Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack or a fun twist on a classic sandwich, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these sliders come together with that perfect balance of savory turkey, melty cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce — all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how easy, yet special, these sliders feel. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll want to serve it at every gathering!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is really in the simple, complementary ingredients — each bringing a little something unique to the party. When shopping, I recommend grabbing fresh Hawaiian rolls because their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry sauce.

• Cooking spray: Keeps your baking dish clean and prevents sticking without extra fuss.
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Choose fresh ones, they’re soft, slightly sweet, and hold everything together beautifully.
• Deli-style oven-roasted turkey (or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers): Thinly sliced for easy layering—leftovers work great here!
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds that bright, tangy contrast that lifts the whole slider.
• Gouda cheese: I love the creamy richness it brings—thin slices melt nicely over the turkey.
• Mild cheddar cheese: Adds a familiar cheesiness that balances gouda’s nuttiness.
• Unsalted butter: For the buttery topping that helps create a golden, crispy finish.
• Sliced chives: A fresh, oniony hint that brightens every bite and makes for a pretty garnish.
• Poppy seeds: Bring a subtle crunch and a touch of elegance sprinkled on top.
• Onion powder: Adds a mild savory depth to the butter mixture.
• Worcestershire sauce: A little umami punch to make the butter glaze pop.

Variations

I love experimenting with sliders, and this Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to make it your own — I often switch up the cheese or add extras based on what we have around.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap turkey for thick slices of roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini; the cranberry sauce still shines.
• Spicy Kick: Add a thin layer of spicy mustard or jalapeño slices beneath the cheese to give your sliders some heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns and confirm all sauces are gluten-free for a safe and tasty option.
• Extra Crunch: Add a handful of crispy fried onions or toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch contrast.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks to the bottom. When slicing your Hawaiian rolls, keep them attached as a whole unit—use a long serrated bread knife to carefully cut them in half horizontally. This makes layering much easier and keeps your sliders neatly together for baking.

Step 2: Build Your Sliders Layer by Layer

Next, spread an even layer of turkey across the bottom half of the rolls. This is where the deli-style turkey or leftover Thanksgiving bird really shines. On top of the turkey, dollop the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly — don’t skimp here! Then sprinkle on the thinly sliced gouda and cheddar cheese for that melty, cheesy goodness. Carefully place the top buns back over your assembled layers.

Step 3: Mix and Brush the Butter Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the softened unsalted butter. Stir in the sliced chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce to make a flavorful glaze. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the rolls with this butter mixture, then sprinkle a few more poppy seeds on top. This extra step adds a lovely flavor and makes those slider tops golden and irresistible.

Step 4: Bake and Finish to Perfection

Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. That’s the moment it smells like pure comfort food magic!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, transfer the sliders to a platter and sprinkle extra sliced chives on top for a fresh pop of color, flavor, and a little brightness. Serve immediately while warm, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a handful of freshly chopped chives after baking — it adds a fresh, mildly oniony brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and sweet cranberry. Sometimes I add extra poppy seeds on top for a little crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These sliders shine alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. For a cozy night in, I like a bowl of sweet potato fries or baked chips. If you’re serving at a party, a tangy coleslaw or pickled veggies’ crunch balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to showcase these sliders is on a large rustic wooden board, grouped tightly together so everyone can grab a bite. For holiday parties, I sometimes sprinkle festive herbs like thyme and rosemary around them or add mini flags to the toothpicks for a fun touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Keeping them whole helps preserve moisture — then I slice off however many sliders I want when ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing these sliders individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, which is great for prepping in advance for big gatherings or quick snacks.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend keeping them wrapped in foil and warming in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This method keeps the bread soft while refreshing those flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so effortless yet feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s saved me many times when I wanted something quick but still comforting for both family dinners and casual get-togethers. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it just as addictive and versatile as I have. Once you do, it might just become one of your favorite slider recipes too!

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