Everyone's Favorite Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Let me share one of my absolute favorite ways to use up holiday leftovers. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are pure comfort food magic. I layer soft sweet rolls with turkey cranberry sauce and melty cheese then brush them with the most incredible seasoned butter before baking. They turn out golden and gorgeous every time and honestly they're so good you'll want to make turkey just for these.
Why These Sliders Are Always a Hit
You guys these little sandwiches are seriously amazing. They've got that perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory in every bite. I love how versatile they are whether I'm serving them for lunch throwing them together for a quick dinner or even making them for breakfast the next day. Plus they're such a fun way to transform those holiday leftovers into something totally new and delicious.
Everything You Need to Make Them
- The Base: Grab some Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns they're perfectly soft and a little sweet.
- Cheese Please: I love using Swiss but Havarti provolone or cheddar work great too.
- The Star: Leftover turkey is perfect but deli turkey works in a pinch.
- Sweet Tangy Touch: Your favorite cranberry sauce homemade or canned both work.
- Magic Topping: Melted butter makes everything better.
- Extra Flavor: A bit of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and dried basil make everything pop.
- Optional Pretty: Poppy seeds look so cute on top.
Let's Make These Together
- Getting Started
- Heat your oven to 375°F line a baking dish with foil and give it a quick spray.
- Building Your Sliders
- Cut those rolls in half keep them connected put the bottoms in your dish then layer on cheese turkey cranberry sauce more cheese and pop the tops back on.
- The Secret Sauce
- Melt your butter mix in the Dijon Worcestershire and seasonings then brush it all over those buns.
- Baking Time
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes then uncover for another 5 to 10 until they're all golden and the cheese is perfectly melty.
- Time to Eat
- Cut them into individual sliders and watch them disappear.
My Best Tips for Success
Always grate your own cheese it melts so much better. Want them extra crispy? Give those buns a quick toast before assembly. Love things sweet? Try adding a touch of honey to your butter mixture. And trust me make extra these disappear fast at parties.
Keeping Them Fresh
Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container they'll stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat just warm them up in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave.
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
Don't be afraid to get creative. Try different rolls mix up your cheese choices or swap the turkey for chicken or ham. Sometimes I add a little kick with sriracha or red pepper flakes. It's all about making them your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use deli turkey instead of leftovers?
Yes, deli turkey works great when you don't have leftovers. Choose thick-cut turkey for the best texture.
- What kind of rolls work best?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are perfect, but any connected dinner rolls work well. The key is keeping them connected while assembling.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and add the butter sauce just before baking. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
- What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Provolone, Havarti, or white cheddar work well. Any mild, melty cheese that complements turkey will do.
- Can I freeze these sliders?
While best fresh, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw overnight and add the butter sauce just before baking.