Turkey Cranberry Sliders

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If you’re craving the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and melty goodness, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are exactly what your table needs. Imagine soft Hawaiian rolls layered with sliced turkey, gooey melted cheese, and a sweet-tart cranberry spread — all brushed with a buttery herb glaze and baked until golden. These sliders deliver all the nostalgic flavors of a Thanksgiving feast packed into warm, irresistible mini sandwiches. They’re easy to assemble, quick to bake, and guaranteed to disappear within minutes at parties, game days, holiday gatherings, or even simple weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite for good reason.

  • Sweet Hawaiian rolls + savory turkey = perfect flavor balance.

  • Cranberry sauce adds the ideal hint of tang and sweetness.

  • They bake into melty, buttery perfection.

  • Great for holiday leftovers or anytime you want cozy comfort food.

  • Quick to make — ready in under 25 minutes.

  • Perfect for parties, potlucks, and family dinners.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

These sliders pack big holiday flavor into the easiest little sandwiches. You can use leftover turkey, deli-sliced turkey, or even rotisserie chicken. The cranberry adds brightness, the cheese brings creaminess, and the buttery herb glaze ties everything together. They’re simple, satisfying, and incredibly adaptable — you’ll want to make them all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft slider buns)

  • 1 lb sliced turkey (leftover roasted or deli-style)

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)

  • 8–10 slices Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella cheese

For the Butter Herb Glaze

  • 4 tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried parsley

  • Pinch of salt & pepper

  • Optional: 1 tbsp poppy seeds

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment.

  2. Prepare Rolls: Slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally without separating. Place bottom half in baking dish.

  3. Layer Ingredients:

    • Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom layer.

    • Add sliced turkey evenly across the rolls.

    • Layer cheese slices on top.

    • Spread remaining cranberry on the underside of the roll tops and place on top.

  4. Make the Glaze: Mix melted butter, Dijon, brown sugar, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

  5. Brush & Bake: Brush glaze generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–7 more minutes until golden and melty.

  6. Serve: Slice, pull apart, and enjoy warm!

Nutritional Information (Estimated per slider)

  • Calories: 220

  • Protein: 12g

  • Carbs: 22g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Sugar: 7g

  • Sodium: 330mg 

Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Sliders

  • Use Hawaiian rolls for the perfect sweetness.

  • Don’t skip the glaze — it adds flavor and helps the tops brown beautifully.

  • Cover during the first bake to melt the cheese without drying out the rolls.

  • Add extra cranberry for a sweeter slider.

  • Use leftover roasted turkey for the richest flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Cheese Options: Swiss, provolone, cheddar, Havarti, or Monterey Jack.

  • Add Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch.

  • Spicy Version: Add jalapeño slices or use spicy cheese.

  • Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.

  • Gluten-Free: Use GF rolls.

  • Chicken Instead: Swap turkey for shredded or sliced chicken.

What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders

  • Sweet potato fries

  • Green salad or Caesar salad

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Potato soup or butternut squash soup

  • Chips and dip

  • Holiday sides like stuffing or mashed potatoes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbaking: Rolls can dry out — keep them covered for most of the baking time.

  • Using too much cranberry: It can make sliders soggy.

  • Not slicing rolls as a sheet: Makes assembly messy.

  • Skipping glaze: The buttery topping is a must!

  • Using cold turkey: Bring to room temp for even heating.

Storing Tips

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warm.

  • Freeze assembled (unbaked) sliders for up to 2 months — bake from frozen.

Conclusion

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, melty, and buttery comfort. Whether you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers or fresh ingredients, they deliver warm holiday flavors in an easy-to-serve, irresistibly delicious way. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight meals, and festive moments — these sliders are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
Absolutely — it’s perfect for this recipe.

Can I use turkey breast or deli turkey?
Yes, any sliced turkey works beautifully.

What cheese melts best?
Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or Havarti melt smoothly.

Can I prep these ahead?
Yes — assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I make them sweeter?
Use Hawaiian rolls and add a drizzle of honey to the glaze.

Can I add stuffing?
Yes — add a thin layer for a full Thanksgiving-style slider.

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