There’s nothing quite like the tangy sweetness of cranberry turkey sliders to liven up your table. These bite-sized delights are the perfect blend of savory turkey, zesty cranberry sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into soft, buttery rolls.

I first discovered this recipe while brainstorming ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers creatively, and it quickly became a year-round favorite. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these sliders deliver on flavor and simplicity. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible take on classic turkey sliders. These mini sandwiches are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, guaranteed to impress your family or guests.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Great for Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, especially after holiday feasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors – juicy turkey, tart cranberry, and buttery rolls – makes these sliders a hit at parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Versatile: You can customize these sliders with different cheeses, sauces, or toppings to suit your preferences.

So whether you're hosting a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these sliders are sure to be a winner.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.

Turkey: Use shredded or sliced roast turkey for the filling. Leftovers work wonderfully, but deli turkey is a great substitute if you don’t have any on hand.
Cranberry Sauce: The star of the show! Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce to add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is my top pick for these sliders. Its mild, nutty flavor complements the turkey and cranberry sauce perfectly. Havarti or provolone are great alternatives.
Slider Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet rolls, like Hawaiian rolls, are the ideal choice. Their fluffy texture and buttery flavor tie everything together.
Butter Glaze: A mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, and seasonings takes these sliders to the next level, adding richness and a touch of savory tang.

No special equipment is needed, but a baking dish or sheet pan will make assembly and baking a breeze.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Creating these cranberry turkey sliders is as simple as layering and baking. Here’s how it’s done:

Prepare the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottoms intact as one layer and the tops as another. Place the bottom layer in a greased baking dish.
Layer the Fillings: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer the turkey slices evenly, followed by the cheese. Add a little extra cranberry sauce on top for more flavor, then place the top layer of rolls back on.
Make the Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in Dijon mustard, a pinch of garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Bake Until Golden: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing them apart. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

These sliders take about 25 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick and satisfying option.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with these sliders!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerate: Store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual sliders in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Swap the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, brie, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Thinly sliced onions or baby spinach add extra texture and nutrients.
Use Chicken Instead: No turkey? Shredded rotisserie chicken works just as well.
Sweeten It Up: Drizzle a little honey or use a cranberry-orange sauce for a sweeter twist.
Make It Spicy: Add a layer of spicy mayo or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter glaze for a kick.

With so many ways to customize, you’ll never tire of these tasty sliders. Have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors and ingredients!

Cranberry turkey sliders are more than just a meal – they’re an experience. Whether you’re savoring the mix of flavors at a holiday gathering or whipping them up for a casual dinner, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to hear, "Can I have the recipe?" on repeat!