Oh, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a total game-changer, my friend. If you’ve ever had a Thanksgiving sandwich and thought, “I could eat this year-round,” well, you’re in for a treat. Think of these sliders as a perfect little bite of holiday goodness wrapped up in a soft, buttery bun. The turkey is juicy and savory, the cranberry is tart and sweet, and the cheese… well, that’s just the cherry on top. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for everything from casual lunches to holiday feasts. Ready to dive in?

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Why You’ll Love Turkey Cranberry Sliders

This recipe is so much more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience. These sliders bring together classic flavors in a fun, easy-to-eat package that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s why these little guys are a must-try:

Versatile: Whether it’s for a game day snack, a light lunch, or even a holiday feast, these sliders work for any meal. They’re easy to make and are guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly: If you’ve got leftover turkey from a big meal, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up. You won’t have to splurge on anything fancy, and it’s a great way to stretch that holiday turkey!
Quick and Easy: These sliders come together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a hearty, delicious meal on the table.
Customizable: You can make these sliders your own! Add extra ingredients like crispy bacon, a slice of avocado, or even a drizzle of honey mustard. It’s all about making them your perfect bite.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving these at a party or making them for the family, these sliders are always a hit. You won’t be left with any leftovers, I promise!

Ingredients

Ready to make these irresistible Turkey Cranberry Sliders? Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful creation to life:

Dinner Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for these sliders. They’ll hold all the ingredients together without overpowering the flavor.
Sliced Turkey: The star of the show—use either freshly cooked turkey or leftover turkey for that savory goodness.
Cranberry Sauce: The perfect sweet-tart contrast to the turkey. You can use homemade cranberry sauce or the store-bought kind, whichever you prefer.
Swiss Cheese: Creamy, melty Swiss cheese adds that rich, smooth flavor that perfectly complements the turkey and cranberry sauce.
Butter: A little melted butter to brush on the tops of the rolls before baking. It makes them golden brown and delicious.
Mustard (optional): A little bit of Dijon mustard for a zesty kick (if you’re feeling adventurous!).
Thyme or Sage (optional): Fresh herbs to add that perfect finishing touch for extra flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these sliders baking, shall we?

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This will give your sliders that perfect, golden crust without overcooking the inside.
Prepare the Rolls: Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping them all connected. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish.
Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering the turkey on the bottom halves of the rolls. Add a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slider. If you’re adding mustard, spread a little on the top half of each roll.
Assemble the Sliders: Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the turkey, cranberry, and cheese layers. Brush the tops with melted butter, and if you want, sprinkle with fresh thyme or sage.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and the rolls are golden brown. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to get that crispy, buttery top.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a minute or two before cutting them apart. Serve them warm, and enjoy that perfect bite of turkey, cranberry, and melted cheese!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
(Full nutritional details can be found in the recipe card below.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments to make your meal even better:

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, golden fries with a hint of sweetness pair perfectly with the savory sliders.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders.
Roasted Veggies: Try roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy side that complements the sliders.
Soup: A warm bowl of soup, like butternut squash or tomato basil, makes a great pairing for a cozy meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to elevate your Turkey Cranberry Sliders:

Use Leftover Turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any big dinner. It’s a great way to transform your leftovers into a whole new dish.
Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can use cheddar, provolone, or even brie for a different flavor.
Make It a Meal: Serve these sliders with a side of roasted potatoes or a hearty soup to turn them into a complete meal.
Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add crispy bacon, a slice of avocado, or even a dollop of aioli for extra flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to get that crispy finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of homemade? A1: Yes! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to use a good-quality one for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I make these sliders ahead of time? A2: Yes! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.

Q3: Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders? A3: Yes, you can! Assemble the sliders, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Q4: Can I add other toppings like bacon or avocado? A4: Absolutely! These sliders are highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings for an extra flavor boost.

Q5: How do I store leftovers? A5: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the rolls soft and the cheese melty.

Q6: Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd? A6: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd.

Q7: Can I use different bread for the sliders? A7: You can swap the dinner rolls for any small buns or slider-sized sandwich bread you prefer. Just make sure the bread is soft and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.

Q8: Can I make this vegetarian by using plant-based turkey? A8: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the turkey for a plant-based option like veggie deli slices or even grilled portobello mushrooms.

Q9: How do I reheat leftover sliders? A9: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty.

Q10: Can I use gravy instead of cranberry sauce? A10: Absolutely! If you prefer gravy over cranberry sauce, it’s a delicious swap. Just use a rich, flavorful gravy to complement the turkey.

Conclusion

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with all the flavors you love in one bite. Whether you’re serving them for a casual meal, a holiday feast, or as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and totally customizable, these sliders will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start slider-ing!

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect balance of savory turkey, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all tucked into sweet Hawaiian rolls. With a buttery poppy seed glaze, they are a crowd-pleasing treat for appetizers, brunch, or main courses. They’re super easy to make and can even be prepped ahead of time for a hassle-free meal!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
12 KING HAWAIIAN sweet rolls
1/2 pound turkey, thinly sliced
2/3 cup Signature Cafe cranberry sauce
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in the poppy seeds and set aside.
Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half without pulling them apart. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.
Layer the turkey evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls. Spread the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Then, layer the Swiss cheese over the cranberry sauce. Place the top halves of the rolls on top.
Brush the top of the rolls with half of the reserved poppy seed butter.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining poppy seed butter. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the butter to be absorbed.
Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately!

Notes

These sliders can be made ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge before baking.
You can also substitute the Swiss cheese with cheddar for a different flavor.
If you prefer a crispier crust, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg