Cranberry Turkey Party Sliders

This cranberry turkey sliders recipe has completely changed the way my family celebrates leftovers and party snacks. Whether you are prepping for a holiday gathering, game day, or a quick weeknight meal, cranberry turkey sliders come together in just 10 minutes of prep and bake in 30 to 45 minutes. Layers of juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on pillowy rolls deliver ultimate comfort in under an hour, making these sliders perfect for busy days and special occasions alike.

I first tried these easy cranberry turkey sliders after Thanksgiving when leftover turkey and extra cranberry sauce were taking up fridge space. My kids went wild for the combination and now cranberry turkey sliders are our go to for everything from birthday parties to lazy Sunday dinners. The creamy, gooey cheese and buttery rolls always get rave reviews and nobody ever guesses that it is really a leftovers makeover!

Gather Your Ingredients

• Slider rolls (Hawaiian or dinner rolls): Provide a sweet, soft base; choose fresh, sturdy rolls so the sliders hold together; gluten free rolls work for dietary needs
• Sliced cooked turkey breast: Juicy roasted turkey breast is ideal, but deli turkey or rotisserie chicken are great time savers
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds sweet tart bursts; look for whole berry for texture or substitute smooth cranberry sauce if needed
• Swiss cheese or provolone: Delivers creamy melt; can use white cheddar, Havarti, or plant based cheese for dairy free
• Mayonnaise (optional): Adds moisture and silkiness; light mayo or omitting it is fine depending on preference
• Butter (melted): Coats the rolls for golden crust; use high quality unsalted or dairy free alternatives like olive oil
• Garlic powder and dried parsley: Infuse the topping with herby, savory notes; fresh herbs work for extra flavor

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Preheat the Oven for Even Baking:

Set your oven to 350°F before assembly so the rolls heat evenly and cheese melts perfectly. Preheating ensures a uniform texture and speeds up preparation.

Slice Rolls and Prepare the Base:

Using a serrated knife, split the slider rolls in half horizontally as one unit if possible. Place the bottom half in a large baking dish to create a stable foundation for layering the fillings.

Spread Mayonnaise for Moisture:

If desired, use about two tablespoons of mayonnaise on the bottom half to add creaminess and keep the turkey juicy. Spread evenly to every edge for best flavor distribution.

Layer Sliced Turkey:

Arrange turkey slices evenly across the rolls, covering each section to ensure full flavor in every bite. Avoid overstuffing so sliders bake evenly and stay together.

Top with Cranberry Sauce:

Spoon about one cup of whole berry cranberry sauce in an even layer across the turkey. Distribute gently to add sweet tartness and avoid soggy bread by not overloading with sauce.

Add Slices of Cheese:

Place slices of Swiss or provolone cheese over the cranberry layer so each slider is covered. For large cheese slices, cut as needed to fit the rolls and encourage even melting.

Finish with Slider Tops:

Set the top half of the rolls over the fillings and press down gently. A gentle press helps compact the layers and ensures easy serving after baking.

Brush with Garlic Herb Butter:

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush the mixture generously onto the tops. This step infuses savoriness and bakes the rolls to golden perfection.

Bake to Melt and Crisp:

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown. Let sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving for best structure.

When I first discovered the garlic herb butter trick, I was amazed how much flavor it added to these cranberry turkey sliders. We have fun mixing up the cheese based on what's in the fridge, and sometimes add extra fresh parsley for brightness. These sliders always impress and are secretly packed with protein so they are a treat you can feel good about serving.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Swap in rotisserie chicken or thinly sliced ham for the turkey if you are out of leftovers. For gluten free sliders, use gluten free dinner rolls and confirm all sauce ingredients are certified gluten free. Plant based cheese and olive oil make these easy to transform into a dairy free option without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Havarti, or add greens like baby spinach or arugula for color and freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Store leftover cranberry turkey sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, bake covered with foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and sliders are warmed through. If you are meal prepping, fully assemble the sliders and refrigerate overnight to bake just before serving, guaranteeing the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Cranberry turkey sliders shine on party platters or as part of a cozy dinner with sides like crunchy potato chips, a bright green salad, or a bowl of warm fall soup. For gatherings, offer a slider bar with toppings or pair sliders with veggie trays and ranch dip for more variety. Sparkling cider or a light white wine complements the tart cranberry, making these sliders a festive choice for holidays and celebrations.

Nutritional Benefits

Cranberry turkey sliders offer a healthful balance of lean protein from turkey breast and antioxidants from cranberry sauce. Choosing whole berry sauce and low fat turkey keeps the recipe moderate in saturated fat while boosting B vitamins, zinc, and immune supporting nutrients. Naturally nut free, these sliders are friendly for many diets and can be adapted for gluten free or dairy free needs easily, fitting well into balanced meal plans.

Recipe Success Tips

If your cranberry sauce is a bit thin, drain away excess liquid to prevent soggy sliders. Always cover the sliders with foil for the main part of baking so the tops do not brown too quickly before the cheese is melted through. For picture perfect servings, let sliders cool for five minutes and use a sharp knife to slice cleanly through the layers.

These cranberry turkey sliders are my go to for turning simple ingredients into crave worthy party food or a quick meal. Try them for your next gathering or weekday dinner, and enjoy how effortless, tasty, and customizable they are every time you serve them.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes, leftover roasted or smoked turkey works well and adds extra flavor to the sliders.

→ What cheese is best for these sliders?

Swiss or provolone melt beautifully, complementing the turkey and cranberry without overpowering them.

→ How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Spread cranberry sauce evenly and use toasted rolls if desired. Baking uncovered briefly helps crisp the tops.

→ Is mayonnaise necessary?

No, mayonnaise is optional. It adds creaminess but can be omitted based on preference.

→ Can these be made ahead?

Assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best freshness and texture.