If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful bite that combines the festive zing of cranberry with savory turkey and melty cheese, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. It’s a total game-changer for holiday leftovers or any time you want a bite that’s bursting with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes all wrapped in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. These sliders are not only easy to make, but their vibrant colors and luscious textures will have everyone reaching for seconds and praising your kitchen skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As simple as they may seem, each of these ingredients plays an indispensable role in making these sliders irresistible. From the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls to the bold flavors of sharp cheeses and zesty butter topping, every component adds texture, color, and depth to this dish.
- Cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish non-stick for easy slider removal.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count): These provide a tender, mildly sweet base that complements the savory and tart fillings perfectly.
- 1 lb. deli-style oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers: Thinly sliced for easy layering and a juicy, hearty filling.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Brings that iconic tart-sweet pop that makes these sliders truly festive.
- 4 oz. gouda, thinly sliced: Adds a creamy, smoky richness that melts beautifully.
- 4 oz. mild cheddar, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp, tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened: The base of your topping mixture, adding moisture and richness.
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives, plus more for serving: Fresh, oniony flavor that brightens the sliders and for garnish.
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling: Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder: Provides subtle depth and warmth to the butter topping.
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce: A touch of umami that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F. Lightly spray a 13” x 9” baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your sliders won’t stick and slide around later. This prep step sets the stage for a smooth baking experience and perfect presentation.
Step 2: Slice Rolls and Add Fillings
Carefully slice your Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom and top connected like a hinge. This technique makes layering easier and keeps everything neat. Spread the thinly sliced turkey evenly on the bottom layer to create a hearty base. Next, dollop the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, allowing that glorious sweet-tart flavor to shine. Finally, layer on your sliced gouda and mild cheddar cheeses for that gooey, melted goodness you crave in every slider bite. Place the top halves back on to encase all those flavors.
Step 3: Prepare Butter Mixture
Now it’s time to make the flavor-packed butter glaze. Melt the softened butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until everything is blended into a savory, aromatic mixture. This step is where the magic begins — this butter glaze will infuse your sliders with irresistible flavor and keep them beautifully moist as they bake.
Step 4: Brush Sliders and Sprinkle Toppings
Generously brush the butter mixture all over the tops of the slider buns using a pastry brush. Don’t be shy; this adds so much flavor and creates that gorgeous golden color. Sprinkle a few extra poppy seeds on top for delightful crunch and visual flair. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to lock in moisture and melt the cheese to perfection.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Bake your sliders covered for 15 minutes at the preheated temperature, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step lets the buns become golden brown and crispy while ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly, melding all those delicious layers together into pure slider bliss.
Step 6: Serve
Once your sliders are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle extra sliced chives over the top for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve these warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have friends and family begging for this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe on repeat.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh chives or even some microgreens gives these sliders a polished look and a lovely fresh taste contrast. For an extra touch, a small dab of creamy mayo or a smear of Dijon mustard can complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair these sliders with light, crispy sides like a crisp green salad or oven-roasted sweet potato fries. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a warm butternut squash soup make for comforting companions that echo the seasonal feel of the cranberry and turkey flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy picking at parties or casual get-togethers. For festive occasions, arrange the sliders in the shape of a wreath or turkey for a playful, eye-catching centerpiece that’ll spark conversation and compliments alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), keep your cranberry turkey sliders tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their delightful flavors and textures.
Freezing
To enjoy this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe later, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, just adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, typically 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as that can make the rolls soggy and the cheese less appealing. This method brings back all the flavors and textures like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While gouda and cheddar balance sweet and savory beautifully, you can experiment with Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for repurposing Thanksgiving turkey! It brings new life to your leftovers with that vibrant cranberry sauce and melty cheese combination.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the turkey for a plant-based deli slice or grilled portobello mushrooms, and you’ll still get a deliciously satisfying slider experience with that fantastic cranberry kick.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders are generally mild, with no heat in the ingredients. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne to the butter mixture if you want a subtle spicy twist.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Whole berry cranberry sauce is ideal because it offers both sweetness and texture, enhancing the sliders with bursts of tartness and a bit of chew that complements the turkey and cheese perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly. Whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday table, these sliders combine comfort and celebration perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try them and witness all the happy faces as everyone bites into that sweet-savory goodness. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings or a festive meal. Featuring oven-roasted turkey layered with whole berry cranberry sauce and melted gouda and cheddar cheeses, all nestled within soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Topped with a buttery, chive, and poppy seed glaze, these sliders bake to golden perfection delivering a warm, savory, and slightly sweet bite.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 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
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13″ x 9″ baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent the sliders from sticking during baking.
- Slice Rolls and Add Fillings: Place the Hawaiian rolls on a cutting board still connected. Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the rolls to separate into top and bottom halves without breaking them apart. Set the tops aside. Evenly layer the thinly sliced turkey over the bottom halves, then spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. Next, arrange the sliced gouda and mild cheddar cheeses evenly on top. Replace the top halves of the rolls to close the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the softened unsalted butter. Stir in the sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined. This butter mixture will give the sliders a flavorful glaze.
- Brush Sliders and Sprinkle Toppings: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the prepared butter glaze all over the top of the slider buns. Sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to trap moisture and keep the sliders soft during baking.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheeses have completely melted.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven, transfer them to a serving platter, and garnish with extra sliced chives for a fresh, visually appealing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save prep time.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with grilled mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat alternative.
- Leftover sliders can be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
