These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a fun twist on your holiday leftovers! Juicy turkey paired with sweet cranberry sauce makes a tasty little sandwich.
They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I love making extra so I can enjoy them while binge-watching my favorite shows—snack time made easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a sweet touch that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for alternatives, try soft dinner rolls or even whole wheat sliders for a healthier option.
Turkey: Use any cooked turkey for this. Leftover turkey from holidays is perfect, but you can also buy pre-cooked turkey breast for convenience. For a twist, shredded chicken works fine too!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is my go-to for its texture and flavor. If you prefer homemade sauce, mix fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice. You could also use apple or blueberry jam in a pinch.
Mayonnaise & Mustard: The mayo adds creaminess, and Dijon gives a kick. If you’re avoiding mayo, opt for Greek yogurt or avocado spread instead. Yellow mustard can replace Dijon if needed.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds an aromatic flavor that brightens the sliders. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works but use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Keep the Sliders from Being Too Soggy?
To avoid soggy sliders, focus on layering and timing. Use just enough cranberry sauce to give flavor without drowning the turkey.
- Spread mayo and mustard evenly to create a barrier between the bread and the turkey mixture.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture. If you’re making them ahead, leave the cranberry sauce on the side until serving time.
- Consider toasting the rolls lightly before assembling to add extra crunch. It really makes a difference!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls or small soft dinner rolls
- 3 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry style preferred)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. You can have these sliders ready to enjoy in roughly 25 minutes—perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sliders cook evenly and get nice and warm.
2. Prepare the Rolls:
Carefully slice the Hawaiian slider rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves on a large baking sheet or baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced out evenly.
3. Make the Spread:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together until well combined. Spread this delightful mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. This adds creaminess and flavor!
4. Layer in the Turkey:
Now, layer the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the mayo-mustard spread. Make sure to cover the rolls well so each bite has that tasty turkey goodness.
5. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. Don’t be shy—this is what gives the sliders that sweet-tart flavor we love!
6. Season It Up:
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the cranberry sauce for an extra pop of flavor. Add a pinch of salt if you feel it’s needed, but the turkey and cranberry will already give a lot of taste!
7. Top It Off:
Now, take the top halves of the rolls and gently place them over the cranberry layer. This completes the sliders and holds everything together!
8. Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the fresh thyme leaves. Use a brush to spread this herb butter mixture over the tops of the slider rolls to give them a lovely golden finish.
9. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are warmed through and slightly toasted.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, remove the foil and let them cool for just a minute. If you want, garnish with a few extra fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful touch. Serve the sliders warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders make a perfect sweet-savory bite, ideal for appetizers, snacks, or light meals. Enjoy!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey from a holiday meal works perfectly for these sliders. Just shred or slice it and layer it in for that classic flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Cranberry Sauce?
If you’re out of cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with apple butter, raspberry jam, or make a quick sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst. Adjust sweetness to taste!
Can These Sliders Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and cover them tightly in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven for a quick reheat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick snack.