Festive Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crispy, golden slider buns cradle a delightful cranberry turkey creation that promises pure comfort.

Juicy shredded turkey mingles with tart cranberry sauce, creating a flavor explosion.

Small sandwiches pack massive taste in every single bite.

Delicate textures blend seamlessly, making these sliders perfect for casual gatherings.

Weekend game days or relaxed family meals welcome this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick assembly means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious company.

Savor these mini masterpieces and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why Cranberry Turkey Sliders Hit the Spot

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, these sliders take just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Tangy cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and melty Swiss cheese create an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum deliciousness.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Great for game day, holiday potlucks, or casual family dinners, these sliders easily adapt to any social gathering and always impress guests.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Ingredient List

• Slider Buns: Soft, small sandwich rolls perfect for creating mini sandwiches with great portion control.

• Turkey (Cooked), Shredded or Sliced: Tender meat that provides the main protein and hearty flavor of the sliders.

• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and complements the turkey's richness.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet-tart condiment that brings holiday flavor and moisture to the sliders.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the mustard's sharpness and helps create a glossy glaze.

• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
• Poppy Seeds (Optional): Provides a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal to the slider tops.
• Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, rich coating and enhances overall flavor when brushed on buns.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Prep Walkthrough

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for some delicious slider magic.

Step 2: Prep the Bun Base

Gently slice your slider buns in half and nestle the bottom halves into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Layer your baking dish with tender turkey, spreading it evenly across the bun bottoms.

Generously dollop cranberry sauce over the turkey, creating a sweet and tangy base.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Layer

Drape Swiss cheese slices over the cranberry sauce, creating a melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Crown with Bun Tops

Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese, completing the sandwich stack.

Step 6: Create the Flavor Glaze

• Melted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Garlic powder

Brush this golden mixture generously over the bun tops.

Sprinkle poppy seeds for an extra touch of excitement if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull these mouthwatering sliders from the oven and serve them while they’re hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Sweet and Savory

• Choose fresh, high-quality turkey and cranberry sauce for the most delicious slider experience.
• Let Swiss cheese come to room temperature before layering to ensure smooth, even melting across the sliders.
• Apply butter mixture sparingly to prevent soggy buns while still achieving a golden, crispy top.
• Swap turkey with rotisserie chicken or pulled pork for a different protein option that keeps the recipe versatile.
• Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered, to save time before baking and serving.

Chill Cranberry Turkey Sliders And Serve Again

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm sliders at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain their delicious moisture.
• Quickly reheat individual sliders for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to ensure even heating and prevent rubbery texture.
• For best taste, consume refrigerated sliders within 2 days and avoid refreezing to maintain optimal flavor and quality.

Flavors to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to cut through the rich, sweet slider flavors.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, buttery Chardonnay that complements the Swiss cheese and balances the cranberry's tartness.
• Serve alongside Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Create crispy sweet potato wedges seasoned with rosemary to echo the slider's sweet and savory profile.
• Pour Craft Amber Ale: Select a smooth, malty amber ale that stands up to the turkey and enhances the cranberry's fruity notes.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Sweet and Savory Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace slider buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute turkey with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein slices. Keep the cranberry sauce and cheese for authentic flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thin sliced roasted chicken breast instead of buns. Serve atop a bed of mixed greens with cranberry sauce drizzled on top.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free compatible.

FAQs

• Can I use another type of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with cooked chicken or ham for a different flavor profile while keeping the same recipe method.

• Is it possible to make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What if I don't have slider buns?

Regular dinner rolls or small hamburger buns work perfectly as a substitute for slider buns in this recipe.

• Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Try replacing the turkey with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based deli slices to create a vegetarian version of these delicious sliders.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Festive holiday Cranberry Turkey Sliders deliver a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that dance across taste buds. Small sandwiches packed with tender turkey and zesty cranberry sauce promise a delightful bite-sized experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or sliced)
• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices of Swiss cheese (halved)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, ensuring an ideal temperature for baking sliders.
2. Carefully bisect slider buns horizontally, creating a foundational base in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking vessel.
3. Distribute turkey meat uniformly across the bottom bun layer, creating a consistent protein foundation.
4. Generously apply cranberry sauce across the turkey, establishing a tangy flavor profile.
5. Arrange Swiss cheese slices strategically over the cranberry sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Position the top halves of slider buns to complete the sandwich structure.
7. Craft a savory glaze by whisking together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
8. Meticulously brush the prepared glaze over the bun surfaces, allowing the mixture to penetrate and enhance flavor.
9. Optional: Sprinkle poppy seeds across the tops for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Shield the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
11. Bake covered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
12. Remove foil and continue baking an additional 5 minutes until bun tops transform into a golden, crispy finish.
13. Extract from oven and serve immediately while warm, ensuring optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Assemble sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered, to save time during busy gatherings.
• Use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Replace regular slider buns with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the butter mixture for those who enjoy extra heat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg