Turkey Cranberry Sliders Hawaiian

These turkey cranberry sliders have become my secret weapon for stress free holiday meals and fun gatherings. If you need Christmas Day lunch ideas or a crowd pleasing potluck recipe, this easy bake turkey cranberry sliders recipe pulls together in under an hour with just 25 minutes of prep and 30 to 45 minutes in the oven. Warm, savory sandwiches layered with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry, and melted cheese inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls make these sliders ideal for everything from team dinners to festive holiday lunches.

I started making these baked turkey and cranberry sliders with Havarti and poppy seed topping for my family’s fall parties and now we make them any time there is leftover turkey. It is creamy, flavorful, and always vanishes first from the platter at any team or holiday gathering. From experimenting with cheese varieties to letting my kids help brush the buttery topping, these sliders have quickly become a family tradition and the perfect way to reinvent turkey leftovers in a crowd pleasing dish.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls, 12 count: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the ideal base that toasts to a golden crisp in the oven; buy a fresh package for the best texture and height, and gluten free rolls can work as a substitute.
• Diced turkey, about 2 cups: Leftover roast turkey creates tender, moist bites throughout; deli turkey or rotisserie chicken works in a pinch for easy prep.
• Cranberry sauce or relish, 1 cup: This brings color and zip; both homemade and canned versions blend well, with whole berry creating a chunkier bite and jellied giving a smoother layer.
• Swiss cheese, 6 slices: Melts beautifully for a creamy texture; try Havarti or Provolone to vary the taste or accommodate dietary preferences.
• Butter, 6 tablespoons: Adds richness and browns the tops for flavor and visual appeal; real butter gives a better color than substitutes, but plant based butter can make it dairy free.
• Yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon: Introduces a hint of tang in the buttery topping and balances the sweet notes; adjust to taste for your preferred sharpness.
• Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon: Delivers umami depth that amplifies savory flavors; look for a vegan version for dietary needs.
• Dried minced onion, 1/2 tablespoon: These rehydrate as the sliders bake and create pops of flavor in every bite; sub onion powder for a milder effect.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Use for seasoning the filling and melted butter topping; be conservative and taste as you go to keep the sliders balanced and not overly salty.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Prep the Rolls for Layering:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the rolls bake evenly. Carefully remove the Hawaiian sweet rolls from the package in a single slab, keeping them connected if possible. Using a large serrated knife, slice the entire slab horizontally to create a top and bottom piece, much like opening a giant sandwich bun—this helps create even layers and keeps all the filling contained inside.

Build the Base Layer in the Pan:

Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with foil for fast cleanup, then spray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the bottom half of the roll slab into the pan so the rolls fit together snugly, making them easier to layer and serve later.

Layer on Turkey and Cheese for Even Melting:

Season the diced turkey with salt and pepper, then spread it evenly over the bottom buns. Lay the slices of Swiss cheese directly on top to cover the turkey, ensuring every sandwich gets melty cheese after baking. For extra creaminess, double up on the cheese layer or add Havarti slices for a mild and smooth finish.

Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce for Sweet and Tangy Flavor:

Evenly spread the cranberry sauce or relish over the cheese layer, taking care to push it all the way to the edges for flavor in every bite. Use whole berry sauce for more texture, or jellied cranberry if you prefer a smoother surface; add more cranberry for tangier sliders or mix in a little orange zest for brightness.

Cap It Off with Roll Tops:

Place the top slab of rolls over the layers, aligning the edges to keep the sandwiches uniform. Press down gently just enough to secure the filling without compressing the bread, helping the sliders hold together as they bake.

Make and Brush the Savory Butter Topping:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave safe dish, then stir in the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Brush this savory melted mixture generously over the tops of the rolls—the mixture will soak in and help create that signature glossy, flavorful crust when baked.

Bake Until Golden and Gooey:

Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. For a crispier finish, broil the sliders for 2 minutes at the very end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Slice and Serve Warm:

Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut along the roll indentations for neat sandwiches. Serve warm from the pan, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a luxe Christmas Day lunch idea.

I once swapped Swiss for aged Havarti and the result was so creamy and mild that it became my go to cheese for these sliders. My kids now jump in to help brush the butter topping, making this turkey cranberry slider recipe a holiday tradition. Each bite feels special with the balance of savory turkey, melting cheese, and a pop of sweet cranberry that everyone at our Christmas Day lunch loves.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Switch turkey for shredded rotisserie or leftover roast chicken if that is what you have handy. Try different cheeses like Havarti, Mozzarella, or Provolone to change the flavor and creaminess—extra cheese will increase the gooey factor. For a gluten free version, substitute certified gluten free rolls and double check all packaged ingredient labels. Plant based butter and dairy free cheese options make these sliders accessible for dairy free diets. Add a layer of baby spinach or sautéed greens for extra color and nutrition, or experiment with different jams like fig or orange marmalade for a sweet seasonal twist.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Once your turkey cranberry sliders recipe is baked, let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap fully in foil, then refrigerate for up to three days. To freeze, arrange cooled sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container; they keep well for up to two months. Reheat sliders unwrapped in a 325 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until hot in the center, or prepare ahead without butter topping and keep covered in the fridge until ready to bake the next day.

What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Serve turkey cranberry sliders with a refreshing green salad or crunchy winter slaw for contrast. For a cozy meal, pair with sweet potato fries or a creamy butternut squash soup to complement the sliders’ sweet and savory flavors. If you are preparing for parties or potlucks, add festive drinks like apple cider punch or sparkling water with cranberries to bring seasonal flair to your spread.

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of easy turkey cranberry sliders delivers about 15 grams of protein along with complex carbohydrates for lasting energy. Turkey provides lean protein while cranberries add vitamin C and antioxidants to the meal. The recipe is easily tailored for gluten free or dairy free diets depending on ingredient choices, offering balanced nutrition for gatherings or holiday meals, and averages around 350 calories per slider portion.

Recipe Success Tips

If the rolls begin to brown before the cheese is fully melted, cover loosely with foil to shield the tops. Always taste your turkey filling for seasoning before assembling to ensure bold, savory sliders. For fast prep at high school team dinners or events, use good quality deli turkey as a shortcut, and use a sharp knife for slicing after baking so each slider stays intact.

There is nothing cozier than pulling a warm tray of gooey turkey cranberry sliders fresh from the oven for family or friends. I hope this easy recipe adds joy to your next holiday lunch or team gathering while making use of leftovers creatively and deliciously.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use leftover turkey for these sliders?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly for these sliders and adds great flavor. Just dice it into small pieces for even layering.

→ What cheese pairs best with turkey cranberry sliders?

Swiss cheese is a classic option, but Havarti or any favorite cheese that melts well can be used for a rich taste and creamy texture.

→ Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time from cold.

→ Do I have to use Hawaiian sweet rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet contrast, you can substitute with other soft dinner rolls if preferred.

→ How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?

Keep sauce layers moderate and bake uncovered for a crisp top. Adding cheese between turkey and cranberry helps prevent sogginess.