These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a yummy mix of juicy turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and cheesy goodness on soft rolls. Perfect for a quick meal or a fun party snack!
I love how these sliders are not just tasty but also super easy to make. You can whip them up in no time and impress your friends—just don’t tell them how simple it was! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls work great for sliders. If you can’t find slider buns, try using small bagels or even English muffins for a fun twist!
Turkey: I love using leftover roasted turkey, but you can also use deli turkey for convenience. Shredded chicken could be a tasty alternative too!
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is delicious, but store-bought is quick and easy! If you want a twist, try using raspberry or blueberry sauce for a fruity kick.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is creamy and complements the turkey well. You can substitute with provolone or mozzarella if you prefer something milder.
Butter: For a healthier option, swap butter with olive oil or melted coconut oil for brushing the buns for that golden finish.
What’s the Best Way to Assemble and Bake the Sliders?
When you put these sliders together, think about layering for maximum flavor! Start with the buns, then turkey, followed by the cranberry sauce, and finish with cheese. Here’s how to nail the assembly:
- Cut the buns in half and keep the tops and bottoms connected.
- Layer the turkey evenly to ensure every slider has enough meat.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the turkey for a zingy touch.
- Add the cheese slices, making sure they cover the sauce well.
After assembling, brushing with butter or oil helps to achieve that beautiful golden crust on top. Bake just until the cheese melts for that gooey goodness!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1 lb cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. So, in just under 30 minutes, you’ll have these delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the sliders bake evenly and get all crispy and golden.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Take the slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a lined or greased baking sheet. This is where all the tasty ingredients will go!
3. Add the Turkey:
Spread the cooked turkey evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to cover them well so every bite has delicious turkey goodness. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and dried thyme if you’re using it.
4. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Generously drizzle or spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey. The tangy sweetness of the sauce is what makes these sliders so special!
5. Cheese It Up:
Next, place half slices of Swiss cheese on top of the cranberry sauce on each slider. This cheese will melt beautifully, adding creaminess to your sliders!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Once all the layers are done, cover each slider with the top bun halves. This completes your delicious little sandwiches.
7. Brush with Butter:
Using a brush or spoon, spread the melted butter over the tops of the buns. This will give them a gorgeous, golden crust when they bake.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the sliders bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese melts and the tops are slightly toasted.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After removing them from the oven, let them sit for a minute. If you like, you can garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy your tasty Turkey Cranberry Sliders!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted turkey is perfect for these sliders and adds extra flavor. Just shred or slice the turkey, and it will work beautifully in this recipe!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and cover them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just brush with butter and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven to keep the buns soft!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Definitely! If you don’t have Swiss cheese or prefer something else, mozzarella or provolone work great too. Just choose a cheese that melts well for that gooey goodness!
