There is truly nothing better than the day after a big holiday feast when you can whip up a batch of these cranberry turkey sliders. They have become a massive tradition in my household, often disappearing faster than the main meal served the day before.
I remember the first time I made these for a casual game night with friends. I had an abundance of leftover roasted meat and a few jars of sauce that needed to be used. The combination of savory poultry, sweet tartness, and melting cheese created a flavor profile that everyone instantly fell in love with.
It wasn’t just about using up leftovers, though that was certainly a bonus. It was about how the buttery glaze seeped into the soft rolls, creating a crispy top and a soft, warm center. Now, I find myself buying ingredients specifically to make these, even when it isn’t the holiday season.
If you are looking for a way to elevate your lunch game or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is your answer. It bridges the gap between sweet and savory perfectly. You might even want to serve them alongside a cranberry jalapeno dip for a festive spread.
Why you’ll love this Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- The combination of flavors in these cranberry turkey sliders is unmatched, balancing savory roasted meat with sweet fruit sauce and tangy Dijon mustard.
- They come together in just over 30 minutes, making them an incredibly fast option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- This recipe is the absolute best way to repurpose holiday leftovers without feeling like you are eating the same meal twice.
- You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on the size of your crowd, perfect for both intimate lunches and large parties.
- The buttery poppy seed glaze creates an addictive texture that turns simple store-bought rolls into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 lb sliced roasted turkey breast or deli turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 6-8 slices Swiss or Havarti cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Cranberry turkey sliders makes every moment feel satisfying. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp up the rolls. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a standard baking sheet with cooking spray or a little butter.
Step 2
Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package, keeping them attached in one solid block. Use a long serrated bread knife to slice the entire slab horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms in two even layers.
Step 3
Place the bottom slab of rolls directly into your prepared baking dish. Arrange the sliced roasted turkey or deli meat evenly across the bread, folding the slices if necessary to fit nicely.
Step 4
Spread the cranberry sauce generously over the layer of turkey, ensuring it reaches all the corners. Lay the slices of Swiss or Havarti cheese over the sauce to create a delicious melting barrier.
Step 5
Place the slab of top buns back over the cheese layer to close up the sandwiches. Press down ever so slightly to make sure everything is compact and ready for the glaze.
Step 6
Grab a small microwave-safe bowl to prepare your topping mixture. Whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Step 7
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with the butter mixture. Make sure to brush the sides and get into the crevices so every bite is flavorful.
Step 8
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to warm the turkey and melt the cheese.
Step 9
Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. You want the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown and become slightly crisp to the touch.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
One of the easiest ways to change up these cranberry turkey sliders is by swapping the cheese. While Swiss is traditional, a slice of sharp white cheddar adds a wonderful bite that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce. For a creamier texture, try using Brie, removing the rind before melting it over the turkey.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can introduce a spicy element to the recipe. Mixing a teaspoon of finely diced jalapeños into the cranberry sauce provides a fantastic kick. Alternatively, adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the butter glaze brings warmth without overwhelming the palate.
The bread itself can also be substituted if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls on hand. Small brioche buns work beautifully and offer a similar richness. Even standard dinner rolls can be used, though you may want to brush them with a little extra honey butter to mimic that signature sweetness.
Pairings
These sliders are rich and savory, so they pair exceptionally well with lighter, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps cleanse the palate between bites. The acidity in the salad dressing balances the buttery richness of the sandwich topping.
For a heartier meal, consider serving these alongside a warm bowl of soup. A creamy butternut squash soup or a roasted tomato basil soup complements the turkey and cheese flavors perfectly. The combination makes for an ultimate comfort food dinner on a chilly evening.
If you are serving these as a game-day appetizer, salty snacks are a must. Sweet potato fries or classic potato chips offer a nice textural contrast to the soft buns. A side of pickles or coleslaw also adds a welcome crunch and tanginess.
Serving ideas
When serving these for a party, presentation can make all the difference. I like to serve them on a large wooden cutting board or a rustic platter. You can scatter fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary around the board for a pop of color.
To make them easier for guests to grab, cut along the grid lines of the rolls immediately after baking. This ensures the cheese pulls apart cleanly and everyone gets a perfect individual slider. Insert a festive toothpick into each slider to hold them together and add a decorative touch.
You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. A small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or a honey mustard dip is always appreciated. This allows guests to customize the moisture level and flavor intensity of their sandwich.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, these sliders store surprisingly well in the refrigerator. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
To reheat, it is best to avoid the microwave as the bread can become chewy or soggy. Instead, place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melty again.
You can also freeze these sliders if you have made a large batch. Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you are ready to eat, unwrap them and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the reheating time.
Make-ahead
These sliders are a dream for meal prepping or planning ahead for a party. You can assemble the sandwiches completely in the baking dish up to a day in advance. Do not add the butter glaze until right before you are ready to bake.
Cover the assembled, unglazed sliders tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. This keeps the bread from getting soggy from the sauce. When you are ready to cook, whisk up the butter mixture, brush it on, and bake as directed.
If you are prepping the ingredients separately, you can slice the turkey and cheese ahead of time. You can also mix the dry spices for the glaze in a small jar. This makes the actual assembly process take less than five minutes on the day of serving.
Common mistakes when making Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Using too much butter mixture can lead to the bottom buns becoming overly soggy and greasy. Brush nicely, but don’t drown the bread.
- Forgetting to cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking often results in burnt tops before the cheese has fully melted. The foil is crucial for steaming the inside.
- Overfilling the sliders with too much sauce can make them messy to eat and unstable. Stick to a thin, even layer of cranberry sauce.
- Slicing the rolls individually instead of as a slab makes assembly much more tedious and difficult. Keeping them connected is the secret to efficiency.
- Using cold turkey straight from the fridge without enough baking time can result in a lukewarm center. Ensure you bake long enough to heat the meat through.
Final notes
These cranberry turkey sliders are more than just a quick meal; they are a comfort food staple that brings people together. The mix of textures, from the poppy seeds to the gooey cheese, makes every bite interesting. I guarantee that once you make them, they will enter your regular recipe rotation.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios to find your perfect balance of sweet and savory. Cooking is all about adjusting to your personal taste buds. Whether it’s extra cheese or a different type of mustard, make this recipe your own.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as my family does. It is a simple pleasure that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious bite.
Loved this Cranberry Turkey Sliders? Try these next
- Cranberry jalapeno dip
- Baked orange cranberry chicken
- Turkey cranberry crescent ring
- Cook Reel Home
- Cherry coconut magic bars
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These buttery, cheesy cranberry turkey sliders are the ultimate comfort food, transforming roasted turkey and sweet cranberry sauce into a melty delight nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 lb sliced roasted turkey breast or deli turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 6-8 slices Swiss or Havarti cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or baking sheet.
- Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached to create a slab of tops and a slab of bottoms.
- Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared pan. Layer evenly with the sliced turkey, followed by the cranberry sauce, and top with the slices of Swiss cheese.
- Place the slab of top buns over the cheese layer to close the sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds.
- Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Notes
These sliders are perfect for using up holiday leftovers. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Provolone or Gouda work beautifully. For easier serving, cut along the grid lines of the rolls immediately after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg