The Best Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe for Cozy Meals

These mouthwatering cranberry turkey sliders bring unexpected magic to your dinner table.

Small sandwiches pack incredible flavor combinations that surprise everyone.

Crisp autumn ingredients merge perfectly between soft mini rolls.

Thanksgiving leftovers suddenly become something extraordinary and delightful.

Homemade comfort emerges through each tender, juicy bite.

Guests will marvel at how simple ingredients create such delectable results.

One taste convinces you these sliders deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Ingredients For Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Main Ingredients:

Slider Rolls: – Slider Rolls: Soft, small rolls that create the base of the sandwich, perfect for bite-sized enjoyment.

Proteins: – Turkey Slices: Lean protein that provides a classic deli-style flavor, best when thinly sliced and fresh.

Cheese Topping: – Swiss Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Melty cheese that adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients together.

Sauce and Spread Components:

Fruit Spread: – Cranberry Sauce: Sweet-tart condiment that adds festive flavor and moisture to the sliders.

Creamy Spread: – Mayonnaise: Optional creamy layer that adds smoothness and helps prevent dryness.

Buttery Topping Ingredients:

Butter Mixture: – Unsalted Butter: Rich base that creates a golden, flavorful crust on top of sliders.

Flavor Enhancers: – Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Poppy Seeds: Blend of seasonings that provide depth, tang, and aromatic complexity to the topping.

How To Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Towers

• Tender turkey slices
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Melty cheese

Crown these towers with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 3: Whip Up the Magic Sauce

• Melted butter
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Poppy seeds

Whisk until the ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 4: Brush and Bake to Perfection

Generously paint the magic sauce over the slider tops. Tent the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then unveil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese becomes irresistibly melted.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the sliders rest for a few moments to let the flavors mingle. Slice and serve these mouthwatering bites while they’re warm and inviting. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips For Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife to cut slider rolls evenly, ensuring each bite has consistent layers of turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap out standard cheese for Swiss, provolone, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the turkey and cranberry.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare sliders up to 24 hours in advance, covering tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, which helps flavors meld and simplifies party preparation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular slider rolls with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Boost Moisture Balance: If turkey seems dry, add extra cranberry sauce or a thin layer of herbed mayonnaise to enhance juiciness and flavor complexity.

How To Save Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap Carefully: Cover sliders individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain their delicious texture.
• Reheat Effectively: Warm sliders in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they're heated evenly and retain their crispy tops and melted cheese.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy bread and rubbery cheese, preserving the sliders' original delightful crunch and flavor.

Perfect Pairings For Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory turkey and tangy cranberry with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the buttery slider's richness.
• Serve with Harvest Salad: Create a light side of mixed greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese to echo the slider's sweet-savory flavor profile.
• Match with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to balance the buttery, mustardy topping and enhance the turkey's deeper flavor notes.
• Add Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick cranberry-mustard aioli using leftover cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard for an extra flavor punch that ties the slider's ingredients together.

Fun Twists On Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean: Replace cranberry sauce with olive tapenade, swap turkey for roasted chicken, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano into the butter mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired slider.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Use pepper jack cheese, spread chipotle mayo, add sliced jalapeños, replace cranberry sauce with salsa verde, and mix chili powder into the butter topping for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Melt: Substitute turkey with sautéed portobello mushrooms, use Swiss cheese, spread pesto instead of mayonnaise, keep cranberry sauce for sweet-tangy balance, and maintain the original butter brushing technique.
• Apple Cheddar Fusion: Layer thin apple slices with sharp cheddar cheese, use roasted pork instead of turkey, replace cranberry sauce with apple butter, and add sage to the butter mixture for an autumn-inspired version.

FAQs For Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• What makes these sliders special?

These sliders are a delightful twist on classic party food, combining savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and a rich buttery topping that creates an irresistible flavor combination perfect for gatherings or quick meals.

• Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the refrigerator.

• Are these sliders good for meal prep?

Yes! These sliders are great for meal prep. You can make them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

• What kind of cheese works best in these sliders?

Swiss or provolone cheese are excellent choices that melt beautifully and complement the turkey and cranberry flavors perfectly. Cheddar is also a delicious alternative if you prefer a sharper taste.

Why Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Are A Must

• Rapid Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and tangy cheese in one delightful bite that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Effortless Entertaining Wonder: These sliders come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick family dinners, game day gatherings, or last-minute potlucks.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for turkey or adjust cheese types, allowing home cooks to personalize this crowd-pleasing recipe without complicated techniques.
• Texture Party in Your Mouth: Crispy buttery tops contrast with soft slider rolls, creating a satisfying crunch that complements the tender meat and melted cheese interior.

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Juicy homemade Cranberry Turkey Sliders offer a delightful twist on classic party appetizers, combining savory roasted turkey with tangy cranberry sauce. Small yet packed with flavor, these mini sandwiches promise to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing bite that you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) cooked turkey slices

Bread:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)

Cheese:

• 6 slices of Swiss cheese or provolone, halved

Sauce and Spreads:

• ½ cup (120 g) cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise

Buttery Topping:

• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with grease or protective parchment paper for smooth release and easy cleanup.
2. Carefully divide slider rolls horizontally, maintaining structural integrity. Arrange bottom halves in the prepared dish, creating a foundation for layering.
3. Craft the flavor profile by spreading a smooth mayonnaise layer across the roll bottoms. Meticulously arrange turkey slices for even coverage, followed by a generous spread of vibrant cranberry sauce.
4. Select a complementary cheese variety and distribute evenly across the turkey layer. Delicately position the top roll sections, creating compact sandwich units.
5. Formulate a rich butter glaze by whisking melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, aromatic garlic powder, and delicate poppy seeds until thoroughly combined.
6. Lavishly brush the prepared glaze over slider tops, ensuring complete and uniform coverage. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate sliders.
7. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing initial baking for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until tops transform into a golden-brown hue and cheese melts seamlessly.
8. Remove from oven and permit sliders to rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and structure to stabilize. Slice with precision and serve while warmth and texture remain optimal.

Notes

• Customize the turkey slices with leftover roasted turkey for a more homemade touch and deeper flavor profile.
• Swap traditional slider rolls with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar to elevate the slider’s taste complexity and create unique flavor combinations.
• Reduce butter quantity by half and use olive oil spray for a lighter, healthier version that maintains the crispy golden top without excessive calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg