The holiday season is a whirlwind of flavors, and when the last bite of turkey is savored, I find myself inspired to create something delightful from the remnants. Enter my Turkey Cranberry Sliders! As the golden, buttery tops bubble in the oven, the combination of savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese nestled between Hawaiian rolls fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This recipe is a quick, comforting transformation of Thanksgiving leftovers that turns a post-feast moment into a celebration all over again.
After a busy day of family gatherings and laughter, the thought of preparing a meal can feel daunting. But these sliders come together in a snap—perfectly suited for even the most exhausting evenings. Whether serving them as a fun lunch for family or a tasty treat for friends, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Join me in this unique way to relish the flavors of the season, one slider at a time!
Why love Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Simplicity at its finest: These sliders require minimal effort and time, making them a go-to after a hectic holiday season.
Flavor explosion: The mix of juicy turkey, zesty cranberry, and creamy Swiss cheese creates a delightful symphony of tastes.
Perfect for leftovers: Transform Thanksgiving’s relics into a brand-new treat that everyone will enjoy.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these sliders will have friends and family coming back for seconds.
Versatile options: Customize with different cheeses or add layers of stuffing to suit your palate.
Memorable experience: Each bite is a little nostalgia, evoking festive meals and warm family moments.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful treat!
For the Sliders
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – These fluffy rolls serve as the perfect sweet base; feel free to substitute with any sweet dinner rolls.
• Cooked Turkey – The star of the show; you can use diced, sliced, or pulled turkey, or even deli turkey if you’re short on leftovers.
• Cranberry Sauce – This adds a sweet-tart zing; consider swapping it with BBQ cranberry sauce for a fun twist.
• Swiss Cheese – Provides a rich creaminess; switch to your favorite cheese for a unique flavor profile.
For the Topping
• Butter – Essential for that luscious richness and crisp tops; margarine works well for a dairy-free option.
• Yellow Mustard or Dijon Mustard – Adds a hint of tang; simply omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall taste; you can also use fresh minced garlic for a robust flavor boost.
• Salt – Essential for balancing all the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
• Poppy Seeds (optional) – These add a decorative touch and slight nuttiness; feel free to omit or replace with Everything Bagel seasoning for a different twist.
Celebrate the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders that are sure to leave everyone wanting more!
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures a perfectly baked slider with a golden finish.
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Prepare Dish: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with non-stick foil or spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
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Assemble Bottoms: Carefully separate the top and bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls. Place the bottom half snugly in your prepared dish, creating a soft base for your delicious fillings.
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Layer Ingredients: Start layering! Evenly spread diced cooked turkey over the bottom half, then add a generous layer of cranberry sauce, and top it with slices of Swiss cheese to create that creamy, dreamy goodness.
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Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the sliders back on to cover the layered ingredients, creating perfect little sandwiches ready for baking.
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Mix and Pour Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Pour this irresistible mixture evenly over the sandwich tops to soak into the rolls.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 3 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and irresistible.
Optional: Serve with a light salad or crispy potato chips for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover turkey cranberry sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, unwrap and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, retaining that yummy softness.
Enjoy Freshness: While reheating is fantastic, serve them fresh for maximum taste and texture—nothing beats the aroma of warm sliders!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these sliders to your heart’s content!
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Cheese Swap: Use brie or gouda instead of Swiss cheese for a rich, creamy twist that adds sophistication.
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Add Stuffing: Layer some leftover stuffing or mashed potatoes inside for an extra hearty bite that screams comfort food.
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Green Goodness: Toss in some fresh arugula or spinach for vibrant color and a crunchy texture that balances the rich flavors.
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BBQ Twist: Swap cranberry sauce with BBQ cranberry sauce to create a tangy, smoky layer that dances on your taste buds.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives to make this dish entirely dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
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Seasoned Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle in Everything Bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds for a flavor-packed crunch on top that’s simply irresistible.
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Heat It Up: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to bring an exciting kick to your sliders, perfect for spice lovers!
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Fruit-Filled Fun: Try adding thinly sliced apples or pears along with the cranberry sauce for a delightful sweet contrast against the savory turkey.
with these variations, you can make your Turkey Cranberry Sliders not just a recipe, but a culinary adventure across flavors and textures!
What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Creating a memorable meal doesn’t stop at the sliders; enhance your table with complementary flavors and textures.
- Crispy Potato Chips: The crunch of potato chips adds a satisfying contrast to the soft sliders, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the sliders, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes provide a warm, earthy flavor that complements the sliders perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness pairs harmoniously with cranberry sauce, offering a delightful blend of tastes and textures.
- Warm Butternut Squash Soup: A silky soup serves as an inviting starter while echoing the comforting flavors of the Thanksgiving feast.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: This fizzy drink brings a festive touch, making it great for gatherings, and harmonizes beautifully with the sliders’ savory notes.
- Pumpkin Pie Bites: Continue the Thanksgiving theme with these sweet treats; their spiced essence rounds off the meal on a lovely note.
- Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: A touch of garlic and cheesy goodness in these breadsticks creates a fun and flavorful appetizer addition.
- Maple-glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy exterior balance the sweetness of the sliders beautifully while adding vibrant color to your plate.
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sliders up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them through step 6, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully while refrigerated (this helps prevent the rolls from becoming soggy). Just cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed—about 15 minutes covered, then an additional 3 minutes uncovered for that perfectly golden finish. Trust me, they will be just as delicious and comforting, making your busy weeknights a breeze!
Expert Tips for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Pre-Cut Rolls: Cut the rolls individually to better absorb the buttery mixture, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Keep Foil On: Initially cover the sliders with foil while baking to keep them moist, but remove it near the end for that golden, crispy top.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add layers of stuffing for added depth and personality to your Turkey Cranberry Sliders.
- Avoid Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to pile on the ingredients, be mindful not to overcrowd, as it can lead to messy sliders that fall apart.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste, enjoy your sliders warm right out of the oven, but they still taste delicious when reheated!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cooked turkey for my sliders?
Absolutely! The best turkey for these sliders is leftover roasted turkey from your Thanksgiving feast, as it provides the richest flavor. However, if you’re short on time, deli turkey works perfectly too—just make sure it’s sliced thick enough to maintain texture in the sliders.
How should I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Very! Store your leftover sliders in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If they’re fully assembled but unbaked, you can refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just cover with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders, and how do I do it?
Of course! To freeze your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just unwrap, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What if my sliders are too soggy when I bake them?
If this happens, it might be because there’s too much filling. To avoid soggy sliders, I recommend using a scoop of turkey and cranberry sauce that’s not overly generous. Also, consider letting the sandwiches sit for a few minutes before slicing, which can help them firm up a bit.
Are there any dietary considerations for Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Definitely! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be modified. For those who are lactose intolerant, use dairy-free margarine and a non-dairy cheese alternative. If you have guests allergic to gluten, opt for gluten-free rolls to accommodate their needs without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use a different type of roll for these sliders?
The more the merrier! While Hawaiian sweet rolls are the classic choice, you can certainly use any sweet dinner rolls or even slider buns. Just be mindful that different rolls may alter the flavor profile and texture slightly, but your sliders will still be delightful!
Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders to Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil or spray with cooking spray.
- Separate the top and bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Layer diced cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese over the bottom half.
- Cover with the top halves of the sliders.
- Mix melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and poppy seeds, then pour over the sliders.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes.