These tasty cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for any gathering! Made with juicy turkey patties and sweet cranberry sauce, they’re a fun twist on your regular burger.
They’re great for using up leftover turkey or just to please a crowd. I love adding a bit of mayo and lettuce for extra yumminess—easy and oh-so-delicious! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have those, try regular dinner rolls or even whole wheat for a healthier option.
Turkey Breast: Cooked turkey breast is ideal here, but you can also use leftover turkey from a holiday meal. If you need a substitute, shredded chicken works well too!
Bacon: Crunchy bacon adds great flavor, but if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, try using turkey bacon or leaving it out entirely for a simpler slider.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce can elevate the dish, but store-bought is perfectly fine. If you want to mix it up, consider using apple chutney or even a spicy pepper jelly!
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Just Right?
The key to perfectly melted cheese is covering your sliders while they bake. This traps steam, helping the cheese melt without drying out the turkey. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your sliders.
- Layer the slider ingredients as per the instructions, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. This gives enough time for the cheese to melt and the turkey to warm up.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes if you want the tops to brown a bit.
With these tips, your cheese will be gooey and delicious—just how we like it in a slider!
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns, split
- 1 lb cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 6 slices mozzarella or Swiss cheese, halved
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes in the oven, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal that feels festive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your sliders are assembled!
2. Prepare the Buns:
Take your baking dish and lay the bottom halves of the slider buns inside it. Make sure they fit snugly to keep everything together!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Distribute the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the buns, ensuring each has enough turkey for a hearty bite. Next, place a slice of cheese on top of the turkey on each slider for that gooey, melty goodness.
4. Add the Bacon and Sauce:
Put a slice of crispy bacon over the cheese on each slider, then spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce over the bacon. This is where the sweet-tart flavor comes in!
5. Complete the Sliders:
Carefully place the top halves of the slider buns onto each assembled slider. They should fit together nicely to create little sandwiches.
6. Brush with Rosemary Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and rosemary. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the sliders to give them a beautiful golden finish while baking.
7. Bake Your Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 15-20 minutes. This will warm up the turkey and melt the cheese perfectly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm, optionally garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch and enjoy your delicious cranberry turkey sliders!
Your guests will love these sliders, and they’re sure to become a favorite for any gathering!
Can I Substitute the Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use shredded chicken or even roast beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose and make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling the sliders.
Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free slider buns, which are widely available, and ensure your cranberry sauce doesn’t contain any gluten additives. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Prepare the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge!