These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect little bites packed with flavor! Tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and soft buns come together for a tasty treat that’s hard to resist.
They’re great for parties or just because you’re craving something fun! I love serving them with a side of chips for a simple snack that always satisfies. Everyone will want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I prefer soft brioche or Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness and fluffiness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat slider buns work well too!
Turkey: Cooked turkey breast is best, but you can use leftover turkey from a holiday meal. If you’re vegetarian, swap in roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein for a tasty alternative.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is fantastic but canned works in a pinch! If you want to reduce sugar, try a natural fruit spread instead.
Cheese: Swiss and provolone melt beautifully, but feel free to use cheddar for a sharper flavor or a dairy-free cheese to suit dietary needs.
How Do I Keep My Sliders From Getting Soggy?
To ensure your sliders remain delightful, avoid sogginess by following these tips:
- Don’t overload with cranberry sauce. A tablespoon per slider is just enough for flavor.
- Brush the tops with butter right before baking to create a protective barrier against moisture.
- Cover with foil for the first part of baking to help melt the cheese, and then remove it to allow the tops to crisp up.
Following these tips, your sliders will be perfectly moist without falling apart. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft, preferably brioche or Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy dish. In total, you can have these delicious sliders ready in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the sliders bake evenly and come out warm and melty!
2. Prep the Buns:
Take your slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish. This is where all the yummy fillings will go!
3. Add the Turkey:
Evenly divide the cooked turkey breast among the bottom buns. Give each slider a good pile of turkey so it’s nice and hearty.
4. Top with Cheese:
Now, place half slices of your choice of cheese (Swiss or provolone) on top of the turkey. Each slider should have a generous amount of melty cheese—it makes all the difference!
5. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Next, take a tablespoon of cranberry sauce and spoon it over the cheese on each slider. This adds a sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey.
6. Place the Top Buns:
Carefully place the top halves of the slider buns back on top of the cranberry sauce layer. Press them down gently to pack it all together.
7. Brush with Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a brush to slather this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns. This will help create a beautiful golden crust.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake for about 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the sliders to warm up thoroughly.
9. Bake Uncovered:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This helps toast the tops and make them a little crispy.
10. Garnish & Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the sliders out of the oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like. Serve them warm, and enjoy!
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect combination of flavors, making them an easy and delightful meal or appetizer that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey from holiday meals is perfect for these sliders. Just make sure it’s shredded or thinly sliced for easier layering.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and cover them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, try using a fruit chutney, apple sauce, or a savory spread like pesto for a different flavor profile!
