Cranberry Turkey Sliders

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 5, 2025

Featured in: Lunch

Cranberry Turkey Sliders bring together the comforting flavors of savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce, layered with creamy cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. This delightful combination makes them a festive favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers with family and friends.

The easy assembly and quick baking time mean you can whip these sliders up with leftover turkey or fresh ingredients, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option whenever you want a bite full of warmth and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare and bake, ideal for busy holiday parties or game day snacks.
Combines savory, sweet, and creamy textures for a perfect bite every time.
Uses soft Hawaiian rolls for an irresistibly tender base that complements all fillings.
Customizable with different cheeses and spreads to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Hawaiian rolls (16 oz, 12 count): Soft and slightly sweet rolls provide a tender and flavorful base that holds all the fillings perfectly.
Deli turkey (1 lb, thinly sliced): Lean turkey slices offer savory protein and balance the sweet cranberry with delightful texture.
Cranberry sauce (1 cup, jellied or whole berry): Adds a bright, sweet-tart layer that enhances the holiday-inspired flavor profile.
Havarti or provolone cheese (6 slices): Melts beautifully to create a creamy, mild richness that ties the sandwich ingredients together.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Used to make a flavorful brushed topping that crisps and browns the slider tops.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Provides subtle umami depth and a touch of tanginess to the butter topping.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle sharpness and complexity in the brushed sauce, balancing rich flavors.
Minced dried onion (2 teaspoons): Infuses the butter mixture with savory onion notes and slight crunch.
Poppy seeds (2 teaspoons): Offer a mild nutty texture and decorative appeal on the slider tops.
Fresh chives, minced (2 teaspoons): Adds a fresh, mild onion-like brightness and color to the butter glaze.

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish and Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as a single unit. Place the bottom half in the baking dish to form the sandwich base. This keeps your sliders together for easy baking and serving.
Layer the Turkey and Cranberry Sauce: Evenly layer thinly sliced deli turkey over the bottom rolls. Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey, ensuring each bite will have the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The cranberry sauce adds moisture and a festive tartness that complements the turkey beautifully.
Add Cheese and Top with Rolls: Place slices of Havarti or provolone cheese evenly on top of the cranberry sauce. Then carefully lay the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese, pressing slightly to secure all layers. The cheese melts during baking, binding the flavors together and adding a creamy texture.
Mix and Brush Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh chives. Whisk until fully blended. Generously brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the rolls, which helps create a golden-brown, savory crust when baked.
Bake Covered and Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. This ensures the sliders heat through and the cheese melts thoroughly. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 3-5 minutes to let the tops turn golden-brown and slightly crisp, enhancing their texture and appearance.
Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool briefly. Serve warm for the best flavor and melting texture. These sliders make fantastic appetizers or party snacks that guests will love to grab and savor.

You Must Know

If using leftover turkey, ensure it is sliced thin for easy layering and even heating.
Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture, while jellied cranberry sauce offers smoothness; choose based on preference.
Make these sliders ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cranberry turkey sliders tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven or microwave to keep the cheese melted and bread soft.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with a crisp green salad or sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal. They also go well with a warm bowl of soup or your favorite holiday side dishes.

Professional Tips

Brush the butter mixture generously on the tops for an even, flavorful crust and appealing look.
Use fresh herbs in the butter mix to brighten flavors; substitute chives with thyme or rosemary if desired.
For a vegetarian twist, replace turkey with grilled vegetables or your choice of plant-based deli slices.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for these sliders?: Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly and saves time, just slice it thinly for even layering and quick reheating.
What cheese works best for these sliders?: Havarti and provolone melt well and offer mild flavors that complement turkey and cranberry without overpowering.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance?: Absolutely, assemble them ahead and cover tightly in the refrigerator; bake right before serving for fresh warmth.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?: Yes, substitute turkey with grilled vegetables or plant-based deli alternatives to accommodate vegetarian diets.
What is the role of the butter mixture?: The butter mixture adds moisture, rich flavor, and helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy top during baking.
Can I freeze these sliders?: It’s best to freeze the components separately but assembled sliders may lose texture quality; refrigerate for best results.
Are these sliders gluten-free?: Use gluten-free rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls to make the sliders suitable for gluten-free diets.