Jolly Holiday Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe for Gatherings

Sliders packed with cranberry turkey magic bring festive cheer to any gathering.

Weekend crowds go wild for these mini sandwiches bursting with seasonal flavor.

Tender turkey nestles perfectly between soft rolls, creating a delightful bite-sized experience.

Cranberry sauce adds a tangy twist that makes these sliders irresistible.

Guests will devour these handheld treats faster than you can plate them.

The combination of savory meat and sweet-tart sauce creates a balanced and memorable appetizer.

You’ll want to double the batch for hungry friends and hungry holiday crowds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, pillowy bread that creates a delightful foundation for these mini sandwiches, perfect for soaking up delicious flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy spread that adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, enhancing the overall texture of the sliders.

• Sliced Turkey: Lean, tender meat that provides a classic sandwich protein with a light and satisfying flavor profile.
• Cranberry Sauce: Tangy-sweet condiment that adds a festive touch and complements the turkey beautifully.
• Cheese Slices: Melty layer that brings richness and creates a gooey, comforting element to the sliders.

• Butter: Adds a luxurious golden sheen and rich flavor to the rolls' exterior.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that introduces a subtle kick and depth to the topping.
• Poppy Seeds: Tiny seeds that provide a subtle crunch and nutty undertone.
• Thyme: Aromatic herb that introduces a delicate, earthy note to the butter mixture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight heat to the topping.

Tools to Build Holiday Sliders Fast

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking all the sliders together.
• Small bowl: For mixing the flavorful butter sauce with mustard and spices.
• Pastry brush: Essential for evenly coating the rolls with the butter mixture.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing the connected Hawaiian rolls and cutting the final sliders.
• Aluminum foil: Helps cover the sliders during initial baking to prevent over-browning.

How to Assemble Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees and grab your baking dish.

• Roll Prep

Gently slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected like a soft bread blanket. Spread a whisper of mayonnaise across each roll’s inner surface.

• Layer the Deliciousness

Drape sliced turkey evenly across the bottom rolls. Spoon cranberry sauce over the meat, then crown with cheese slices.

• Top It Off

Nestle the roll tops over the cheesy goodness.

• Butter

Whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, thyme, salt, and pepper. Lovingly brush this flavor potion all over the roll tops.

• Bake to Perfection

Wrap the dish in aluminum foil and slide into the oven for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until the tops turn golden and cheese bubbles with excitement.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and watch everyone dive in while they’re warm and irresistible.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Savory Notes

• Assemble sliders ahead of time and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for holiday gatherings or game day parties.
• Prepare the butter mixture and slice rolls in advance to save time during busy cooking sessions.
• Replace turkey with roasted chicken or plant-based deli slices for vegetarian options. Use gluten-free rolls and dairy-free cheese for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for extra kick. Experiment with different mustard varieties like whole grain or honey mustard to change flavor profile.
• Swap standard cheese with brie or goat cheese for a more sophisticated taste. Add caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits between layers for extra depth and texture.

Serve These Sliders for Any Gathering

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs scattered around, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that's both elegant and inviting.
• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair these sliders with a light winter salad, crisp roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete a delightful meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut sliders into smaller bite-sized portions for easy sharing during sports gatherings, making them perfect for football watch parties or casual entertaining with friends.
• Leftover: Transform remaining sliders into a next-day lunch by warming them slightly and adding fresh arugula or a quick herb spread for an exciting flavor boost.

Slider Storage for Holiday Leftovers

• Store these sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Warm sliders in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and gooey cheese texture, avoiding microwave mushiness.
• Assemble the entire slider tray up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep.
• Wrap unbaked sliders securely in aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

FAQs

• What type of rolls work best for these sliders?

Hawaiian rolls are ideal because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and provide the perfect size and texture for these turkey sliders. Their compact shape makes them easy to assemble and serve.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with alternatives like Swiss, provolone, or sharp cheddar. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the turkey and cranberry flavors.

• How do I know when the sliders are perfectly cooked?

Look for golden brown tops and fully melted cheese. The butter mixture should create a slightly crispy, golden surface, and the rolls should be heated through, which takes about 20-25 minutes total in the oven.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep or parties?

Absolutely! These sliders are perfect for gatherings, game days, or quick family meals. They’re easy to make in advance and can be prepared just before serving, making them convenient for entertaining.

Festive Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Succulent cranberry turkey sliders showcase festive flavors from holiday gatherings. Hearty mini sandwiches combine savory meat with tangy cranberry sauce, delivering delightful bites you’ll savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) turkey, cooked and sliced or shredded
• 12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, halved
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 4 tbsps butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and position a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the sliders.
2. Roll Foundation: Split Hawaiian rolls horizontally while keeping them connected, then nestle the bottom half into the prepared baking dish, coating each interior surface with a thin mayonnaise layer.
3. Layering Flavors: Arrange turkey slices uniformly across the roll base, followed by an even spread of cranberry sauce, then systematically layer cheese slices to create a rich, melting foundation.
4. Seasoning Blend: Whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor enhancer, then liberally brush this mixture across the roll exteriors.
5. Baking Process: Cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 5-10 minutes until rolls transform to a golden-brown and cheese melts completely.
6. Serving: Remove from oven, portion into individual sliders, and serve immediately while warm to maximize flavor and texture.

Notes

• Preserve Roll Structure: Keep Hawaiian rolls connected when slicing to maintain their soft, unified texture and prevent individual rolls from falling apart during preparation.
• Layer Evenly: Distribute turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese with consistent thickness to ensure balanced flavor in every bite and prevent uneven melting.
• Butter Mixture Technique: Brush butter blend generously and thoroughly, covering entire roll surface for rich, golden-brown exterior and enhanced flavor profile.
• Melting Precision: Watch cheese closely during final baking stage to achieve complete melting without burning, removing from oven when cheese is smoothly liquefied and rolls are perfectly golden.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 568 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg