Meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser: Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These irresistible mini sandwiches combine juicy turkey, sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss, all tucked inside soft buns and bathed in a buttery, flavorful glaze. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up holiday leftovers or planning a fun party snack, the flavors and textures here are absolutely out of this world. You will want to slap together a batch of these every chance you get!

Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a quick lineup of pantry and fridge staples to craft these Turkey Cranberry Sliders, yet each ingredient pulls its weight for flavor, texture, or eye-catching color. Here’s what you need and why you’ll love each component in this recipe:

Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet, and pillowy, these mini rolls are the perfect vehicle for all the delicious fillings.
Cooked turkey (sliced or shredded): The star of the show! Leftover turkey keeps things easy and adds protein—a delicious way to repurpose holiday extras.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: This adds a pop of brightness and just the right balance of tart and sweet in every bite.
Swiss cheese (slices cut in half): Creamy, mild, and wonderfully melty, Swiss brings just enough savoriness to complement the turkey and cranberry.
Mayonnaise: A thin swipe keeps the sliders moist and adds a velvety richness.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch intensifies the glaze with subtle tang and a bit of zip.
Unsalted butter (melted): The base for that magical golden topping—brushing this on guarantees buttery, flavorful buns.
Poppy seeds: Nutty little seeds add crunch and make the tops look extra appetizing.
Dried minced onion: A pop of mellow onion flavor infuses the glaze.
Garlic powder: Savory depth and a hint of warmth in every mouthful.
Worcestershire sauce: A dash of this umami-packed sauce makes the glaze unforgettable.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Buns

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. With a serrated knife, slice the slider buns in half horizontally—keeping them all attached in one “sheet” so they’re easier to fill and serve later. Place the bottom slab in your prepared baking dish, ready for layering.

Step 2: Spread the Mayo

Evenly spread mayonnaise over the cut side of the bottom half of the buns. Don’t skimp—this step keeps your sliders ultra-moist and flavorful, acting as a creamy barrier between the bread and the juicy fillings.

Step 3: Layer the Turkey, Cranberry, and Cheese

Pile on that cooked turkey—either sliced or shredded—spreading it evenly over the buns. Next, spoon over the whole berry cranberry sauce, dotting it to ensure every slider gets a sweet-tangy burst. Lay out the halved Swiss cheese slices on top, so each section is generously covered and will get perfectly gooey in the oven.

Step 4: Top and Assemble

Gently place the top slab of buns over the filled bottom, pressing it down lightly. This keeps all those delicious layers neatly sandwiched together and ready for the grand finale: the zesty, buttery glaze!

Step 5: Mix and Brush the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this savory mixture generously over the tops of the buns, ensuring each roll gets covered. The glaze soaks down and gives your Turkey Cranberry Sliders their irresistible aroma and beautiful golden color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This melts the cheese and heats everything through. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are golden and a little crisp. Remove from the oven, let them cool just slightly, then slice and serve your Turkey Cranberry Sliders—warm, gooey, and perfect!

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Try sprinkling some extra poppy seeds or fresh chopped parsley on top to make the sliders look even more inviting. You can also set out small bowls of extra cranberry sauce, spicy mustard, or aioli so guests can customize each bite. For a festive touch, toss on some thinly sliced green onions or a little orange zest.

Side Dishes

Turkey Cranberry Sliders pair beautifully with all sorts of easy sides. Crisp veggie sticks and a creamy dip bring some crunch to the party, or go for classic potato chips, a vibrant green salad, or sweet potato fries. In the colder months, a cozy cup of butternut squash soup alongside these sliders is pure bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these Turkey Cranberry Sliders into the star of your next gathering by displaying them on a festive platter or rustic wooden board. For game days or parties, set them in mini parchment or wax-paper wrappers for easy grabbing. If you’re hosting a buffet, arrange them in neat rows and tuck fresh herbs in between for a pop of color. For a lunchbox treat, wrap individual sliders in foil or wax paper—kids and adults alike will be thrilled!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any Turkey Cranberry Sliders left (good luck!), wrap them tightly in foil or move them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just be sure to keep that moisture locked in so the buns don’t dry out.

Freezing

Turkey Cranberry Sliders can absolutely be frozen! Once baked and cooled, wrap each slider in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their wonderful flavor and texture for up to one month. To thaw, let them rest in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover sliders back to melty, fresh perfection, preheat the oven to 325°F, unwrap your sliders, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and heat for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is once again gooey. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave for about 30 seconds works too!

FAQs

Can I use deli turkey instead of cooked or leftover turkey?

Definitely! Deli turkey works beautifully in Turkey Cranberry Sliders, and it’s an easy way to make these year-round, not just after the holidays. Just ask for thicker slices if you can to give the sliders extra bite.

What other cheeses can I use?

While Swiss is classic here, provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack are fantastic swaps if you want something a little different. Each cheese melts differently, so pick your favorite to match your mood!

Can I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the sliders (without brushing on the glaze), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the glaze right before baking for the freshest results.

Are these sliders good served at room temperature?

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, where the cheese is still melty and the tops a little crisp. That said, they do taste good even at room temp, so they’re a great option for potlucks or tailgates.

Can I make these sliders gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free slider rolls and check your cranberry sauce for gluten content. To go dairy-free, swap the Swiss cheese for your favorite plant-based cheese and use vegan butter for the glaze. Simple swaps, same delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something both comforting and a little bit special, Turkey Cranberry Sliders are your answer. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering, delivering big flavor and lots of smiles. Give them a try and let them become your new go-to for parties, quick dinners, or anytime you want to make leftovers feel utterly exciting!

Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect way to enjoy leftover holiday turkey. Packed with flavor from cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese, and a savory buttery topping, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Buns:

12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls

Cranberry Turkey Filling:

1½ cups cooked turkey (sliced or shredded)
¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
6 slices Swiss cheese (cut in halves)

Butter Mixture:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating the rolls. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Assemble the sliders: Spread mayonnaise, layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese on the buns. Top with the other half of the buns.
Prepare the butter mixture: Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush over the tops of the buns.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.