Turkey Cranberry Sliders : The Perfect Holiday Sandwich

Nothing says holiday comfort like a warm, savory sandwich filled with turkey, cranberry, and a touch of indulgence. Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Christmas or Thanksgiving spread. Whether you’re preparing these sliders as part of your Christmas turkey sliders feast or using up leftovers after the big turkey dinner, these little sandwiches are perfect for any occasion.

Made with tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and sometimes brie or dressing, Turkey Cranberry Sliders offer a delightful balance of savory and sweet. With a buttery Hawaiian roll base, these sliders are baked to golden perfection, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

If you’re looking for more festive sandwich ideas, try our Turkey Dressing Cranberry Sliders or Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders for different variations of this holiday favorite.

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Why Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the Ultimate Holiday Sandwich

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. Here’s why they should be part of your holiday menu:

• Perfect for Leftovers: These sliders are a great way to repurpose leftover turkey, making them perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Mini Sandwiches, Big Flavor: The combination of turkey, cranberry, and sometimes cheese or dressing packs an impressive punch of flavor in a small, easy-to-eat slider.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, whether you add brie, stuffing, or spicy elements like jalapeños or Cajun seasoning.
• Great for Parties: These sliders are an ideal party appetizer or snack for gatherings, and they bake quickly, so you can serve them hot and fresh.
• Oven Baked Goodness: Oven-baked sliders offer that perfect crispy top while staying soft and gooey on the inside.

If you’re into slider recipes, you might also enjoy our Hawaiian Roll Turkey Cranberry or Cajun Turkey Sliders.

Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sliders

This recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you likely have on hand after your holiday feast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft slider buns)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced thin
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a sweeter finish)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For a spicier twist, try adding a bit of Cajun seasoning or jalapeños. You can also swap the brie for cheddar or provolone cheese, depending on your preference.

Looking for more turkey dinner ideas? Try our Oven Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders for a similar yet slightly different flavor profile!

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Turkey Cranberry Sliders

To make these sliders, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Baking dish (9×13 works best)
• Sharp knife for slicing rolls and turkey
• Basting brush for applying melted butter
• Small mixing bowl for combining the sauce
• Spatula for assembling the sliders

These sliders are easy to assemble, so you don’t need many complicated tools. Just the essentials for a quick and delicious meal.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders – Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Turkey Cranberry Sliders is as easy as layering ingredients and baking them. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sliders bake to a perfect golden-brown top.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as one big piece. You can also use regular slider buns if you prefer, but Hawaiian rolls add a sweetness that complements the cranberry and turkey beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Stir to combine. This mixture will serve as a creamy, tangy spread for your sliders. You can also add a pinch of Cajun seasoning here for a spicy kick if you’re making Cajun Turkey Sliders.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom half of the buns into your baking dish. Layer the shredded or sliced turkey on top, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. If you’re using brie cheese, add a few slices on top of the cranberry sauce. Then, spread the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the top of the cheese. Finally, place the top half of the buns on top, creating a perfect sandwich stack.

Step 5: Brush with Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the buns, using a basting brush. This step gives the sliders that irresistible golden, crispy finish. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the buns are golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice the sliders into individual sandwiches and serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.

These sliders are perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside sides like Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes or Creamy Mashed Potatoes.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

After your holiday dinner, don’t let those turkey leftovers go to waste! These Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect solution. Simply follow the same recipe, using your leftover turkey instead of cooking fresh turkey. You’ll still get that savory turkey flavor paired with sweet cranberry sauce and melty cheese.

For more leftover turkey ideas, try our Turkey Dinner Sliders for another fun way to use up leftovers.

Creative Variations of Turkey Cranberry Sliders

While the classic version of Turkey Cranberry Sliders is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders: Add a layer of brie cheese for a creamy, rich texture that complements the turkey and cranberry perfectly.
• Cajun Turkey Sliders: Spice things up by adding a bit of Cajun seasoning to the turkey or the sauce. This version adds a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
• Turkey Dressing Cranberry Sliders: For a stuffing-inspired version, add a spoonful of turkey dressing between the turkey and cranberry layers.
• Oven Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders: Make these sliders in a baking pan, allowing the flavors to meld together and bake to perfection in the oven.

If you love creative turkey sliders, try our Cranberry Turkey Sliders Wonky Wonderful for another fun variation.

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders are perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just need a simple meal. Serve them:

• At Parties: Set up a platter of sliders at your holiday party for guests to grab and go.
• As a Meal: Pair with side dishes like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or a Crispy Sweet Potato Salad for a well-rounded dinner.
• As a Snack: These sliders are great for post-Thanksgiving or Christmas afternoon snacking.

Storing and Reheating Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders store well for later use:

• In the fridge: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you need a more decadent meal, try pairing them with our Creamy Mushroom Soup for an extra indulgent lunch or dinner.

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FAQs About Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Can I make these sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate them. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different bread for the sliders?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are the most common, you can use any slider bun, or even substitute with whole wheat or sourdough for a different twist.

What other toppings can I add to these sliders?
Consider adding caramelized onions, arugula, or even a slice of crisp bacon for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Try These Turkey Cranberry Sliders This Holiday Season

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect holiday dish, combining all the best flavors of Thanksgiving or Christmas in one bite-sized treat. Whether you’re using leftovers or preparing fresh turkey, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.

Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering, and don’t forget to share it with friends, save it to your board, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious holiday meals!

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