Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Tasty Holiday Twist

Crafting delightful cranberry turkey sliders can turn an ordinary meal into a spectacular gathering.

Small sandwiches pack incredible flavor combinations that surprise hungry guests.

Tender meat pairs perfectly with tart cranberry sauce, creating a mouthwatering contrast.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in these miniature delights that everyone will adore.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these sliders come together without complicated techniques.

Succulent turkey nestled between soft rolls makes an irresistible centerpiece for casual entertaining.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future game days and spontaneous celebrations.

FAQs

• What are cranberry turkey sliders good for?

These mini sandwiches are perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, and quick lunch or dinner options that are easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just add the butter mixture and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.

• What type of turkey works best for these sliders?

Deli-sliced turkey works great, but leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken are also excellent alternatives that add extra flavor.

• Are these sliders kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of sweet cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and soft slider buns makes these sandwiches appealing to both children and adults.

Why Cranberry Turkey Sliders Are So Festive

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: These sliders are perfect for busy families, offering a speedy meal solution that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Packed with tangy cranberry sauce and savory turkey, these mini sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit at game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or meat to match dietary preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different tastes and nutritional needs.
• Simple Seasonal Delight: Combining classic holiday flavors in a convenient slider format, this recipe transforms traditional ingredients into a modern, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls perfect for creating mini sandwiches.

• Turkey, Swiss Cheese: Lean protein and creamy cheese that provide a classic sandwich combination.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Cranberry Sauce: Creamy, tangy spreads that add moisture and flavor to the sliders.

• Butter, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Poppy Seeds: Savory, aromatic mixture that creates a golden, flavorful crust on the buns.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.

This will ensure the perfect temperature for your sliders.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns

Carefully slice your slider buns horizontally, creating top and bottom halves.

Gently place the bottom halves into a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Base

Spread a smooth layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard across the bottom buns, creating a tangy foundation for your sliders.

Step 4: Build the Slider Stack

• Tender turkey slices
• Sweet cranberry sauce
• Creamy Swiss cheese

Arrange these ingredients evenly to ensure a perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Top and Seal

Gently place the top buns back onto the prepared slider stacks.

Step 6: Prepare the Flavor Boost

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Poppy seeds

Whisk these ingredients together to create a aromatic butter mixture.

Step 7: Brush and Enhance

Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top buns with the butter mixture, adding extra flavor and helping them turn golden.

Step 8: First Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to start melting.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops become beautifully golden and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Pull the sliders out of the oven and serve immediately while they’re warm and inviting.

Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!

Helpful Tips for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Cut slider buns evenly to ensure each sandwich looks neat and cooks uniformly.
• Mix melted butter with garlic and onion powder for an extra flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Let Swiss cheese melt completely by covering the dish initially, then removing foil to achieve golden perfection.
• Assemble sliders in advance and refrigerate, then bake right before serving to save time during gatherings.
• Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, adjusting sweetness to complement the savory turkey and cheese.

Flavor Options for Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

• Vegetarian Sliders: Replace turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add jalapeños or sriracha sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for extra heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap slider buns with large lettuce leaves and use a low-carb cranberry sauce alternative for a lighter meal.

What Goes Well With Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with extra cranberry sauce and mustard on the side for dipping.
• Picnic Companion: Pack these sliders in an insulated container for outdoor gatherings, keeping them warm and delicious during travels.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside crisp coleslaw and pickle spears for a complete sports-watching spread that will impress friends and family.
• Brunch Brilliant: Pair with a light mixed green salad and sparkling apple cider for a midday meal that feels elegant yet casual.

Store Cranberry Turkey Sliders the Right Way

• Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent soggy buns.
• Place cooled sliders in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sliders, place on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Heat refrigerated sliders for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent tough buns.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders merge holiday flavors in miniature sandwiches perfect for gatherings. Juicy turkey patties topped with tangy cranberry sauce create a delightful bite-sized treat you’ll crave at parties and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey (shredded or sliced)
• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices Swiss cheese

Sauce and Condiments:

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350F (175C).
2. Carefully halve slider buns horizontally, maintaining their structural integrity.
3. Grease a baking dish and arrange bottom bun halves in a single layer.
4. Apply a uniform layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard across the bottom bun surfaces.
5. Strategically layer sliced turkey meat to create an even coverage.
6. Spoon cranberry sauce generously over the turkey, ensuring consistent distribution.
7. Place Swiss cheese slices atop the cranberry sauce layer.
8. Gently position top bun halves to complete the slider assemblage.
9. Melt butter and combine with garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds in a small mixing bowl.
10. Thoroughly brush the prepared butter mixture over the exposed bun surfaces.
11. Carefully cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
12. Bake covered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to partially melt.
13. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until buns turn golden and cheese becomes completely liquefied.
14. Allow sliders to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to stabilize the layers.
15. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the robust flavor combination.

Notes

• Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken or pulled pork for a delightful twist on the classic slider.
• Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce butter and use olive oil spray for a lighter, heart-healthy version of these sliders.
• Prepare extra butter mixture to drizzle over sliders just before serving for an extra flavor boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 295 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg