Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Name: Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or ham; 6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese; 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce; 1 (12-pack) Hawaiian Dinner Rolls; 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds; 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

Delicious Festive Finger Foods

As a Florida girl with roots steeped in the vibrant and soul-warming flavors of Mexico, my culinary adventures often merge sunny orange groves with the bustling markets of Oaxaca. I fondly reminisce about evenings spent in my mama’s kitchen, where we pressed fresh tortillas and laughed over simmering pots of fragrant spices. Each meal carried a story, weaving laughter and love into every bite. Now, as I create new traditions in my Orlando home, I find joy in sharing recipes that reflect my heritage—like these delightful cranberry turkey sliders, perfect for gatherings filled with warmth and festive cheer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Best Season: Fall/Winter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: These cranberry turkey sliders combine the savory goodness of turkey and cheese with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce, creating a flavor explosion that celebrates the holiday season.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these sliders effortlessly, leaving you more time to enjoy with friends and family.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual game day, these sliders are a hit, appealing to both adults and kids with their delicious flavors and fun presentation.
Versatile Comfort: They’re great warm or cold and can easily be adapted with different ingredients, making them ideal for any occasion.
Leftover Magic: If you have leftover turkey from a previous meal, these sliders are a fantastic way to repurpose it into something soul-satisfying.

Ingredients List

1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or ham
6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1 (12-pack) Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

Ingredient Tips

Thick-Cut Deli Turkey: Ask your deli for the freshest turkey slices; they will provide a moist and flavorful base for your sliders.
Cheese Choice: Swiss and Provolone both melt beautifully, which enhances the sliders’ creaminess. Feel free to explore gouda or mozzarella for a different twist.
Cranberry Sauce: Make or buy your favorite cranberry sauce; homemade ones with a hint of orange zest offer an extra flavor kick.
Hawaiian Dinner Rolls: These soft, sweet rolls are perfect for sliders; their texture holds up wonderfully with the fillings.
Butter Mixture: Adding garlic to the butter not only enhances flavor but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the rolls: Carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached at the seams. Lay the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Layer the turkey: Spread an even layer of the thick-cut turkey or ham over the rolls.
Add the cranberry sauce: Generously spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey, ensuring full coverage.
Top with cheese: Lay the Swiss or Provolone cheese slices over the cranberry sauce, allowing them to cover most of the surface.
Finish with the top layer: Place the top halves of the rolls back onto the cheese.
Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until combined.
Brush the rolls: Use a pastry brush to dollop the buttery mixture over the tops of the rolls evenly.
Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 12 minutes.
Uncover and brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Serve and enjoy: Once golden, remove from the oven, slice them apart, and serve warm for a truly heartwarming treat!

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Covering: Covering the sliders with foil initially helps steam the rolls, making them extra soft while the cheese melts beautifully.
Keep an Eye on Them: As oven temperatures may vary, check on your sliders a minute or two before the timer goes off to prevent over-browning.
Cutting Technique: Use a serrated knife to slice through the rolls cleanly after baking; this keeps fillings from spilling everywhere.
Add Fresh Herbs: Experiment by sprinkling fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, into the butter mixture for additional flavor depth.

Recipe Variations

Swap the Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist, or even smoked turkey for a heartier flavor.
Cheesy Delight: Layer in a smoked gouda for a deliciously rich variation that pairs well with cranberry.
Veggie Packed: Add spinach or arugula between the layers for a healthy twist and a pop of color.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce in the cranberry sauce for a spicy flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these delightful sliders with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, sweet potato fries tossed in paprika, or a cozy winter soup. For drinks, consider sparkling cider or a refreshing iced tea. Chocolate chip cookies or a pumpkin pie can round out your festive feast with a sweet finish!

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

These sliders can be assembled the day before and stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly until ready to bake. To freeze, assemble and wrap them in plastic wrap, then foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Ideas

Arrange the sliders on a large platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color, or serve them in individual servings for a gourmet touch. A side of dipping sauces—think mustard or more cranberry sauce—can elevate the experience. Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an elegant finish!

Kitchen Wisdom

Multitask: Prepare side dishes or drinks while the sliders bake to make the most of your time.
Use a Baking Sheet: For even baking, place a few heavier baking sheets under your dish. This also prevents the bottoms from burning.
Additional Cheese Melting: For extra gooeyness, broil the sliders for the last minute of baking, but watch closely!
Maintain Freshness: Always store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain softness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To reheat, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes, keeping them soft. A microwave can be used for individual servings, but keep the time brief to avoid dryness.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey? Absolutely! Repurposing leftover turkey makes these sliders an excellent post-holiday treat. Simply slice the turkey and layer it as you would deli meat.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed for the best taste.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian? Yes! Substitute turkey with roasted vegetables or a hearty plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option.
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls? Any soft dinner roll will work. Look for a sweet variety for the best flavor pairing with the cranberry sauce.
How spicy can I make them? You can increase the spice by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or using a spicy mustard instead of Dijon.
Can these sliders be served cold? While they’re best warm, these sliders can still be tasty served cold, making them a great picnic option!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 220
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.

Personal Note

Each bite of these cranberry turkey sliders takes me back to the joy of cooking with my family, where every meal was a celebration of flavor and togetherness. With this recipe, I hope you create your cherished moments in the kitchen too. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, these sliders are designed to bring smiles and satisfaction—a true expression of love through food.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to gather your friends and family, try these delicious cranberry turkey sliders, and make memories that will be savored long after the last bite. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for future gatherings—there’s something heartwarming about sharing recipes that carry on the spirit of home cooking! Enjoy every joyful moment as you delve into this delightful treat.