Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: Holiday Magic Bites

Sliders burst with festive flavor when you add zesty cranberry turkey sliders recipe to your game day spread.

These miniature sandwiches pack a punch of seasonal delight.

Tender turkey mingles with tangy cranberry sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Perfectly sized for snacking, these sliders bring a gourmet twist to classic game day fare.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Soft rolls cradle the savory filling, promising a delectable bite that balances sweet and savory notes.

Get ready to become the star of your next celebration with these irresistible mini sandwiches.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 13

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Ingredient Essentials

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet foundation that provides a delightful pillowy texture for the sliders, choose fresh rolls for maximum softness.
• Deli Turkey: Lean protein that adds substantial flavor, select high-quality sliced turkey for best taste and tenderness.

• Cranberry Sauce: Tangy-sweet spread that balances the savory turkey, opt for smooth or whole berry style based on preference.
• Havarti Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that create rich, gooey goodness, select young, mild varieties for smooth melting.

• Butter: Rich binding agent that adds golden crispness to roll tops, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Depth-adding liquid that brings umami complexity, choose traditional style for authentic taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment providing subtle sharpness, select smooth variety for even distribution.
• Dried Onion: Aromatic seasoning that introduces gentle onion notes, ensure freshness for maximum flavor.
• Poppy Seeds: Decorative and textural element adding slight nutty crunch, look for dark, glossy seeds.
• Chives: Fresh herbal accent offering mild onion-like brightness, select vibrant green stems.

Tools You’ll Need for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for assembling and baking the sliders.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents rolls from sticking to the dish.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing butter and seasoning mixture.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly spreading butter mixture on rolls.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to trap heat.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Holiday Party Platter

• Roll Selection Soft Hawaiian rolls split in half create the perfect base for these crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches.
• Turkey Layer Arrange delicate slices of deli turkey evenly across the bottom bread halves for a protein-packed foundation.
• Cranberry Magic Spread a generous coating of tart cranberry sauce over the turkey to add a festive sweet-tangy dimension.
• Cheese Blanket Drape creamy Havarti or smooth provolone cheese slices across the cranberry layer for rich, melty goodness.
• Secret Sauce Whisk together melted butter, zesty Worcestershire, bold Dijon, dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh chives to create an irresistible glaze.
• Topping and Baking Brush the flavor-packed sauce over the slider tops, cover with foil, and bake at 350ºF for 15-18 minutes until everything is warm and melty.
• Final Crisp Remove the foil for a quick 3-5 minute finish to achieve golden, slightly crispy tops.
• Serving Moment Plate these gorgeous sliders while warm and watch them disappear in minutes at your next gathering.

Flavor and Swap Tips for Turkey Sliders

• Swap Havarti or provolone with Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack for a personalized twist that matches your flavor preferences and adds extra zest to the sliders.
• Prepare the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake for a quick and convenient meal that saves time during busy gatherings.
• Add a layer of crispy bacon, jalapeño slices, or a drizzle of spicy honey to elevate the flavor profile and give these sliders an unexpected kick that will surprise your guests.
• Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste and texture.

Ways to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a festive wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries scattered around for a stunning presentation that screams delicious celebration.
• Brunch Buddy Combo: Pair these sliders with a light mixed green salad and crisp apple slaw to create a balanced meal that feels sophisticated yet totally approachable.
• Game Day Spread: Serve alongside classic potato chips, pickle spears, and a zesty ranch dip for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that football fans will absolutely devour.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra sliders into a cold sandwich the next day by adding fresh lettuce and a schmear of additional cranberry sauce for a quick lunch option that feels like a brand new meal.

How to Store Turkey Sliders Easily

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These delicious bites can be frozen for up to 1 month, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated sliders in the oven at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent bread from drying out. For frozen sliders, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Party Prep Hack: Assemble sliders in advance and refrigerate unbaked, covered with foil. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-7 minutes to the original cooking time for a stress-free gathering.

Juicy Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cranberry turkey sliders combine festive flavors from traditional holiday meals. Crisp rolls and tangy cranberry sauce complement tender turkey, creating perfect bite-sized sandwiches you’ll crave at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz / 454 g) package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
• 1 lb / 454 g deli turkey, thinly sliced
• 6 slices havarti or provolone cheese
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 tsps minced dried onion
• 2 tsps poppy seeds
• 2 tsps fresh minced chives

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Roll Assembly: Delicately slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating dual layers, and position bottom section in prepared baking dish, establishing a foundational base for the sliders.
3. Layer Construction: Meticulously distribute deli turkey across roll base, then cascade cranberry sauce over the meat, followed by an even arrangement of Havarti or provolone cheese slices, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Topping Application: Crown the layered base with roll tops, ensuring a snug fit across the assembled ingredients.
5. Glaze Creation: Whisk melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion, poppy seeds, and chives into a vibrant, aromatic coating.
6. Glazing Process: Liberally brush the prepared glaze over slider tops, ensuring comprehensive coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
7. Baking Technique: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-18 minutes, allowing ingredients to heat uniformly and cheese to melt seamlessly.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, transforming the sliders into a golden-brown delicacy with a crisp exterior.
9. Serving Recommendation: Present the sliders immediately while piping hot, showcasing a delectable medley of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Use a sharp knife to slice Hawaiian rolls cleanly, ensuring even layering and professional-looking sliders.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese slices reach room temperature before adding to prevent uneven melting and promote smooth coverage.
• Glaze Game Changer: Whisk glaze ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a consistent, well-distributed coating on slider tops.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble sliders up to 4 hours before baking, cover, and refrigerate to enhance flavor development and save time during serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg