If you are looking for the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors all packed into one delightful bite, this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls loaded with tender turkey, melty provolone cheese, and the irresistible zing of cranberry sauce, all topped with a glossy, buttery glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and a poppy seed crunch. These sliders are simple to prepare, yet impressively tasty, making them a standout appetizer, snack, or quick meal for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe plays a crucial role in bringing together its signature flavors and textures. From the pillowy Hawaiian rolls to the savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce, everything combines beautifully to create the perfect bite-sized sandwich.
- 1 pkg Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count): Their soft, sweet texture is the perfect base that complements the savory fillings.
- 8 ounces turkey lunch meat (or leftover fully cooked turkey): Adds a hearty, lean protein that balances the sweetness of the roll and cranberry sauce.
- 1 cup prepared cranberry sauce: Brings a tart and sweet punch that brightens up every bite.
- 8 ounces provolone cheese: Melts wonderfully, adding creamy richness and depth to the sliders.
- 1/4 cup butter (melted): Essential for the rich, flavorful glaze that soaks into the tops of the rolls.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives a little kick and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the buttery topping.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the glaze for a beautiful golden finish.
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds: Provides a pleasant crunch and visual appeal on top of the buns.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spritzing a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray. This sets the stage so your sliders can bake evenly and not stick, ensuring easy cleanup and perfect texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Slider Base
Carefully separate the Hawaiian rolls into tops and bottoms. Lay the bottom halves flat in the baking dish, creating a neat foundation for the fillings. This ensures that every slider will hold together beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Delicious Fillings
Spread a layer of turkey over the roll bottoms, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese. This layering balances savory, sweet, and creamy elements that make these sliders a flavor explosion with every bite.
Step 4: Add the Top Buns
Once layered, place all the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls back on top of the fillings. This creates the perfect sandwich structure ready for the irresistible glaze.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Heat over medium, stirring often until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. Pour this luscious glaze evenly over the sliders, making sure every bun top gets coated to perfection.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 6 minutes so the tops turn golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully under the glaze.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the sliders to cool slightly before serving. This brief rest helps everything set just right so the fillings stay in place and the flavors meld wonderfully.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch and a burst of color, garnish your sliders with some rosemary sprigs or finely chopped green onions. These add a lovely herbaceous note that complements the sweet and savory flavors seamlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with simple sides like a crisp mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup. Both options offer refreshing or cozy contrasts that balance out the richness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing platter, arrange sliders closely on a festive serving board and sprinkle extra poppy seeds and a drizzle of honey over the top. You can also serve them with small picks or flags to hold each sandwich, making them ideal for parties or game day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are fantastic as leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the bread soft and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and warm them in a 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This helps preserve the taste and keeps the rolls from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone melts nicely and has a mild flavor, you can try Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Is it better to use leftover turkey or deli turkey for these sliders?
Both work wonderfully. Leftover cooked turkey offers a more homemade feel, but deli turkey makes preparation quicker. Choose whichever best fits your time and taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Substitute the turkey with a plant-based deli slice or roasted veggies like mushrooms or eggplant, and it’ll still taste amazing with the cranberry and cheese.
What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?
If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or slider buns are great alternatives, but the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls does make the biggest impact on flavor and texture.
How do poppy seeds enhance the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe?
Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and a nice visual touch. They make the glaze topping more interesting and provide a slight nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet and savory blend.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe enough if you want an effortless dish that feels special and tastes incredible. Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or serving guests at your next gathering, these sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bite full of holiday spirit anytime you want!
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a perfect combination of savory and sweet, featuring tender turkey, melted provolone cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce on soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Topped with a buttery, brown sugar glaze with Dijon mustard and poppy seeds, these sliders are ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 8 ounces turkey lunch meat or leftover fully cooked turkey
- 1 cup prepared cranberry sauce
- 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
Glaze
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully separate the Hawaiian sweet rolls into top and bottom halves. Place the bottom halves evenly in the baking dish to form the base layer of the sliders.
- Layer Ingredients: On top of the bottom halves, layer the turkey slices, spread the prepared cranberry sauce evenly, then add provolone cheese slices. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings to close the sliders.
- Make Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Stir frequently until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves, creating a smooth glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders. Use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze thoroughly ensuring each slider is coated for maximum flavor and browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders for 15 minutes. This helps heat through and melt the cheese gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle and prevent burns while eating.
Notes
- Use leftover roasted turkey or turkey lunch meat depending on convenience and preference.
- For extra flavor, you can add a thin layer of mayo or cream cheese under the turkey.
- Make sure to brush the glaze evenly for a consistent sweet and tangy crust.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
