These cute little cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for any gathering! They combine juicy turkey with sweet cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft, mini buns. Yum!
I’d say these sliders are like a holiday feast in one bite! They’re super easy to make, and I love whipping them up for parties. Plus, they disappear fast, so make plenty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft, sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls are perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, any light and fluffy rolls will do, or even mini bagels for a twist!
Turkey: Leftover turkey works wonders here. If you don’t have any, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. It’s just as tasty and saves time!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using cheddar because it melts beautifully. You can swap in Swiss or provolone for a different flavor if you’d like.
Cranberry Sauce: Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for that nice texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce or even a fruity chutney can add a unique twist!
Lettuce: For a fresh crunch, use any type of lettuce. I often reach for romaine or spinach, but arugula adds a peppery kick too!
How Do I Get My Sliders to Be Perfectly Warm and Toasty?
The key to those warm, toasty sliders is in the baking technique. Make sure to cover the sliders with foil initially; this traps heat and helps melt the cheese without drying out the buns.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover your tray with foil for the first bake to create a steamy environment.
- Uncover for the last few minutes to allow the tops to get golden brown.
Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake; just a couple of minutes can make a big difference in texture!
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns, soft and slightly sweet (such as Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or sliced
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half to fit sliders)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry style preferred)
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded or small pieces
- Mayonnaise or aioli (optional, about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing buns)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for baking. So in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes before you can dive into your delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to warm up while you prepare the sliders.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected to maintain the structure.
3. Set Up the Bottom Half:
Place the bottom halves of the sliders on a baking sheet. If you’d like, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or aioli on each of the bottom buns for added flavor.
4. Add the Turkey:
Layer the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns so each slider is filled with juicy turkey.
5. Cheese Time:
Place half-slices of cheddar cheese on top of the turkey to ensure every slider has that cheesy goodness!
6. The Star Ingredient – Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over each cheese slice. This adds that sweet and tart flavor that makes these sliders special.
7. Lettuce for Crunch:
Add some shredded lettuce on top of the cranberry sauce for a fresh, crunchy element that balances the flavors.
8. Cap It Off:
Now, place the top halves of the slider buns back on each slider. It’s looking like sliders already!
9. Brush with Butter:
Gently brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. This will help them turn a lovely golden brown while baking.
10. Bake Under Foil:
Cover the baking tray with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until everything is warmed through and the cheese begins to melt.
11. Uncover and Brown:
After 10-12 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the tops get crispy and golden.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the sliders out of the oven and enjoy them warm! They are perfect for serving at parties or on game day!
These sliders really pack a flavor punch with juicy turkey, melted cheddar, and sweet cranberry sauce, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for these sliders. Just shred or slice it up and use it in place of freshly cooked turkey. It adds great flavor and makes this recipe even easier!
What Can I Substitute for Cranberry Sauce?
If you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand, you can use homemade cranberry chutney, apple chutney, or even a sweet barbecue sauce for a different twist. Just keep in mind that you want a sweet element to balance the savory turkey!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
To store leftovers, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the texture; around 10 minutes at 350°F should do the trick!
Can I Make These Sliders in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders without baking and store them in the fridge for a few hours. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, but add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
