Turkey Cranberry Sliders

If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than these Turkey Cranberry Sliders! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines the savory goodness of turkey with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, these sliders are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this dish truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me; once you try these Turkey Cranberry Sliders, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors packed into each bite.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting that everyone will enjoy.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Assemble them ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Deliciously Versatile: You can easily customize these sliders with your favorite cheese or toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for these Turkey Cranberry Sliders! Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to creating something scrumptious.

• 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
• 2 cups diced turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce or relish
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp dried minced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Dried parsley (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: If turkey isn’t available, shredded chicken works beautifully as a substitute!
• Choose different cheeses: Experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or arugula for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the turkey with roasted vegetables or mushrooms for a tasty meat-free option.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders will bake evenly and come out perfectly warm and gooey.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Cover a 9×13 baking pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later on.

Step 3: Cut the Rolls

Remove the rolls from their package in one piece. Carefully slice the entire slab in half lengthwise. You’ll have one top slab and one bottom slab—this is where all the delicious fillings will go!

Step 4: Assemble Your Sliders

Place the bottom slab of rolls in your prepared pan. Layer it generously with diced turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese. If your cranberry sauce is too thick, warm it briefly in the microwave for easier spreading.

Step 5: Add the Top Slab

Gently place the top slab of rolls over your layered fillings. This creates a beautiful sandwich ready to be baked!

Step 6: Mix Your Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the top of the rolls—this will add fantastic flavor!

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Cover the assembled sliders with foil and let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows all those yummy flavors to meld together nicely.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Bake your covered sliders in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. This allows them to heat through without getting too brown.

Step 9: Uncover & Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional five minutes until they’re golden brown on top.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

(Optional) Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and dried parsley over top before slicing into individual sliders. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying—perfect for any gathering or even just a cozy night at home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Creating the perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders is all about the little details that can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out deliciously every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh turkey and homemade cranberry sauce will enhance the flavors significantly compared to store-bought options. This ensures your sliders have a vibrant taste that stands out.
• Don’t skip the butter mix: The combination of melted butter, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce adds a unique depth of flavor and keeps the sliders moist. It’s this buttery goodness that makes every bite irresistible!
• Let them sit before baking: Allowing the assembled sliders to sit for 5-10 minutes before baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This extra step ensures a more harmonious taste in every slider.
• Adjust cheese choices: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to experiment with other types like provolone or cheddar. Different cheeses will give unique flavors that can personalize this dish to your liking.
• Serve warm: These sliders are best enjoyed warm straight out of the oven. This not only brings out the gooey cheese but also makes for a comforting and satisfying bite.

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not just delicious; they also make an impressive centerpiece for any gathering! Here are some fun ways to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cranberry drizzle: A light drizzle of extra cranberry sauce on top right before serving adds a tangy sweetness that complements the turkey perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a delightful contrast to the softness of the sliders, adding flavor and crunch.
• Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the sliders while adding a burst of color.
• Roasted veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots offer earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with your sliders.
• Apple slices with almond butter: For something light and sweet, serve sliced apples with almond butter on the side. This offers a crunchy texture and contrasts nicely with savory flavors.

With these tips and presentation ideas, your Turkey Cranberry Sliders will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy making them as much as you’ll enjoy eating them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without the fuss. Whether you want to whip them up in advance or store leftovers for later, I’ve got you covered!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s power.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Turkey Cranberry Sliders!

Can I use leftover turkey for Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Absolutely! In fact, this recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast.

How do I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders gluten-free?

To make these sliders gluten-free, simply swap out the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with gluten-free rolls that you enjoy!

Can I prepare Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

What cheese works best for Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Swiss cheese is a great option due to its mild flavor, but feel free to use your favorite cheese such as provolone or cheddar.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields 12 sliders, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prepping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Turkey Cranberry Sliders! They’re not only a delightful way to use up leftovers but also a comforting and delicious meal that brings warmth to any gathering. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Happy cooking!