Easy Baked Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti & Brie on Hawaiian Rolls"

Turkey cranberry sliders are the ultimate combination of savory and sweet, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal. These mini sandwiches pack all the flavors of a traditional turkey dinner into a bite-sized, portable form, with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce elevating the entire dish. Whether you’re looking for a festive addition to your holiday spread or a fun way to use up leftover turkey, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and step-by-step instructions to make these turkey cranberry sliders. Plus, we’ll share some creative variations, helpful tips, and serving suggestions to ensure your sliders are as delicious as possible!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

To make these turkey cranberry sliders, you’ll need just a few simple pieces of equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: For assembling and baking the sliders.
Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the turkey and any other ingredients.
Spatula or Tongs: For assembling the sliders and spreading the cranberry sauce.
Measuring Spoons: To measure ingredients like butter and mustard.

Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious turkey cranberry sliders:

12 slider rolls: These soft, small buns are perfect for mini sandwiches. You can use regular dinner rolls or buy slider-specific buns.
2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or sliced thinly. Leftover turkey works great for this recipe!
1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought, cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart flavor to the sliders.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: For a creamy base to hold the turkey and cranberry together.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: Melted, for brushing the tops of the slider rolls.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For added flavor.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A mild herb that complements the turkey and cranberry perfectly.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Making turkey cranberry sliders is quick and simple. Follow these steps to create the perfect sliders:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow you to bake the sliders once they’re assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Rolls

Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops attached. This will make it easier to assemble the sliders and bake them all together.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir well until smooth. This creamy mixture will help to bind the turkey and cranberry sauce together and add a bit of richness to the sliders.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the slider rolls into a greased baking dish or sheet pan. Spread a thin layer of the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the bottoms of the rolls. Then, layer the cooked turkey on top of the rolls. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add the Top Buns and Brush with Butter

Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the turkey and cranberry layers. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder and dried thyme. Brush the melted butter mixture over the tops of the buns to give them a golden, flavorful finish once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the buns are golden brown. For extra crispiness, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sliders are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them along the pre-cut lines to separate the individual sliders. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Variations of Turkey Cranberry Sliders

While the classic turkey cranberry slider is delicious as is, you can easily customize it with some variations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Add Cheese

For a cheesy twist, add a slice of your favorite cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or provolone, on top of the turkey before adding the cranberry sauce. The melted cheese will add richness and creaminess to the sliders.

2. Add Bacon

Crispy bacon strips can add a smoky flavor and extra crunch to your turkey cranberry sliders. Layer the bacon between the turkey and cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.

3. Use Different Breads

While slider rolls are a classic choice, you can switch it up by using Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness or even ciabatta rolls for a bit more texture. Any small, soft bun will work.

4. Spicy Cranberry Sauce

If you like a bit of heat, consider making a spicy cranberry sauce by adding chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry sauce.

5. Make It Gluten-Free

For gluten-free turkey cranberry sliders, simply use gluten-free slider rolls and ensure that your cranberry sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Cooking Notes

Use Leftover Turkey: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover turkey from a holiday meal, making it a perfect post-Thanksgiving or Christmas dish.
Storage: If you have leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey cranberry sliders are versatile and can be served in many different settings. Here are some ideas for serving them:

Holiday Gatherings: These sliders are perfect for serving at a holiday party or potluck. They’re small and easy to pick up, making them ideal for casual dining.
Football Game Parties: Serve these sliders at your next tailgate or game day party for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Lunch or Dinner: Pair these sliders with a simple salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Appetizer: Serve them as a starter before the main course, especially during holiday feasts or large family meals.

Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Keep the Rolls Soft: For soft buns, make sure to cover the sliders with foil when baking, especially during the initial phase. This helps the rolls retain their moisture.

Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Fresh Turkey vs. Deli Meat: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly cooked turkey or leftover turkey rather than deli turkey, which can sometimes be too thin or salty.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load the sliders with as much turkey and cranberry as possible, be careful not to overstuff them, as it can cause the rolls to become soggy and difficult to eat.
Toast the Buns: If you prefer a little extra texture, toast the buns lightly in the oven before assembling the sliders. This adds a bit of crunch and helps prevent the buns from becoming too soggy when baked.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Total Time:

35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per slider):

Calories: 220-250 (depending on the size of the slider and toppings)
Protein: 12-14g
Carbs: 25-30g
Fat: 9-12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 450-550mg

FAQs

Can I use leftover cranberry sauce? Yes! Leftover cranberry sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a festive flavor.

Can I freeze these sliders? While it’s best to eat these sliders fresh, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble the sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use turkey breast slices instead of shredded turkey? Yes, turkey breast slices will work well. Just layer them in the sliders and bake as instructed.

Conclusion

Turkey cranberry sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their perfect balance of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and soft buns, these sliders are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or making them from scratch, these sliders will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a flavorful, festive treat that everyone will love!