When time is tight but your cravings for a comforting, delicious meal are high, Quick Cranberry Turkey Sliders come to the rescue. These bite-sized delights are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or holiday leftovers. With their sweet and savory layers of thinly sliced turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, gooey cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls topped with a buttery glaze, they’re guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

The best part? You can have these crowd-pleasers on the table in under 30 minutes. This guide will take you through every step of creating these sliders, ensuring success every time.

What Are Cranberry Turkey Sliders?

A Delightful Blend of Flavors and Textures

Cranberry Turkey Sliders combine tender turkey with tart cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and buttery rolls for a sandwich that’s indulgent yet quick to prepare. Their bite-sized format makes them perfect for a variety of occasions, from holiday parties to busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these sliders are ready in no time.
• Versatile: Great for using up leftover turkey or starting fresh with deli slices.
• Perfect for Sharing: Their size makes them ideal for group gatherings or family meals.

Ingredients for Quick Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Main Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Hawaiian rolls (12 count)	1 (16 oz) package
Deli turkey (thinly sliced)	1 lb
Cranberry sauce	1 cup
Havarti or provolone cheese	6 slices

Butter Topping

For the buttery glaze that elevates these sliders:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (melted)	4 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce	2 teaspoons
Dijon mustard	2 teaspoons
Minced dried onion	2 teaspoons
Poppy seeds	2 teaspoons
Fresh chives (minced)	2 teaspoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Prepare the Rolls

• Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the rolls connected to maintain structure.
• Place the bottom half of the rolls in the greased baking dish.

Layer the Ingredients

1. Turkey: Arrange the sliced deli turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
2. Cranberry Sauce: Spread 1 cup of cranberry sauce across the turkey layer. Use whole berry or jellied sauce based on your preference.
3. Cheese: Lay 6 slices of Havarti or provolone cheese over the cranberry sauce, ensuring even coverage.
4. Top Layer: Place the top half of the rolls over the assembled layers.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Topping

• In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh chives

This mixture will add flavor and texture to the slider tops.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Apply the Topping

• Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture, making sure to cover every corner.

Bake

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

Step 5: Brown the Tops

• Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven. Bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the sliders warm, straight from the baking dish, and watch them disappear.

Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time

1. Choose the Right Cheese
   
   • Havarti melts beautifully and offers a creamy texture, but Swiss or cheddar are great alternatives.
2. Customize the Topping
   
   • Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture for a unique twist.
3. Prep Ahead
   
   • Assemble the sliders up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. Serve Immediately
   
   • These sliders are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is gooey and the rolls are crisp.

Creative Variations for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Use Leftover Turkey
  
  • Swap deli turkey for shredded Thanksgiving leftovers to reduce waste and add a homestyle touch.
• Sweet and Spicy
  
  • Add a layer of sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Option
  
  • Replace turkey with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
• Add a Crunch
  
  • Layer in crispy bacon or fried onions for added texture.

FAQs About Quick Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?

Yes! Both whole berry and jellied varieties work well in this recipe.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Can I Freeze Assembled Sliders?

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Soggy Rolls?

Apply a light layer of cranberry sauce and avoid overfilling the sliders to keep the rolls from getting soggy.

Can I Use Other Types of Rolls?

Yes! While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness, dinner rolls or brioche buns are excellent substitutes.

Conclusion

These Quick Cranberry Turkey Sliders combine the best of sweet and savory flavors with the ease of a simple recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. With its tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and buttery topping, every bite is a burst of holiday-inspired comfort.

Don’t wait for the holidays to try these sliders. Grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the compliments that are bound to come your way. Let us know how yours turn out—we’d love to hear about your creations!