There’s something truly magical about the combination of turkey and cranberry sauce. For many of us, these two ingredients are inextricably linked with memories of holiday feasts and family gatherings. Picture this: The aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, mingling with the sweet, tangy scent of cranberry sauce bubbling away on the stove. It brings back nostalgia for hearty dinners around the table, laughter, and warm conversations.

With Thanksgiving past and the festive season in full swing, I found myself inspired to create a dish that captures all the joy of those holiday flavors—but can be enjoyed any time of year. Enter my Cranberry Turkey Sliders! These delightful little bites are the epitome of comfort food and make for a perfect appetizer for celebrations or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Recipe Timing

Prep Duration: 10 minutes
Active Cooking: 25 minutes
Total Duration: 35 minutes
Portion Size: Serves 8
Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

Calories per portion: Approximately 290
Protein: 14g per serving
Carbs: 28g per serving
Fats: 15g per serving
Fiber: 1g per serving
Sugars: 5g per serving
Sodium: 550mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Sliders

These sliders offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and the creamy Havarti or provolone cheese. The buttery, poppy seed topping provides a delightful crunch, making each bite utterly satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking—perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Imagine easing into your kitchen, the sun streaming through the window, as you gather the ingredients for these sliders. You’ll quickly find that the preparation is a breeze, with only a few simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish. There’s something so gratifying about layering flavors, and these sliders are the ideal canvas for showcasing how simple ingredients can harmonize to create something extraordinary.

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz) package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
1 lb deli turkey, thinly sliced
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
6 slices Havarti or provolone cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced dried onion
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for your sliders.

Step 3: Layer the Turkey

Layer the sliced deli turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This savory base adds richness to your sliders.

Step 4: Spread the Cranberry Sauce

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey. This is where the magic happens; the tartness of the cranberry will brighten the dish!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Layer the slices of Havarti or provolone cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. The creamy cheese melts beautifully, blending perfectly with the other flavors.

Step 6: Top with the Rolls

Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer to complete your slider sandwich.

Step 7: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and chives. Stir until well mixed, creating a flavor-packed topping for your sliders.

Step 8: Brush the Rolls

Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring every bite is infused with delicious flavor.

Step 9: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is pleasantly melted.

Step 10: Crisp the Tops

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and inviting.

Step 11: Serve Warm

Serve the sliders warm and enjoy the burst of flavors at your next gathering!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These sliders are delightful on their own or served alongside a light salad or vegetable platter for a balanced meal. You can also pair them with a crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider for a celebratory touch!

Storage & Leftovers Guide

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

Feel free to customize the sliders by adding additional toppings like sliced avocados, spinach, or even crispy bacon for an extra flavor kick.
Make them ahead of time! You can assemble everything a few hours in advance, cover, and pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Switch things up by trying different cheeses, or using leftover holiday turkey and homemade cranberry sauce for a festive twist. You could also experiment with spicy mustard or fresh herbs to suit your taste.

Reader Questions & Solutions

Can I use fresh turkey instead of deli turkey?
Yes! Just make sure to cook and slice it beforehand.
What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Any soft dinner rolls would work, but for a bolder flavor, try using onion rolls.
How do I make these sliders gluten-free?
Use gluten-free rolls and ensure the sauces you use are gluten-free as well.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the turkey with roasted vegetables or a plant-based deli slice.
How do I reheat the sliders without making them soggy?
Reheat them covered in foil in the oven to maintain warmth without steam.

Wrapping Up

In just about half an hour, you can bring the delightful flavors of a Thanksgiving meal to your table with these Cranberry Turkey Sliders. Deliciously gooey, sweet, and satisfying, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. So next time you’re craving comfort food or planning a gathering, give these sliders a try—and savor the smiles around the table!