The Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe Everyone Adores

Crafting delectable cranberry turkey sliders brings together comfort and creativity in one irresistible bite.

Juicy meat nestles between soft rolls, promising a flavor explosion.

Small sandwiches pack a serious punch of seasonal goodness.

Autumn’s best ingredients dance across your plate with surprising harmony.

Tangy cranberries complement the rich turkey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Weekend gatherings just became more delightful with this crowd-pleasing mini sandwich.

Serve these sliders and watch everyone’s face light up with pure culinary joy.

FAQs

• Can I use leftover roasted turkey for these sliders?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly and helps reduce food waste while creating a delicious quick meal.

• What type of cheese works best for cranberry turkey sliders?

Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar cheese complement the turkey and cranberry flavors nicely and melt well.

• Are these sliders good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake just before serving, making them great for quick meals or parties.

• Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free slider buns or rolls to create a gluten-free version of this recipe without changing other ingredients.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders That Impress

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Transform leftover turkey into a cozy, delightful meal that captures the warmth of holiday gatherings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these sliders by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a batch of these sliders that kids and adults will love, making it perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delicious meal using simple, readily available ingredients that come together quickly without complicated cooking techniques.

Components of Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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

• Shredded Turkey: Tender, seasoned meat as the main protein component.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds festive flavor to the sliders.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy spread that provides moisture and richness.

• Cheese Slices: Melty topping that adds creamy texture and additional flavor.

• Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Melted Butter: Helps create a golden brown, crispy bun surface.

Step-by-Step Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it perfectly ready for these mouthwatering sliders.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Buns

Carefully split your slider buns in half and nestle the bottom halves into a greased baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Base

Spread a creamy layer of mayonnaise across the buns (if you’re using it). Then generously distribute shredded turkey evenly over the bun bottoms.

Step 4: Add Cranberry Goodness

Dollop and spread cranberry sauce over the turkey, creating a tangy and sweet layer that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Strategically place cheese slices across the cranberry sauce, ensuring complete slider coverage.

Step 6: Crown the Sliders

Gently place the top bun halves onto each slider, creating little sandwich masterpieces.

Step 7: Butter and Herb Finish

Brush melted butter over the bun tops and sprinkle with aromatic dried thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor punch.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let the sliders bake for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn beautifully golden and cheese melts perfectly.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Pull these gorgeous sliders from the oven and serve immediately while they’re warm and irresistible.

Flavor Enhancers to Try with Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Swap ground turkey for shredded turkey to create a moist, tender slider base that absorbs more cranberry sauce flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gouda to enhance the slider's richness and depth.
• Reduce butter amount for a lighter version or use olive oil spray for a healthier alternative without compromising taste.
• Toast buns briefly before assembling to prevent sogginess and add a delightful crispy texture to your sliders.
• Make ahead and store covered in refrigerator for up to 24 hours, reheating gently to maintain slider integrity and prevent bread from becoming tough.

Creative Flavors That Complement Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Vegetarian Sliders: Replace turkey with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled eggplant slices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Cranberry Sliders: Add jalapeños or sriracha sauce to the cranberry mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Swap cranberry sauce for tzatziki and use feta cheese instead of regular cheese, topped with fresh herbs.

Side Ideas to Accompany Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Holiday Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a festive wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut sliders into smaller bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and serve as an easy appetizer during sports events or casual gatherings.
• Leftovers Lunch Remix: Pack sliders in lunchboxes with a side salad or pickle for a delicious next-day meal that transforms yesterday's turkey into something exciting.
• Picnic Perfect Meal: Wrap individual sliders in parchment paper, pack in a cooler with some fresh fruit, and enjoy a portable lunch during outdoor adventures.

Storing Cranberry Turkey Sliders Properly

• Refrigerate leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to keep them moist and prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze the sliders for maximum 1 month, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Quick Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Cranberry Turkey Sliders showcase festive flavors from North American holiday traditions. Guests will savor these mini sandwiches that blend tangy cranberry sauce with tender turkey on perfectly toasted slider buns.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 ml) turkey, shredded
• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices cheddar or mozzarella cheese, halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry sauce

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) mayonnaise (optional)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 350F (175C).
2. Delicately split slider buns horizontally, positioning bottom halves into a lightly greased baking dish.
3. Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise across bun surfaces if desired, then distribute shredded turkey uniformly over the base.
4. Carefully cascade cranberry sauce across the turkey, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Strategically layer cheese slices atop the cranberry sauce, creating a complete blanket over the turkey.
6. Crown the sliders with top bun halves, aligning them precisely.
7. Generously brush melted butter over bun surfaces, then dust with dried thyme or rosemary for aromatic enhancement.
8. Shield the entire dish with aluminum foil, then transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until bun tops transform into a golden-brown hue and cheese melts completely.
10. Extract from oven, allow brief cooling, then serve while temperature remains invitingly warm.

Notes

• Check turkey tenderness by ensuring it’s shredded finely for easier eating and better slider texture.
• Customize cranberry sauce thickness by gently warming it before spreading to create smoother coverage on sliders.
• Swap regular buns with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals without compromising flavor profile.
• Reduce butter quantity or use olive oil spray for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 191 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg