey with a flavorful vegetarian option like seasoned grilled mushrooms or a hearty plant-based deli slice. The cranberry and cheese combo still makes it feel festive and delicious.
Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce saves time and provides that classic tart-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the turkey and cheese in this recipe.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and refrigerate them. Just wait to brush the butter mixture on top right before baking to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe that makes every bite feel cozy, festive, and utterly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, ignites smiles, and satisfies cravings all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch it become a fast favorite in your home too!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders combine savory oven-roasted turkey with sweet and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, layered with melted gouda and mild cheddar cheeses on soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Perfect for a festive appetizer or a quick party snack, these sliders are brushed with a flavorful buttery chive topping and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 bag Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count)
- 1 lb. deli-style, oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 oz. gouda, thinly sliced
- 4 oz. mild cheddar, thinly sliced
Butter Topping
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the Hawaiian rolls on a cutting board still connected. Using a long bread knife, carefully slice the rolls horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer while keeping them attached. Set the top halves aside. Evenly layer the sliced turkey over the bottom halves, spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly on top of the turkey, then layer with sliced gouda and cheddar cheeses. Close the sliders by placing the top buns back on.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a medium heatproof bowl, microwave the softened butter until melted. Stir in sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Generously brush the butter mixture all over the slider tops using a pastry brush. Sprinkle additional poppy seeds over the tops for extra flavor and a decorative touch. Loosely cover the baking dish with foil to keep the sliders moist while baking.
- Bake the Sliders: Bake the covered sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the baked sliders to a serving platter and garnish with additional sliced chives before serving to add a fresh, vibrant element.
Notes
- Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli-style oven-roasted turkey for convenience.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture and sweetness; substitute with homemade if preferred.
- Feel free to swap gouda and cheddar for your favorite cheeses but stick to good melting varieties.
- Butter topping can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day.
- Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience and flavor.
