These cranberry turkey sliders are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible addition to your meal rotation. Featuring juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on soft slider buns, these mini sandwiches are ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, theyโre perfect for a last-minute meal or snack.
- Great for Leftovers: Perfect for using up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce from the holidays.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Slider buns
- Cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- Cranberry sauce
- Swiss cheese or provolone
- Butter, melted
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Poppy seeds (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom halves in the prepared dish.
- Layer the turkey slices evenly on the buns, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each slider. Add a slice of cheese on top.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and poppy seeds (if using). Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 12 sliders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Meat Options: Substitute turkey with chicken, ham, or roast beef.
- Cheese Choices: Swap Swiss or provolone with cheddar, mozzarella, or brie for a different flavor.
- Add Veggies: Include a layer of sautรฉed onions, spinach, or arugula for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a smear of sriracha or jalapeรฑos for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but they may lose some crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge. Brush the butter mixture on top right before baking.
2. Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before baking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
3. Can I use fresh cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberry sauce works beautifully and adds even more flavor.
4. Whatโs the best type of turkey to use?
Leftover roasted turkey works best, but deli turkey slices are a great alternative.
5. Can I skip the poppy seeds?
Yes, the poppy seeds are optional and donโt affect the flavor of the sliders.
6. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Dijon mustard is preferred for its tanginess, but yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be substituted.
7. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer, though it adds a creamy, melty texture.
8. How can I make these sliders sweeter?
Add a drizzle of honey or use sweet Hawaiian rolls for the buns.
9. Are these sliders good for kids?
Yes, kids love these sliders! You can adjust the cranberry sauce amount if they prefer less tang.
10. Can I cook these sliders on a stovetop?
While theyโre best baked in the oven, you can cover and heat them on low in a skillet until warmed through.
Conclusion
Cranberry turkey sliders are the ultimate bite-sized delight thatโs as versatile as it is delicious. Whether youโre repurposing holiday leftovers or creating a quick party snack, these sliders are sure to impress. With their sweet and savory combination, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, theyโre a recipe youโll want to make again and again. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These sliders combine tender turkey slices, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls and topped with a flavorful butter glaze. They’re perfect for gatherings, holiday leftovers, or a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Slider Assembly:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound cooked turkey, thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Havarti or provolone cheese
- Butter Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
- Arrange the cheese slices on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Place the top layer of rolls over the cheese.
- Prepare the Butter Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and minced chives (if using).
- Whisk until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze:
- Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly.
- Using a sharp knife, cut between the rolls to separate the sliders.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the rolls before adding the turkey.
- Leftover roasted turkey works well for this recipe, but deli-sliced turkey can also be used.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce is recommended for texture, but jellied cranberry sauce can be used if preferred.
- Feel free to substitute the cheese with Swiss or cheddar, according to your preference.
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