Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crafting delightful cranberry turkey sliders brings unexpected magic to your meal prep.

Small sandwiches pack incredible flavor combinations that surprise even seasoned cooks.

Thanksgiving leftovers transform into something spectacular with minimal kitchen effort.

Juicy turkey meat paired with tart cranberry sauce creates an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Crisp slider buns provide the perfect canvas for these miniature flavor bombs.

Affordable ingredients and quick assembly mean you can whip up these sliders faster than ordering takeout.

Gather your ingredients and watch culinary creativity unfold with every delicious little sandwich.

What Makes Cranberry Turkey Sliders Shine

• Quick Lunch Solution: Craft a satisfying meal in minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy professionals or hungry home cooks seeking a delicious break.
• Customize Your Craving: Swap ingredients easily by using different cheeses, adding bacon, or switching chicken for turkey to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Enjoy a classic sandwich transformation with crispy golden bread, melted cheese, and juicy grilled chicken that delivers maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Pack protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables into one delightful sandwich that keeps you energized and satisfied throughout the day.

What You Need For Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Turkey: Lean protein that serves as the main filling for the sliders.

• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls that provide the perfect base for the sandwich.

• Cheese: Melty ingredient that adds richness and creamy texture to the sliders.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy condiment that complements the turkey.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that adds a sharp flavor to the butter mixture.

• Butter: Provides moisture and helps create a golden, crispy top.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the sliders.
• Thyme: Herb that introduces a subtle, earthy note to the dish.

• Foil: Used to cover and prevent excessive browning during initial baking.

How To Cook Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), creating the perfect environment for these mouthwatering sliders.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Foundation

Slice your slider buns horizontally, creating top and bottom halves.

Arrange the bottom halves on a lightly greased baking sheet, ready to become the base of your delicious creation.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Tender turkey slices
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Melty cheese

Carefully place these ingredients on the bun bottoms, creating a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 4: Complete the Slider Sandwich

Gently place the top halves of the buns over the layered ingredients, completing your slider construction.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Boosting Butter Blend

• Melted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme

Whisk these ingredients together to create a rich, aromatic coating.

Step 6: Brush and Enhance

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the sliders with the butter mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with flavor.

Step 7: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and meld together.

Step 8: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and perfectly melted cheese.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Transfer the hot sliders to a serving plate and enjoy these irresistible turkey cranberry delights while they’re warm and inviting.

Handy Insights For Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Opt for freshly roasted turkey for maximum flavor and juiciness in your sliders.
• Swap cheese varieties like Swiss or provolone to match personal taste preferences.
• Toast slider buns briefly before assembling to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Use leftover holiday turkey to transform this recipe into a delicious meal repurposing strategy.

Taste Tweaks For Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Thanksgiving Leftover Remix: Transform extra roasted turkey and cranberry sauce from holiday meals into quick sliders using pre-made buns and remaining ingredients.
• Mediterranean Fusion Sliders: Replace turkey with grilled chicken, swap cranberry sauce for tzatziki, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Harvest Sliders: Substitute turkey with roasted portobello mushrooms, use vegetarian cheese, and keep cranberry sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Sliders: Swap turkey for shredded barbecue chicken, add pepper jack cheese, replace cranberry sauce with chipotle mayo for a zesty kick.

Best Pairings With Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Holiday Feast Platter: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and small bowls of extra cranberry sauce for a festive presentation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve sliders on a large platter surrounded by crispy potato wedges and a tangy coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports events.
• Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack sliders in a portable container with mixed green salad and light vinaigrette for an easy outdoor lunch that's both delicious and convenient.
• Breakfast Brunch Twist: Transform sliders into a morning treat by adding a soft scrambled egg on top and serving with fresh fruit and a light mimosa.

Keeping Cranberry Turkey Sliders Fresh Longer

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap each slider separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture.
• Warm sliders in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave heating, which can make buns soggy and cheese rubbery.
• Place sliders in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with shredded chicken, roast beef, or pulled pork for variety.

• Are slider buns necessary, or can I use regular bread?

Slider buns work best for this recipe, but you can use small dinner rolls or mini hamburger buns as alternatives.

• How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Pat the turkey dry before assembling and don’t overload with cranberry sauce to keep the buns crisp.

• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Prepare the sliders and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders highlight festive flavors from Thanksgiving leftovers. Miniature sandwiches combine savory shredded turkey with tangy cranberry sauce for a delightful bite you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) turkey (shredded or sliced)
• 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry sauce
• 12 slider buns
• 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a baking sheet for optimal slider preparation.
2. Carefully split slider buns horizontally, positioning bottom halves evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Construct flavor layers by arranging turkey slices, spreading cranberry sauce, and placing cheese atop the bun bases.
4. Complete slider assembly by gently positioning top bun halves over the layered ingredients.
5. Create a savory butter glaze by whisking melted butter with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and thyme in a small mixing bowl.
6. Generously brush the prepared butter mixture across the slider tops, ensuring even flavor distribution.
7. Shield sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to heat thoroughly and meld together.
8. Remove foil cover and return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until bun tops transform to a golden brown and cheese becomes perfectly melted.
9. Remove from oven, let rest momentarily, and serve while warm for maximum taste and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein to create versatile slider options for different dietary needs.
• Reduce butter quantity or use olive oil spray for a lighter version that still maintains delicious moisture and flavor.
• Prepare sliders ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes party preparation easier.
• Toast buns briefly before assembling to prevent soggy bottoms and enhance overall texture of the sliders.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 182 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg