It’s a misty afternoon here in Bend, Oregon. The Ponderosa pines outside our window look like giants soaking in the late fall rain, and inside, the air smells sweetly of cinnamon and something savory. That smell is the signature of our annual holiday dilemma: what to do with glorious, abundant leftover turkey? I’m serious, every year after Thanksgiving dinner, Ethan, bless his heart, will stand by the fridge asking, “Are we really going to eat turkey sandwiches for a week, Cin?”
Not this year, darling. Not when we can transform those familiar flavors into CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS. These aren’t just sandwiches, they are little pockets of celebration. They are the perfect solution for using up that beautiful bird and turning Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting. When I first experimented with these festive turkey sliders, I knew I had struck gold. Olivia, who usually eyes new creations with skepticism, devoured three straight off the pan. James just called them “mini holiday bombs,” and honestly, that’s exactly right.
We’re stepping away from the standard cold, slightly soggy sandwich bread and embracing the magic of the sweet Hawaiian rolls. If you are searching for an easy cranberry turkey sliders recipe that screams comfort and convenience, you have found it. These baked turkey sliders are brushed with a savory, buttery sauce that caramelizes the rolls just enough to keep them structured while melting the layers of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry sauce within. Whether you use deli turkey or your prized roast bird, learning how to make cranberry turkey sliders is a game-changer for casual weeknight dinners or, even better, as a crowd pleasing appetizer for holiday entertaining. This recipe is designed to manage large batches easily, making it the best cranberry turkey slider recipe I’ve ever developed at MisterRecipes.com.
I don’t chase perfection in food, I chase connection, and nothing brings people together faster than a warm, shared platter of gooey, delicious Hawaiian roll turkey sliders. They elevate the simple act of eating lunch or watching the game into a comforting experience. They are also fantastic for making ahead, which is a blessing during the frantic holiday season in Bend!
Why You’ll Love This CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS Recipe
- Fast and Easy: They require minimal prep time, making them the definition of a quick turkey sliders recipe. You can have these assembled and baking in under 15 minutes.
- The Ultimate Leftover Lifeline: Perfect for repurposing that roasted turkey, making them essential for Thanksgiving leftover ideas.
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of salty turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy Provolone, and the savory dijon mustard butter sauce is unbeatable.
- Party Perfect: Easily scalable, these are ideal as party turkey sliders or as a stunning centerpiece for holiday entertaining ideas. Everyone loves a miniature sandwich.
- No Damp Disaster: We use a specific layering technique to ensure these no soggy buns sliders stay perfectly structured and delightfully crisp on top.
Ingredients for CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
The beauty of these turkey cranberry sliders lies in their simplicity. We focus on maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
- Hawaiian Dinner Rolls: One 12-pack of the classic sweet Hawaiian rolls. These are non-negotiable for their airy texture and sweetness.
- Sliced Turkey: About 1 pound. This can be high-quality deli turkey (look for low-sodium) or generous slices of leftover turkey roast.
- Cranberry Sauce: ½ cup. I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but homemade cranberry relish works beautifully too.
- Cheese: 6-8 slices. I find Provolone or Havarti melts beautifully and offers a nice mild counterpoint, but Swiss cheese sliders are also popular.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick). Melted, unsalted butter is the base for our signature savory topping.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons. This adds a crucial tang to balance the rich butter and sweetness of the rolls. Don’t skip this!
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. For a deep, umami complexity in the butter sauce.
- Poppy Seeds: 1 teaspoon. Optional, but they add a wonderful visual appeal and textural crunch to the top of the buttered rolls recipe.
How to Make CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
This method ensures your baked cranberry turkey sliders are perfectly heated through, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the rolls are golden crisp on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions for CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray. Keeping the Hawaiian dinner rolls attached, slice the entire block of rolls horizontally, creating a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Filling: This is where we prevent the dreaded soggy bottom! Start with half of your cheese slices directly on the bottom buns. This acts as a moisture barrier. Next, layer the sliced turkey evenly over the cheese. If you’re using thick, roast turkey, aim for a single but generous layer.
- Add the Cranberry Kick: Spread the cranberry sauce (whether it’s whole berry cranberry sauce or a smooth variety) over the turkey layer. Be careful not to use too much, as it will make the filling slide out. Just a thin, flavorful coating is perfect.
- Finish the Layers: Top the cranberry sauce with the remaining slices of cheese. This top cheese layer locks everything in. Place the top half of the rolls back into position over the filling.
- Mix the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. The Dijon provides the necessary acid and zest to the dijon mustard butter sauce, cutting through the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Brush and Bake: Pour the butter sauce evenly over the tops of the sliders, using a pastry brush to ensure every roll receives a generous coating, especially along the edges. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
- The Melt: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes. This steaming period guarantees the cheese is fully melted and the interior is warm.
- The Crisp: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and perfectly glossy. The scent that fills your kitchen right now is the smell of pure comfort.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. These are best served hot, straight from the oven, as simple cranberry turkey sliders recipe perfection!
Pro Tips & Variations of CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
A great recipe is one that adapts to your kitchen and your cravings. Here are a few ways to make these festive turkey sliders uniquely yours.
The Cheese Factor: Melted Cheese Sliders
Choosing the right cheese is crucial for achieving that signature gooey interior. While I recommend Provolone or Havarti, don’t be afraid to experiment. For a richer, sharper taste, use white cheddar. For a slightly smoky note, a Smoked Gouda works wonders, turning these into true gourmet slider recipes. Remember, the goal is always perfectly melted cheese sliders.
The Everything Bagel Upgrade
For extra crunch and flavor, replace the poppy seeds in the butter sauce with a tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. The garlic and sesame seeds add a new dimension to these make ahead party sliders. We love using this seasoning on everything, even on some of my air fryer chicken recipes like the Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, so why not here too?
Leftover Thanksgiving Feast Sliders
To make these the ultimate celebration of post-holiday feasting, sneak in extra elements. Try adding a thin layer of stuffing or even a tablespoon of softened cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs right underneath the turkey. This is how you make the most decadent leftover thanksgiving sliders.
Make Ahead Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These are fantastic for parties. You can assemble the full tray, including the butter sauce and topping, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed. They are truly the perfect make ahead appetizer.
Alternative Proteins
If you don’t have turkey, this recipe works just as well with other proteins. Sliced ham and swiss cheese is a classic combination. In fact, many slider recipes thanksgiving variations feature ham alongside turkey for variety. For a smokier take, consider thinly sliced leftover roast beef.
CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS Serving Suggestions
These mini sandwiches are filling, but they pair perfectly with a few crisp sides, especially when serving them as game day sliders or a holiday lunch.
- Crispy Vegetables: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. If you have an air fryer, try making our Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Carrots for a sweet and savory side.
- Soup: During the cold Bend winters, pairing these warm sliders with a creamy tomato soup or a hearty butternut squash soup is absolute heaven.
- Potato Goodness: You can never go wrong with a batch of hot Air Fryer French Fries or even some crispy sweet potato wedges.
- Dipping Gravy: If you have leftover gravy from Thanksgiving, serve it warm alongside the sliders for dipping. It’s an indulgent touch that will thrill your guests.
CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS Storage & Reheating
While these are truly best served hot and fresh, sometimes you end up with a few lingering quick turkey sliders.
- Storage: Store any cooled, leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since they are already baked, they might lose a little crispness on the top but the interior flavors will still be wonderful.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat them is in the oven or, even better, the air fryer. Place the sliders (uncovered) on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes, until the cheese melts again and the tops crisp up slightly. Avoid the microwave, which will make the rolls rubbery and dense.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing fully assembled baked turkey sliders, as the texture of the cranberry sauce and butter sauce can change drastically upon thawing.
FAQ about CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
How do I make the Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls?
It’s very easy. You simply take the block of 12 rolls without separating them, cut them horizontally, load the bottom half with cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce, replace the top, and then brush with a savory butter sauce made from melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire before baking. This assembly keeps the fillings locked in place and is exactly how we recommend making the sweet Hawaiian roll turkey sandwiches.
Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Absolutely. Deli turkey recipe is often preferred for these easy turkey sliders because the thin slices stack neatly and heat thoroughly without drying out. Just ensure you choose quality, thick-cut deli meat for the best flavor.
What is the secret to a good dijon mustard butter sauce for sliders?
The secret is the balance. You need the richness of butter and the subtle depth of the Worcestershire sauce, but the Dijon is key. It provides an acidic brightness that cuts through the fat and sweetness of the rolls, creating the perfect contrast that makes these cranberry turkey sliders with butter sauce irresistible. Some people add dried onion flakes, but I find the mustard does the heavy lifting.
How far in advance can I assemble these cranberry turkey sliders for parties?
You can assemble the full sliders, including brushing on the butter sauce, up to 12 hours ahead of time. Store them tightly covered in foil in the refrigerator. When it’s time to bake, follow the instructions precisely: transfer directly to the oven, covered, then uncover to crisp the top. This makes them ideal for a stress-free potluck or Christmas Day brunch.
Why are my Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders soggy?
Sogginess usually comes down to two factors: too much liquid (excess cranberry sauce or runny butter topping) or poor layering. To ensure no soggy buns sliders, always put a layer of cheese directly beneath any wet filling (like cranberry sauce). Covering them with foil initially allows them to steam and melt, but you must remove the foil for the final few minutes so the rolls can crisp up and toast.
Final Thoughts
Food is memory. When Ethan snaps photos of these little mountains of savory-sweet comfort, I know he’s not just capturing a recipe, he’s documenting a moment of winter warmth in our Bend kitchen. Olivia and James rushing in from the cold, the smell of baked sandwiches filling the air, the collective sigh of satisfaction as everyone reaches for a second slider—that is what I cook for.
These CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS are simply the perfect way to embrace the comfort food season without spending all day in the kitchen. Pin this easy party appetizer for later, and gather your loved ones around the table. Because the best recipes, like the best stories, are always shared.
Happy cooking from my skillet to yours!
CRANBERRY TURKEY SLIDERS
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray.
- Keeping the Hawaiian dinner rolls attached, slice the entire block of rolls horizontally, creating a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
- Start with half of your cheese slices directly on the bottom buns to prevent sogginess. Next, layer the sliced turkey evenly over the cheese.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. Use a thin, flavorful coating to avoid making the filling slide out.
- Top the cranberry sauce with the remaining slices of cheese to lock everything in place.
- Place the top half of the rolls back into position over the filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Pour the butter sauce evenly over the tops of the sliders, using a pastry brush to ensure every roll receives a generous coating, especially along the edges. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the fillings.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and perfectly glossy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve hot for best results.
