Turkey Cranberry Sliders are little bites of holiday joy all year round! These mini sandwiches are packed with tender turkey, a spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce, and just the right touch of melted cheese tucked inside soft slider buns. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and sweet that makes these sliders so inviting and fun to eat.
I love making these sliders when I want something quick but still special. They come together fast, and the cranberry sauce adds such a bright pop of flavor that it feels festive without any fuss. I usually like to add a little mayo or mustard to keep things moist, and sometimes throw in a few greens like baby spinach or arugula for a fresh crunch.
These sliders are perfect for casual get-togethers or even game day snacks. I often serve a plate of them with some simple chips or a crunchy salad on the side, and everyone always asks for seconds. They bring back warm memories of family meals, but they’re also just great anytime you want a tasty, handheld treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Cooked turkey breast is the star here. I love using leftover roasted turkey or deli-style turkey for convenience. You can even swap with cooked chicken if turkey isn’t handy.
Cranberry Sauce: A must for that sweet tart punch! Store-bought works fine, but homemade cranberry sauce has a fresher flavor and you can adjust the sweetness. If unavailable, try lingonberry or raspberry jam as a fun twist.
Cheese: White cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella melt beautifully and don’t overpower the other flavors. Feel free to try mild cheddar or gouda for a different but tasty touch.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls are perfect. Sweetness in Hawaiian rolls pairs nicely with the tart cranberry. If you don’t have slider buns, mini sandwich rolls or small soft bread work just as well.
Herb Butter: Mixing melted butter with thyme, sage, and garlic powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the buns. If you want a fresher punch, add finely chopped fresh herbs instead.
How Can I Get the Perfect Melted Cheese and Soft Buns Without Getting Soggy Sliders?
To avoid soggy buns and still enjoy melted cheese:
- Use a light spread of mayo or mustard under the turkey to create a moisture barrier.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the herb butter for flavor and keep that golden crust.
- Cover the sliders loosely with foil during baking to trap heat but prevent steam from making the buns soggy.
- Bake until cheese is melted and just heated through, then remove foil and bake a few more minutes to toast the buns slightly on top.
This method keeps the buns soft but not soggy, and the cheese will melt perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use this to hold the sliders while they bake and get evenly heated.
- Small bowls – handy for mixing the herb butter and spreading mayonnaise or mustard.
- Pastry brush – makes it easy to coat the buns with butter for a nice golden top.
- Knife – for slicing buns and turkey neatly.
- Serving platter – for presenting the sliders once they’re fresh out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for roasted chicken or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Add slices of crisp apple or pear for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Use spicy cheese like pepper jack instead of mild cheese for a kick.
- Mix in some spicy mustard or a touch of horseradish in the spread for extra zing.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 slices white cheese (Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella), halved to fit sliders
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Dijon mustard for spreading
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buns and Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. If you like, spread mayonnaise or Dijon mustard evenly on the bottom buns for extra flavor.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Next, add half a slice of your chosen cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. Finally, place the top halves of the buns back on.
3. Add Herb Butter and Bake:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with dried thyme, sage, and garlic powder. Use a pastry brush to gently brush this herb butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns. Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to lightly brown the tops and add a nice golden crust.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the sliders from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a little color and freshness. Slice the sliders apart and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious turkey cranberry sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before slicing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results. Pat the slices dry to avoid extra moisture in the sliders.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake them as directed straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they’re heated through.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works too but may soften the buns.
Can I Substitute Cranberry Sauce with Something Else?
Yes, you can try alternatives like lingonberry jam, raspberry preserves, or even a chutney for a different yet delicious sweet-tart touch. Just keep it balanced so it complements the turkey and cheese nicely.
