Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful little twist on a classic holiday flavor. These mini sandwiches bring together tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and soft slider buns for a bite-sized treat that’s both fresh and comforting. The combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberry makes these sliders a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for any time you want something tasty but easy to munch on.
I love making these sliders when friends come over because they’re so simple to put together but feel special. Adding a little creamy cheese or some crisp lettuce can really amp up the flavor, and I always keep extra cranberry sauce handy—it just adds that perfect pop of sweetness. Plus, they’re great for using up turkey leftovers in a fun way, which always makes me feel like I’m winning at mealtime.
These sliders are wonderful served warm at a casual get-together or as a quick lunch when you want comfort without fuss. I like to plate them up with some crunchy pickles or a side salad to keep things light and fresh. Honestly, once you try these, they might just become your go-to snack whenever you want something cozy and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider buns: Soft Hawaiian rolls work best for their sweet, tender texture that complements the turkey and cranberry. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner rolls or mini brioche buns make a great substitute.
Turkey breast: Use cooked turkey slices or shredded leftovers. Roasted turkey or even deli turkey can work in a pinch. Just keep it moist by adding mayo or a little broth.
Cranberry sauce: Whole berry sauce adds nice texture and tartness. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, try a berry jam or apple jelly for a similar sweetness.
Mayonnaise & thyme: Mayo adds creaminess and moisture. Mix it with thyme for a fresh, herby flavor. If you prefer, Greek yogurt or a flavored cream cheese can be swapped for mayo.
Cheese: Swiss or mozzarella melts beautifully and adds mild creaminess. Cheddar or provolone are tasty alternatives if you want a stronger flavor.
How Can I Make These Sliders Warm and Gooey Without Drying Out?
The trick is to heat the sliders covered with foil and brush melted butter on top:
- Place the layered sliders on a baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. This traps steam, gently warming the turkey and melting the cheese without drying the bread.
- Brushing melted butter on the buns before baking helps them brown nicely and keeps the tops soft.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted, then uncover for a few minutes if you want a little more color on the buns.
- If the turkey is leftover and a little dry, adding mayo or a thin layer of gravy before layering helps keep it moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I prefer a rimmed sheet to hold the sliders securely and catch any drips.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the buns cleanly so they fit together nicely.
- Small bowl and spoon – perfect for mixing the mayo, thyme, and mustard for spreading.
- Brush or silicone pastry brush – helps evenly coat the melted butter on top of the sliders for a golden finish.
- Aluminum foil – covers the sliders in the oven to keep everything moist and warm.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked ham or roast beef for a different twist—they all pair well with cranberry and cheese.
- Add a layer of sliced Swiss, provolone, or cheddar cheese on top of the turkey for more melty goodness.
- Mix in sliced apples or pear for extra sweetness and crunch inside the sliders.
- Use a spicy mustard or a dash of cayenne in the mayo mix if you like a little heat.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (e.g., Hawaiian rolls or soft dinner rolls)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to bake. You’ll spend just a few minutes layering the turkey, cranberry, and mayo mixture on the buns, then pop the sliders in the oven to warm and melt the cheese. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for casual meals or gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Arrange the bottom halves evenly on a baking sheet.
2. Make the Mayo-Thyme Spread:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with fresh or dried thyme and Dijon mustard if you’d like a little extra tang. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
3. Layer the Turkey and Cranberry:
Place an even layer of cooked turkey over the mayo spread. Next, spoon the cranberry sauce evenly on top of the turkey. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the cranberry layer now.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Place the top halves of the slider buns on the assembled layers. Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns to help them brown and stay soft. Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
5. Finish and Serve:
If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil and bake for an extra 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves if you like, then serve warm and enjoy these flavorful turkey cranberry sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for These Sliders?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey before assembling the sliders. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the bread soft and the filling warm.
Can I Substitute the Cranberry Sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use a berry jam, red currant jelly, or even a chutney for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
