Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the easiest no-fuss appetizer for the holidays. Plus they’re a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these are a recipe we guarantee your guests will eat up these sliders in seconds, they’re that good!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect holiday handheld appetizer! Made with tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese all nestled in Hawaiian rolls, they come together in minutes.
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I’ve made these for catered events for years and they’re a recipe that guests always ask how to make. I have admit, my favorite way to make them is with Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. We call the day after Thanksgiving “Slider Day!” for good reason. You can also use deli-sliced turkey for a quick prep.
Looking for more handheld appetizer inspiration? Be sure to check out our Roast Beef Sliders and Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Appetizer or Dinner: These mini turkey sliders with cranberry are easy to assemble with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or potlucks. Everyone loves a good slider! It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake or serve fresh.
- Customize them to your Liking: Adapt to your tastes with different cheeses, sauces, or additional herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls that add the perfect texture for sliders.
- Deli Turkey or Leftover Cooked Turkey: The main protein, providing tender, flavorful meat that makes the sliders filling.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweetness, tartness, and a traditional holiday touch.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy spread that helps bind the flavors.
- Apricot Jam: Contributes a subtle sweetness to the mayo spread.
- Fresh Sage: Complements the turkey and adds a touch of freshness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and a slight spicy kick.
- Shredded or Sliced Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
- Salted Butter: Binds the topping ingredients and adds a savory, rich base.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Infuses depth and umami richness.
- Poppy Seeds: Provides a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the butter.
Tools You’ll Need
- 13”x9” Baking Dish or 12″ Round Baking Dish
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Bread Knife
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Without separating them, slice the package of sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Top with turkey and Swiss cheese evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apricot jam, sage, and 1 tablespoon of the Dijon mustard. Spread on the top inside half of the rolls. Place sauce side down on the sliders.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, remaining Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Mix well. Brush the melted butter mixture evenly over the top of the buns with a pastry brush. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Optional Flavor Additions. Add a layer of leftover stuffing or dressing for more festive flavor. You can also serve leftover gravy on the side for dipping.
- Cheese Variations. Instead of Swiss, you can use brie, havarti cheese, Gruyère, Provolone cheese, cheddar cheese or mozzarella.
- Homemade or Store-bought Cranberry Sauce. I’ve made these with both and both are delicious! Our favorite store-bought is the whole berry cranberry sauce from Williams Sonoma. I’ve also made it with Spicy Cranberry Salsa.
- Try other proteins besides Turkey. Swap the turkey for ham, chicken, or even roast beef.
- Swap out the Apricot Jam. Use honey or maple syrup in the butter topping for a different sweetness.
- Poppyseed Options. Don’t have any on hand? You can simply omit them. You can also substitute them with everything but the bagel seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover turkey sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cranberry turkey sliders can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake and serve.
We don’t recommend freezing them due to the bread and cheese texture being compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble the cranberry turkey sliders and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for fresh, hot sliders.
Fresh veggie sticks or a simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the savory flavors. Pickles, potato chips, or a seasonal pasta salad are also great side dish options.
Follow the recipe ingredient amounts as written. Bake the sliders at the recommended covered and uncovered temperature and times. Serve immediately after baking.
More Holiday Appetizer Recipes
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 pound sliced deli turkey or leftover cooked turkey
- 6 ounces sliced or shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard divided
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Without separating them, slice the package of sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the bottom halves.
- Top with turkey and Swiss cheese evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apricot jam, sage, and 1 tablespoon of the Dijon mustard. Spread on the top inside half of the rolls. Place sauce side down on the sliders.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, remaining Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Mix well. Brush evenly over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Optional Flavor Additions. Add a layer of leftover stuffing or dressing for more festive flavor. You can also serve leftover gravy on the side for dipping.
- Cheese Variations. Instead of Swiss, you can use brie, havarti cheese, Gruyère, Provolone cheese, cheddar cheese or mozzarella.
- Homemade or Store-bought Cranberry Sauce. I’ve made these with both and both are delicious! Our favorite store-bought is the whole berry cranberry sauce from Williams Sonoma. I’ve also made it with Spicy Cranberry Salsa.
- Meat Alternatives. Swap the turkey for ham, chicken, or even roast beef.
- Sweetener Substitutes. Use honey or maple syrup in the butter topping for a different sweetness.
- Poppyseed Options. Don’t have any on hand? You can simply omit them. You can also substitute them with everything but the bagel seasoning.
Make ahead and Storage tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Cranberry turkey sliders can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake and serve. We don’t recommend freezing them due to the bread and cheese texture being compromised.Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
