Tangy Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Festive Family Recipe

Sliders pack a punch of flavor when you blend the classic cranberry turkey sliders recipe with unexpected ingredients.

Tender shredded turkey mingles with tangy cranberry sauce, creating a delightful mini sandwich sensation.

Soft rolls cradle the succulent meat, promising a mouthwatering bite every single time.

Weekend gatherings or casual game nights become extra special with these compact, crowd-pleasing treats.

Simple yet sophisticated, these sliders bring gourmet flair to your table without complicated preparation.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, these little sandwiches will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible party favorite.

Storing Leftover Turkey Sliders the Right Way

• Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Cover sliders with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and maintain their soft, delicious texture.
• Warm sliders in the oven at 300F for 10-12 minutes to restore their original warmth and crispiness, avoiding microwave to keep bread from getting soggy.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked sliders for up to 2 months by wrapping tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and placing in a sealed container.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can easily substitute turkey with ham, roast beef, or chicken for a different flavor profile.

• Are poppy seeds necessary for the recipe?

No, poppy seeds are optional. You can skip them if you don’t have them or don’t prefer their taste.

• How can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Prepare the sliders completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I do if I don't have Dijon mustard?

You can use regular yellow mustard or whole grain mustard as a substitute in the butter topping mixture.

Easy Party Turkey Sliders: Why Everyone Loves Them

• Whip Up Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings where you need a fast, delicious meal that impresses guests without complex cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you personalize sliders based on family preferences or available ingredients.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Ideal for game days, holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these sliders transition smoothly between casual and slightly fancy events.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One baking dish means less kitchen mess, making preparation and post-meal cleanup super simple for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Ingredients for Easy Party Turkey Sliders

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that serve as the base for these delightful sliders.
• Deli Turkey: Lean, tender sliced turkey perfect for creating a light and satisfying sandwich.
• Cheese Slices: Creamy cheese that adds richness and melts beautifully when baked.
• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that provides a festive flavor complement to the turkey.

• Butter: Melted butter that helps create a golden, flavorful crust on the slider tops.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the butter mixture.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy kick to the topping.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual interest to the slider tops.
• Chives: Fresh herbs that bring a light, oniony flavor to the dish.

• Onion: Finely chopped or minced to blend into the topping mixture for extra flavor.

Party Turkey Slider Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice And Separate Rolls

Carefully slice dinner rolls in half lengthwise while keeping them connected as one piece.

Gently place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

• Sliced turkey
• Cranberry sauce
• Cheese slices

Carefully place the roll tops over the layered ingredients.

Step 4: Whip Up Flavor Burst Topping

• Melted butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Finely chopped onion
• Poppy seeds
• Chopped chives

Mix everything until well blended.

Step 5: Bake And Warm

Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the prepared butter mixture.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-18 minutes until the sliders are thoroughly heated.

Step 6: Get That Golden Crunch

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven.

Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Serve hot and enjoy the party-perfect bite-sized treats!

Slider Pro Tips for Parties

• Keep rolls connected when cutting to maintain structural integrity and easy assembly.
• Let cheese slightly melt during baking for enhanced flavor and creamy texture.
• Whisk topping ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly across slider surfaces.
• Watch sliders closely during final uncovered baking to prevent burning while achieving perfect golden-brown color.
• Prepare sliders just before serving to maintain optimal warmth and texture for guests.

Turkey Slider Variations for More Fun

• Gluten-Free Sliders: Replace standard rolls with gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein patties for meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves as wrap instead of rolls, reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Variation: Add jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for salsa, incorporate pepper jack cheese for zesty southwestern flair.

Party Serving Ideas for Turkey Sliders

• Holiday Feast Companion: Serve these sliders alongside a crisp winter salad with mandarin oranges and candied pecans for a festive touch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard for dipping.
• Game Day Delight: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries and a cold craft beer for the perfect sports watching spread.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining sliders into a next-day lunch by adding fresh arugula and a light drizzle of herb aioli.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders bring holiday cheer to your party table, combining festive flavors in miniature sandwich perfection. Guests will savor juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and crisp greens nestled between golden rolls, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound deli turkey, thinly sliced
• 6 slices Havarti or provolone cheese
• 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) Hawaiian rolls
• 1 cup cranberry sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Garnish:

• 2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice the connected rolls horizontally, maintaining their structural integrity, and gently place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
3. Create a flavorful layering by arranging turkey slices evenly across the roll base, followed by a smooth spread of cranberry sauce and a generous coverage of cheese slices.
4. Carefully position the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients, creating a complete slider assembly.
5. Craft the aromatic topping by whisking together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, finely minced onion, poppy seeds, and chopped chives until well combined.
6. Generously brush the entire surface of the slider tops with the prepared butter mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-18 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and meld together.
8. Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, creating a golden-brown, crispy top with a slight crunch.

Notes

• Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken or pulled pork to create variety and keep the dish exciting for different taste preferences.
• Reduce butter quantity for a lighter version, using olive oil spray as a healthier alternative for health-conscious guests.
• Gluten-free guests can enjoy this recipe by using gluten-free rolls and ensuring all condiments are gluten-free certified.
• Vegetarian option works great with plant-based deli slices or grilled portobello mushrooms as protein replacement.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg