Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, tasty twist on your usual sandwich routine, you’ve got to try my Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. I absolutely love how these little sliders bring together juicy turkey, sharp cheeses, and that sweet-tart pop of cranberry sauce all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re whipping these up for a game day snack, a casual party, or even a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders always steal the show. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get them just right!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe meld together to create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy. Plus, you’ll find most of these staples are easy to find at your grocery store, or you might even already have them in your fridge or pantry.

• Cooking spray: Helps keep your baking dish non-stick, so your sliders come out perfect without sticking to the pan.
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: I love these soft, slightly sweet rolls because they complement the tartness of the cranberry sauce beautifully.
• Oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers: Use deli-style turkey slices for convenience or your holiday turkey for a scrumptious reimagining.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: This adds a delightful tangy sweetness and nice texture—don’t go for jelly-style if you can help it.
• Gouda cheese: The smoky, creamy flavor of gouda pairs perfectly with the turkey’s mild flavor.
• Mild cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, melty punch to the cheesy layer—go for a smooth cheddar for the best melt.
• Unsalted butter: Softened and melted, it’s perfect for brushing on top to get those golden, buttery buns.
• Sliced chives: Adds a gentle oniony flavor and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
• Poppy seeds: They give a subtle crunch and a lovely visual touch to the tops of the sliders.
• Onion powder: Just a pinch for extra flavor depth in the butter mixture.
• Worcestershire sauce: A little surprising, but trust me—it adds umami richness to the buttery topping.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to tweak it to your liking. Whether it’s adjusting the cheese, adding a little spice, or swapping rolls, you can make it your own!

• Change up the cheese: I’ve swapped gouda for gruyere or mozzarella before—both melts deliciously and add their own twist.
• Use different rolls: If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, soft dinner rolls or brioche buns work too, though the flavor won’t be as sweet.
• Add a spicy kick: Try mixing a little Dijon mustard or Sriracha into that butter topping if you want some heat.
• Make vegetarian: Swap turkey for a plant-based deli slice or even roasted portobello mushrooms for that meaty texture.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep your baking dish and rolls

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 13″x9″ baking dish with cooking spray. Grab your bag of Hawaiian sweet rolls — keeping them still attached, slice them in half horizontally with a long bread knife. Be careful not to separate the individual rolls; you want to keep that pull-apart effect intact! Set the tops aside while you build the sandwich base.

Step 2: Layer your fillings like a pro

Next, evenly arrange a layer of your turkey slices over the bottom half of the rolls. I love using thin deli-style oven-roasted turkey because it’s juicy and flavorful, but Thanksgiving leftovers work just as well here. Spoon and spread a generous cup of whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey—this is the star flavor pop you don’t want to skimp on. Then, sprinkle the gouda and cheddar cheeses evenly over the cranberry layer. Once everything’s in place, pop on the top of the rolls to enclose your sliders.

Step 3: Build your butter topping mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the softened butter in short bursts until fully liquid. Then stir in the sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This mix is pure magic when brushed over your sliders—it turns the tops golden, flavorful, and irresistible.

Step 4: Brush, sprinkle, and prep for baking

Using a pastry brush, coat the entire top surface of your sliders with the butter mixture. Don’t be shy here—it’ll soak in to make the buns soft and flavorful. Sprinkle a few extra poppy seeds on top for that pretty finishing touch. Cover loosely with foil so the sliders can steam a bit and ensure the cheese melts perfectly without drying out.

Step 5: Bake with care

Bake your sliders in the oven for 15 minutes covered with foil. Then carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye so they don’t overbrown—every oven is a little different, so adjust your timing slightly if needed.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

Once baked, transfer the sliders to a serving platter and sprinkle more fresh sliced chives on top. I love how this fresh garnish adds just the right amount of color and a subtle oniony zing. Serve warm and watch how quickly these get devoured!

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these sliders with extra sliced chives for freshness and a little crunch from poppy seeds. Sometimes I’ll add a small dollop of extra cranberry sauce on the side if I’m feeling fancy or want to amp up the fruitiness.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or some crisp roasted veggies pairs beautifully. Sometimes I serve these with a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup or crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal that still feels special.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring these to parties, I like to serve them on a wooden board lined with parchment, sprinkled with fresh herbs around the edges. It feels rustic and inviting—plus, the sliders are easy for guests to grab without needing plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, I recommend tightly wrapping the sliders in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. They reheat surprisingly well, making for a perfect next-day lunch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders successfully a couple of times. Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture as close to fresh as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop the sliders into a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes—covered with foil to keep moisture in—until warmed through and the cheese gets gooey again. Avoid microwaving if you can; the oven does a much better job keeping the bread soft and not soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So there it is — my beloved Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe that never fails to impress. I used to struggle finding quick, crowd-friendly recipes that tasted homemade and festive, and this hits all the right notes every time. I really encourage you to give it a try, whether it’s for your next gathering or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you taste that blend of turkey, cheese, and tangy cranberry on a sweet roll, you’ll be making these sliders again and again—just like my family does!

Print