The first time I baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders, it was a chilly November evening, the kind that nudges you toward cozy comfort food. A close friend had shared their family’s recipe during a holiday gathering, and I was immediately hooked. The mix of tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and soft sliders felt like a delicious reminder of warm celebrations. Since then, Cranberry Turkey Sliders have earned a permanent spot in my baking rotation, popping up whenever friends come over or when I want to bring a little holiday spirit to any meal. There’s just something magical about pulling those mini turkey sandwiches fresh from the oven—the smell, the colors, the perfect bite-sized balance that feels both comforting and festive.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders fit perfectly into my kitchen because they’re straightforward enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for Thanksgiving sliders and holiday spreads. They bring me joy because they’re a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. Even on days when time is short, I know this recipe delivers those rich, comforting flavors without fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cranberry sauce slider loaded with turkey and a hint of melty cheese?
If you’re new to making cranberry sauce sliders or a seasoned baker looking for a new twist, I promise this recipe will make you smile. It’s approachable, dependable, and perfect to share. Think of these as your go-to turkey cranberry appetizer that wins hearts with every bite. So, let’s get baking together and create some Cranberry Turkey Sliders that will become your new family favorite too!
What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe uses simple ingredients because great baking should be easy to start. Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty holiday turkey sliders come alive:
- 1 package (12 count) slider buns – Hawaiian or plain sweet rolls work beautifully and give you those soft, pillowy sandwiches. I always use Hawaiian for the slight sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced thin – leftover turkey is perfect here, making these Thanksgiving sliders super budget-friendly.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce – canned works just fine, but fresh cranberry sauce can add a bit of zing.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese – cut in half to suit the size of your mini turkey sandwiches. Cheddar is a great swap if you want a sharper flavor.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – if you need a dairy-free option, a simple yogurt or avocado spread works beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – adds a nice little tang, but you can skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – for brushing on top and giving those buns a golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – this is my little trick that makes Cranberry Turkey Sliders extra wonderful, adding some warmth.
- Optional: fresh herbs like sage or thyme – if you have them on hand, they bring a lovely aroma to this holiday turkey sliders recipe.
You can find all these ingredients at most grocery stores easily, and because we use simple pantry staples, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe stays affordable. A quick prep tip: shred your turkey and slice the cheese before you start assembling to save time. If you want to cut prep even more, use pre-cooked deli turkey slices.
I always add a bit extra cranberry sauce because I love that sweet-tart layer that brings everything together. Also, store your slider buns at room temperature in a sealed bag, and keep your leftover turkey wrapped tightly in the fridge to maintain freshness for this turkey cranberry appetizer.
How to Make This Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
Let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders step by step. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it an achievable treat for any gathering or a simple weeknight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to warm the sliders through and melt the cheese beautifully.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible; this makes it easier to assemble and bake without sliding apart. Arrange the bottom buns in a baking dish lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard on each bottom bun. This keeps the buns moist and adds a lovely tangy flavor to the mini turkey sandwiches.
- Layer the shredded turkey evenly over the bottom buns. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing—a little turkey and warm bread combo that’s pure comfort.
- Add a generous dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey for that classic cranberry sauce slider flavor. If your cranberry sauce is thick, use a spoon to spread it gently; it helps every bite burst with that sweet-tart goodness.
- Place half slices of Swiss cheese over the cranberry sauce. Covering each slider ensures the cheese will melt perfectly during baking.
- Put the top buns over each prepared slider.
- Brush the melted butter mixed with onion powder over the tops of the buns. This step gives your Cranberry Turkey Sliders that irresistible golden shine and a hint of savoriness.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps everything heat evenly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
One handy tip: While your Cranberry Turkey Sliders bake, take a moment to tidy up your ingredients or pour yourself a cup of tea—the delicious smell will fill your kitchen, making you excited for these sliders.
If your slider buns aren’t browning as much as you’d like, you can pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch closely! From my experience, a gentle approach makes all the difference with your cranberry turkey sliders.
This recipe is forgiving—if you don’t have Dijon mustard or onion powder, the sliders will still be tasty. And if your turkey is a bit dry, extra mayonnaise or cranberry sauce helps keep those turkey cranberry appetizers moist and flavorful.
For the best results, assemble your cranberry turkey sliders right before baking, but if you want to prepare ahead, wrap tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for fresh, melty goodness.
Serving Your Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders really shines when served warm and fresh. I love to serve them during holiday gatherings, just as appetizers before the main feast, or as a cozy snack on a chilly evening.
They pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or baked sweet potato fries, balancing the richness of the turkey cranberry appetizer with fresh, crisp sides. For a festive touch, serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side—many guests like a little extra dollop.
