If you are on the lookout for a perfect party appetizer or a comforting snack with a delightful holiday twist, these CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS are about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender slices of turkey layered atop soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, a generous spread of tangy cranberry sauce, creamy melted cheese, and a buttery poppy seed glaze adding that extra pop of flavor. These little sandwiches are not only packed with a burst of festive flavors but also come together in a snap, making them ideal for everything from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. Let me take you through every delicious detail of how to bring these sliders to life in your kitchen.

CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture you’ll love in your CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS.

Hawaiian rolls (16 oz, 12 count): Soft, slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect pillowy base for your sliders.
Deli turkey (1 lb, thinly sliced): Lean and savory, this is the hearty star protein of the sliders.
Cranberry sauce (1 cup, jellied or whole berry): Adds that signature tart sweetness that perfectly complements the turkey.
Havarti or provolone cheese (6 slices): Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, mellow layer that balances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Used to make a savory glaze that delivers rich flavor and a golden crust.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Brings depth and umami to the butter glaze.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle tang that brightens every bite.
Minced dried onion (2 teaspoons): Offers a mild oniony note to the buttery topping.
Poppy seeds (2 teaspoons): Provide a delightful crunch and visual interest.
Fresh minced chives (2 teaspoons): Sprinkle of fresh herb flavor that lightens and freshens the glaze.

How to Make CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. Then carefully slice your Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise, placing the bottom halves snugly into the dish to form a sturdy, sweet base.

Step 2: Layer the Turkey and Spread Cranberry Sauce

Next, lay down your thinly sliced deli turkey evenly over the rolls, ensuring each slider will have that savory meaty goodness. On top of the turkey, spread a generous, even layer of cranberry sauce — rebel a little and choose whole berry if you like that extra texture and burst of real fruit!

Step 3: Add Cheese and Close the Sliders

For the next layer, drape six slices of your chosen cheese, like creamy Havarti or melty provolone, across the cranberry-topped turkey. Then, carefully place the top halves of the rolls over this luscious stack, preparing them for their flavorful glaze.

Step 4: Make and Apply the Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh chives. This glaze is where the magic happens — it infuses the sliders with buttery richness and a gorgeous golden color. Generously brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring each slider is well-coated.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sliders to warm through perfectly. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to brown the tops, creating a deliciously crisp, caramelized finish.

How to Serve CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS

Garnishes

While these sliders are ready to be enjoyed as is, a sprinkle of extra fresh chives or a few thin slices of green apple on the side can add a refreshing pop of color and brightness. If you’re feeling festive, a few whole cranberries scattered on the serving platter look beautiful and invite guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with simple sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. The sweetness in the rolls and cranberry sauce contrasts nicely with salty or savory sides, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS the life of the party, serve them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe or arrange them on a festive platter with colorful napkins. You can even separate each slider with decorative toothpicks topped with mini flags or cranberry-themed charms to ramp up the seasonal appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them covered tightly ensures the bread stays soft and the flavors remain just as delicious when you reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the entire assembled sliders (before baking) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This makes for an easy freezer meal—just bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy! They’ll keep well for up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat your CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS by placing them in a preheated oven at 325ºF, covered with foil, for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp the tops back up.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet fluffiness, you can use slider buns, dinner rolls, or even small brioche buns. Just choose something soft enough to absorb flavors without overpowering the turkey and cranberry.

What cheese works best in CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS?

Havarti and provolone are classics because they melt nicely and have mild tastes that won’t compete with the cranberry’s tang. However, Swiss or mozzarella can be great alternatives if you prefer their flavor profiles.

Is it okay to use leftover turkey?

Yes! Leftover turkey works perfectly in these sliders. Just make sure it’s sliced thin for the best layering, and you’ll have a quick and tasty way to reinvent your Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the turkey for thick slices of roasted portobello mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat, and you still get the beautiful cranberry, cheese, and buttery glaze that make these so irresistible.

How spicy is the butter glaze?

The butter glaze is mild with just a subtle tang from the Dijon mustard and a rich savoriness from the Worcestershire sauce. It’s designed to complement, not overpower, the cranberry and turkey flavors.

Final Thoughts

These CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS have quickly become one of my absolute favorite treats to whip up when I want something that feels special but is effortlessly easy. They offer a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, holiday party, or just because, I promise these sliders will bring a little extra joy to your table. Give them a try, and watch how fast they disappear!