Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

There's nothing like the combination of sweet and savory flavors that these Cranberry Turkey Sliders deliver. Soft, buttery slider buns are filled with tender turkey, melted cheese, and a tangy cranberry sauce that will have your guests raving. Perfect for using up leftover turkey, these sliders are a hit at parties, family dinners, or even as a quick weeknight meal.

I discovered this recipe after a big Thanksgiving feast, searching for a fun way to repurpose leftovers. Little did I know that it would soon become a staple in my home, especially during the holiday season. Let's dive in and explore what makes these sliders so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet scrumptious slider recipe. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are more than just a tasty snack – they’re a life-saver for anyone dealing with mountains of leftover turkey.

First off, they’re a breeze to make. You can whip up a whole tray of these in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for those days when you want something effortless yet satisfying. The combination of ready-made ingredients and minimal prep makes this dish a stress-free option for busy days.

They’re also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or a casual brunch, these sliders always disappear in minutes. The balance of savory turkey, gooey cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce has a universal appeal that’s hard to resist.

Lastly, these sliders are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different cheeses, sauces, or even breads to suit your tastes. Got some stuffing left over? Throw that in too! These sliders are all about turning leftovers into something magical.

Ready to find out more about what makes these so delicious? Let’s break down the ingredients that make these sliders shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders comes from the perfect mix of flavorful, high-quality ingredients. Each component has a role to play, and together, they create a memorable bite.

Turkey: You can use any leftover turkey you have on hand, whether it’s white or dark meat. Just be sure to shred or thinly slice it for easy layering. If you don’t have leftover turkey, deli-sliced turkey works in a pinch!

Cranberry Sauce: This is the key ingredient that gives these sliders their signature sweet-tart flavor. Homemade cranberry sauce adds a special touch, but canned sauce is perfectly fine and still delicious. Just make sure to spread it generously!

Cheese: Melty cheese is a must for these sliders. Swiss cheese is a classic choice because of its mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with turkey and cranberry. You can also use provolone, gouda, or even sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.

Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy buns are essential. Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully because of their slight sweetness, but any small dinner rolls will do. The buns should be sturdy enough to hold everything together yet soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Butter Topping: A mix of melted butter, dried herbs, and a touch of garlic powder transforms the tops of these sliders into golden, flavorful perfection. Brush it on generously before baking for that irresistible buttery crust.

Special Equipment: A baking dish or sheet pan will help you keep all the sliders neatly together. Aluminum foil is also handy to cover the sliders for the first half of baking, ensuring they stay moist and melty.

How to Make These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Making these sliders is incredibly simple and perfect for cooks of any skill level. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they come out just right.

Step 1: Prepare the Buns
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp bread knife, slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the bottom buns. Next, layer on your shredded or sliced turkey evenly. Add your cheese slices on top, making sure they cover the turkey for maximum melty goodness.

Step 3: Add the Bun Tops and Butter Topping
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture over the tops of the buns, ensuring every inch is coated.

Step 4: Bake
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops get golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a minute or two before slicing them apart. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

These sliders take around 25 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick and easy option for any occasion.

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), you can store them easily for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Store the cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, keep them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing: Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.

Reheating: To enjoy them again, reheat sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the buns are warm.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Cranberry Turkey Sliders is how customizable they are. Here are some fun variations to try:

Switch the Cheese: Try swapping the Swiss cheese for something bolder like gouda or gruyere. If you prefer a sharper flavor, aged cheddar is a fantastic choice.

Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the layers. The heat complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce perfectly.

Go Gourmet: For a fancier version, add a spread of herbed cream cheese or a layer of sautéed onions and mushrooms. These flavors add a rich, savory element to the sliders.

Use Different Breads: Don’t limit yourself to slider buns. Ciabatta rolls, mini croissants, or even split focaccia can give these sliders a whole new flavor and texture.

Stuffing Addition: If you have leftover stuffing, add a layer between the turkey and cheese. It adds a comforting, holiday-inspired flavor that’s always a hit.

Feel free to experiment and make these sliders your own. They’re forgiving, flexible, and always delicious!

Enjoy creating your own delicious variations!

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