These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a tasty mix of savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce, all packed between soft, mini buns. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dinner!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bite-sized sandwich? I love serving these with a side of chips—just to keep things classy (or not!). They’re super easy to make, and gone in seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls work best for these sliders. If you can’t find slider buns, use cut-up hamburger buns or even mini bagels for a fun twist!
Turkey: I love using leftover turkey, especially after holidays. If turkey isn’t available, rotisserie chicken makes a tasty substitute. Just shred it up!
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade cranberry sauce if you have it—it adds a personal touch. If you’re out of cranberry sauce, a fruit chutney can also work, adding sweetness and a bit of spice.
Cream Cheese: Provolone and Swiss are favorites, but feel free to substitute with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor. They melt wonderfully, too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Melted Cheese on My Sliders?
Getting that gooey, melted cheese texture is all about the heat and time. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Covering the sliders with foil at first helps trap steam, gently melting the cheese while keeping the buns soft.
- Remove the foil towards the end to allow the tops to brown a bit and add crunch.
Let them cool for a couple of minutes after baking; this also helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to bite into. Enjoy!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 lb cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious sliders ready to serve for your guests or your own enjoyment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders cook evenly and get that nice, melty cheese texture!
2. Prepare the Buns:
Slice each slider bun in half horizontally. Take the bottom halves and lay them out on a baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish. It’s like setting up a little sandwich stage!
3. Add a Flavorful Spread:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this delicious mixture on the bottom halves of the buns. This adds creaminess and a bit of zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey and cranberry.
4. Layer the Turkey:
Now, take your sliced or shredded turkey and evenly layer it over the mayo-mustard spread. Make sure to cover the buns well so every bite is packed with goodness!
5. Time for Cheese:
Next, take half slices of provolone or Swiss cheese and place them on top of the turkey. This is where it starts to get cheesy and wonderful.
6. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the cheese. This adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory turkey so well!
7. Cover with the Tops:
Place the top halves of the buns over the cranberry sauce, creating little sandwich masterpieces.
8. Butter the Buns:
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful, golden finish when baked!
9. Optional Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top buns for extra flavor and a nice look.
10. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes for a crisp finish on top!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy these delightful mini sandwiches with family and friends!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for These Sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey from holiday meals works perfectly here. Just shred it or slice it thinly, and you’ll have a delicious and easy meal ready in no time!
Can I Make the Sliders in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sliders up to the baking step and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature or use a microwave, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep the buns from drying out.
Can I Use Other Cheeses?
Definitely! You can substitute provolone or Swiss with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the turkey and cranberry flavors!
