If you’ve been on the lookout for incredible easy appetizers or snacks, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are for you. While they channel all of the fall vibes, the combination of warm Hawaiian sweet rolls, melty cheese, and bright cranberry is perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients are all you need to whip up this party favorite!
- Hawaiian Slider Rolls – These are easy to find in the bread aisle at the grocery store.
- Deli Turkey Or Leftover Turkey – We love using Thanksgiving leftovers for these cranberry turkey sliders but you can use turkey slices, too.
- Swiss Or Provolone Cheese – Either of these cheeses melt beautifully in the oven.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – You can buy this canned or make your own cranberry relish.
- Unsalted Butter – The melted butter helps the tops of the rolls to brown beautifully. Use unsalted butter since the other ingredients add elements of saltiness.
- Dijon Mustard – This gives the topping a bit of zippy flavor.
- Poppy Seeds – These add a little visual interest to the sliders and a bit of crunch.
- Garlic Powder – The garlic powder adds a touch of garlicky flavor to the topping.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Full of umami, this sauce adds a little punch of flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt – Sea salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Variations
These cranberry turkey sliders are so easy to customize!
- Meat – Use ham or beef instead of turkey.
- Cheese – Swap out the Swiss cheese or provolone for cheddar cheese, havarti cheese, Monterey Jack, or brie cheese.
- Bacon – Bacon makes everything better! Add some crispy cooked bacon for smoky crunchiness.
- Veggies – Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, arugula, or artichokes.
- Spread – Give the sliders some fun flavor with the addition of pesto, pimento cheese, or Buffalo sauce.
- Seeds – Instead of poppy seeds, use everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds.
- Herbs – Add a dried herb to the butter mixture. Rosemary or thyme both work well.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These sliders couldn’t be easier to make — the prep time is minimal and they cook up so quickly!
- Prepare the rolls. Take the Hawaiian slider buns out of the package and keep them attached together. Use sharp serrated knife to slice through to separate the tops and bottoms.
- Assemble the sliders. Take the intact bottom half of the rolls and place it in a prepared baking dish sprayed with cooking spray before placing half of the cheese on top. Then, arrange the turkey on top of the cheese, top with cranberry sauce, and add the remainder of the cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls over the final cheese layer.
- Prepare the topping. Add the butter, mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to a bowl. Microwave until the butter melts and whisk together before using a pastry brush to spread the butter mixture over the top half of the sliders.
- Bake. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake. Towards the end of baking, remove the foil so that the rolls can brown.
- Serve. Take the cranberry turkey sliders out of the oven, slice, and serve warm.
What to Serve With Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These little sandwiches are amazing all on their own! But you can also serve them as a main course alongside all sorts of party appetizers and snacks on a full spread. They’re also great with potato salad, macaroni salad, or a simple side salad.
Storage and Freezing
These sliders are best eaten straight out of the oven, but you can store leftovers, too.
Prepare the sliders all the way up to the point before you add the butter-based topping. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before brushing on the sauce and baking.
How to Store Leftover Sliders
Transfer leftover sliders to an airtight container and store for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Can I Freeze Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
You sure can! You can freeze these sliders for up to three months.
Common Questions
While cranberry relish is often served cold, it can be served hot as well. It depends on what you prefer!
Cranberry sauce complements turkey well because of its bright and tart flavor.
In addition to turkey, you can pair cranberry sauce with other meats like chicken or pork and with most cheeses. It’s also a great sauce for balancing sweet and creamy desserts like cheesecake.
More Savory Snacks
Searching for more quick and easy snacks? We’ve got you covered with these delicious recipes!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 1/2 pound deli turkey or leftover turkey , thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound Swiss or provolone cheese , thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place all 12 Hawaiian rolls onto a surface suitable for cutting. Using a serrated knife, slice in half while keeping the tops and bottoms intact. It should be like one large sandwich.
- Place the bottom layer of rolls in a 9×13 pan.
- Lay half of the Swiss/provolone cheese on first, then all of the turkey. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey and top with the rest of the cheese. Top with the rolls tops.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Place in the microwave until the butter has melted, approximately 40 seconds.
- Baste over the tops of the rolls, trying to get as much on top as you can.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and continue to bake until tops are slightly browned and cheese has melted.
- Remove, cut the rolls into 12 individual sliders and serve hot.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!
Nutrition