These sliders make excellent Thanksgiving sliders because they use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce in such an inviting way. They’re also fantastic at potlucks or casual get-togethers, where finger foods rule the day. I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh chopped sage on top before baking as a simple decoration that also adds a subtle herb flavor.
Leftover cranberry turkey sliders? No problem! I like turning them into quick mini sandwiches with some fresh greens or shredded cabbage for a lunch the next day. You can also chop leftover sliders and toss them with salad greens for a fun, layered salad.
Seasonal variations? Sure! Adding a slice of creamy brie or swapping in an herby cream cheese spread adds exciting flavors. You might also try rolling up the turkey cranberry filling in puff pastry for a fun twist.
My friends always ask for these Cranberry Turkey Sliders when they visit—there’s something about the mix of sweet cranberry sauce slider bites and savory turkey that just wins hearts every time.
If you’re curious about similar recipes, this cranberry turkey sliders recipe reminds me of the turkey cranberry quesadillas I shared earlier — equally cozy and flavorful (see turkey cranberry quesadillas). And if you’re a sliders fan, you might want to try loaded big mac sliders or bbq chicken sliders for more crowd-pleasers.
Common Questions About This Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
1. Can I make this Cranberry Turkey Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble your cranberry turkey sliders up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best melty cheese and warm buns experience.
2. What’s a good substitute for Swiss cheese in this Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
Cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella work well. I’ve also tried a sharp white cheddar for a stronger flavor, which makes this turkey cranberry appetizer even more delicious.
3. Can I use turkey slices instead of cooked shredded turkey?
Yes, deli turkey slices are a quick and easy swap that saves time. Just layer them neatly for the perfect mini turkey sandwiches.
4. How can I adjust this Cranberry Turkey Sliders for different pan sizes?
If you have more or fewer slider buns, simply adjust your ingredients proportionally. For example, if you’re making 8 instead of 12 sliders, use two-thirds of the ingredients. Use a smaller or larger baking dish accordingly.
5. Can I add bacon to this cranberry sauce slider?
Yes! Adding crispy bacon strips elevates the flavor wonderfully. You might enjoy something similar in cheesy cranberry bacon and turkey sliders I tried from Simple Seasonal—it’s a fantastic upgrade.
6. Are there vegan or vegetarian options for Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
Definitely! Swap turkey for your favorite plant-based alternative or roasted veggies, and use dairy-free cheese and mayo options. The flavor combo of cranberry and mustard still shines.
7. What’s the best way to reheat leftover cranberry turkey sliders?
Wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the buns soggy.
If you want more fun ideas for turkey cranberry appetizers, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on sites like Blackberry Babe’s cranberry turkey sliders or Healthy Little Peach’s easy cranberry turkey sliders with Hawaiian rolls, where they play with different slider takes using Hawaiian rolls and creative cheese choices.
Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe has a special place in my collection because it’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly comforting. It captures the best parts of holiday flavors without making you feel like you’re spending hours in the kitchen. Friends request these cranberry turkey sliders every year, whether it’s for an informal snack or part of a Thanksgiving spread.
My Top Tips for This Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
- Use Hawaiian rolls for that soft, slightly sweet bun that melts in your mouth.
- Don’t skimp on the cranberry sauce—it’s the star! I always add extra for flavor balance.
- Brush the tops with butter and onion powder before baking for a golden, flavorful crust.
For delicious variations, I love:
- Adding crispy bacon for an extra savory crunch
- Using cheddar cheese for a sharper bite
- Mixing in fresh sage or thyme for herbaceous notes
The most popular version with my family is the classic cranberry sauce slider with Swiss cheese—simple, nostalgic, and perfect every time. I encourage you to make this recipe your own with different cheeses, spreads, or toppings.
If you’re looking for comfort food that’s easy to assemble but packed with flavor, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe won’t disappoint. I hope this recipe brings you as much warmth and joy as it has to my kitchen and family table. Happy baking, friends!
For more inspiration, check out these other slider favorites that I love: loaded big mac sliders or bbq chicken sliders—both perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
And if you ever want a different cranberry twist, the cranberry turkey quesadillas on my site are another hit.
Enjoy baking, laughing, and sharing these little bites of happiness with those you care about!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders combine savory turkey with tangy cranberry sauce for a delicious and festive handheld meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 12 small patties.
- Place patties on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
- While patties cook, mix mayonnaise and chopped red onion in a small bowl to create a tangy spread.
- Slice slider buns in half. Spread onion mayo on the bottom halves.
- Top buns with a turkey patty, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, a half slice of Swiss cheese, and spinach leaves.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns and serve warm.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a slice of pepper jack cheese or a smear of Dijon mustard to each slider before assembling.