Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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If you want to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new meal that tastes fresh and cozy, Turkey Cranberry Sliders fit the bill. You’ve got savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty cheese tucked into soft, toasty Hawaiian rolls, and I’ve got a little secret that helps them bake up rich, buttery, and perfectly golden.
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These sliders are one of my best recipes that keep meal prep simple, especially during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas appetizer to game day snacks, they always hit the spot. You can make them ahead, stash them in the fridge or freezer, and they reheat beautifully when it’s time to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow my easy steps, you’ll have cranberry turkey sliders that are perfectly melty, golden on top, and full of flavor in every bite.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so the rolls don’t stick and clean-up stays simple. This oil sprayer is super handy for evenly coating your dish without oversaturating it.
I like using a ceramic casserole dish as it heats evenly and looks nice for serving, too. If you prefer a more traditional metal option, though, a nonstick baking pan also works just fine.
Mix the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and poppyseeds until combined. Set it aside; you’ll use this buttery mix twice to give the rolls their irresistible sheen and flavor later.
Assemble the Rolls
Slice the sweet Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Using a serrated bread knife makes it easier to cut through without squishing them. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish, cut side up.
Layer the sliced or shredded turkey evenly over the rolls, spoon the cranberry sauce across the top, and then add a generous layer of Swiss cheese. A pair of meat shredder claws like this one makes shredding a lot easier.
Add the Tops and Butter
Place the top of the rolls back on and brush them with half of the poppy seed butter. The butter soaks into the bread as it bakes, giving each bite that soft yet slightly crisp texture everyone loves.
You’ll want a silicone pastry brush for this so you can coat them without a mess, and you don’t miss any edges.
Bake the Sliders
Now, cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese has melted through. This step helps the cheese melt fully before the tops brown. Heavy-duty aluminum foil helps trap in the heat and keeps them from overbaking early.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5-8 minutes, until the tops turn beautifully golden brown and lightly crisp; this gives them the classic bakery-style look.
Finish and Serve
Brush the tops of the sliders with the remaining butter mixture for a shiny finish, then let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Letting them rest keeps the cheese from spilling out and helps everything hold together neatly.
Serve them warm and watch them disappear; yes, they’re that good. Enjoy!
If you’re taking these sliders to a holiday gathering or game day potluck, pack them in a hard-sided container to protect them from squishing or spilling in the car. An insulated casserole bag keeps them warm and just as comforting until serving time.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover turkey cranberry sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can keep them sealed, fresh, and organized in these stackable glass containers.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven until hot and the cheese is melty again. A nonstick baking sheet like this helps them warm up evenly without getting soggy.
These leftover turkey sliders also freeze nicely. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. A roll of this BPA-free plastic wrap clings really well, keeping them protected from freezer burn.
A durable freezer bag works great for storing these sliders flat and saving space, while a freezer container allows for stacking them neatly without crushing anything.
You can also freeze the leftover cranberry sauce separately and layer it on fresh before reheating for the best texture. When ready to serve, just thaw them all in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven until heated through.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ½ pound cooked turkey sliced or shredded
- ⅔ cup cranberry sauce
- ½ pound Swiss cheese thinly sliced
- Cooking spray
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.Cooking spray
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the poppy seeds and set aside.4 tablespoons salted butter, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Layer the turkey evenly over the rolls, spread cranberry sauce on top, and add a layer of Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on and brush the tops with half of the poppy seed butter.½ pound cooked turkey, ⅔ cup cranberry sauce, ½ pound Swiss cheese
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–8 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
- Brush with the remaining butter and let the sliders rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian dinner rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet flavor balances the cranberry and savory turkey perfectly.
- Warm the turkey a bit: Bringing it closer to room temperature helps the sliders heat evenly in the oven without them drying out, whether you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli turkey as a shortcut.
- Layer cranberry carefully: Spread only a thin layer so the rolls don’t get soggy. You can use whole berry cranberry sauce for extra tartness, or leftover homemade cranberry sauce for fresher flavor if you have some on hand.
- Add flavor boosters: Brush Worcestershire sauce lightly over the layers of turkey before adding cranberry sauce for a deeper, savory note. Whisk Dijon mustard or yellow mustard into the melted butter for mild tang and extra richness.
- Try different cheese substitutions: Provolone cheese gives a smooth, smoky melt. Cheddar cheese adds sharper contrast; and Havarti cheese offers a mild, buttery creaminess.
- Enhance the rolls: Brush the tops of the buns twice, once before baking and once after, to keep them glossy. For more control over the saltiness, use unsalted butter. You could also stir in a bit of onion powder for subtle savory depth.
- Top with bagel seasoning: Sprinkle it over the buttered rolls before baking for a crunchy, garlicky twist that replaces or enhances the poppy seeds. It gives the sliders a little extra texture and that classic everything-bagel-style finish.
Nutrition
What to Serve With Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These sliders go perfectly with chips or soup for an easy meal. For something heartier, serve them with roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or other cheese sliders if you’re making a mix-and-match tray.
You can even add chicken or ham sandwiches to your spread for variety; people love having a few options alongside the warm, melty sliders. A light side like coleslaw or a fresh fruit salad also helps balance the rich flavors.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty more cozy, make-ahead favorites that bring comfort to the table, whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a relaxed dinner at home.
