There's nothing quite like the combination of sweet and savory flavors, especially when they come together in a warm, hearty sandwich. Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect solution for a quick meal or an impressive appetizer, with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese sandwiched between buttery, toasted rolls.
I discovered this recipe during the holiday season when faced with an abundance of leftover turkey. Now, it’s my go-to for casual gatherings and cozy dinners alike. These sliders have a way of vanishing within minutes, leaving everyone craving more.
Get ready to wow your friends and family with this simple, crowd-pleasing dish!
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Get ready to fall head over heels for these sliders. Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they're also incredibly easy to prepare.
First off, these sliders are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey. Whether it’s fresh from a roast or a few days old, the turkey stays juicy and delicious, making this recipe ideal for using up holiday leftovers.
You’ll love the balance of flavors. The savory turkey and melted cheese pair perfectly with the slightly sweet and tart cranberry sauce. Each bite delivers a mix of textures, from the crispy baked buns to the gooey, satisfying cheese pull.
Another huge bonus? They’re quick to make! In less than 30 minutes, you can have a hot, satisfying meal on the table. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or game days, these sliders fit any occasion and never disappoint.
Finally, these sliders are easily customizable. You can adjust the toppings and add a bit of heat if you’d like. More on those variations later, but the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders lies in using simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Let’s take a look at what makes these little sandwiches so special.
Hawaiian rolls are my bread of choice here. Their slight sweetness complements the tangy cranberry sauce beautifully. You can also use any soft dinner rolls if you prefer a less sweet option.
Cooked turkey is the star of this recipe. Shredded or sliced, both dark and white meat work well. You can even buy sliced turkey from the deli if you’re short on time, but make sure it’s fresh and flavorful.
Cranberry sauce is what adds that unique, mouthwatering twist. Use homemade or your favorite canned version, but make sure it has a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Cheese is essential for that perfect melt. I recommend using sliced Swiss cheese for its mild, nutty flavor. Mozzarella or provolone also work wonderfully if you prefer something more subtle or extra melty.
Butter and seasonings for the bun topping add a delicious crust to the sliders. A mix of melted butter, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a touch of garlic powder give these sliders that irresistible, toasty finish.
You won’t need any special equipment, but having a sharp knife and a baking dish will make assembly and cleanup a breeze!
How to Make These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Making these Cranberry Turkey Sliders is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how to put them together:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Use a long serrated knife to slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish.
Next, layer the sliced or shredded turkey evenly over the rolls. Make sure the turkey covers each bun for a hearty, even bite. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it out to ensure every slider has some of that tangy goodness.
Lay the slices of cheese over the cranberry sauce, covering the whole surface. Top with the remaining half of the rolls. Now it’s time to make the buttery topping: in a small bowl, mix melted butter, dried thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. This step is key for getting that golden, flavorful crust.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for about 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the rolls. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
Once they’re done, take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a minute before cutting them apart. Serve warm, and get ready to enjoy the melty, flavorful magic!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), storing these sliders is easy. Place the cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as they sit, making for a delicious next-day meal.
To freeze the sliders, wrap each one individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For reheating, wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be aware that the buns may not stay as crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is so versatile that you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to make these sliders your own.
If you love a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey to the turkey layer. The sweet-and-spicy combination will wake up your taste buds!
For an extra burst of flavor, consider spreading a layer of grainy mustard or mayo on the bottom rolls before adding the turkey. It adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce.
Want to switch up the cheese? Try using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or brie for a rich, creamy texture. Gouda and Havarti also work well if you’re feeling adventurous.
You can also add extra toppings like baby spinach or thinly sliced red onions for more texture and freshness. These additions make the sliders even more satisfying without much extra effort.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders is that they’re a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
PrintCranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
These cranberry turkey sliders are a fantastic mix of tender turkey, zesty cranberry sauce, and melted cheese, making them a must-try snack or meal. Perfect for gatherings, quick dinners, or holiday leftovers, these sliders are full of flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices of cheddar or mozzarella cheese, halved
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves onto a greased baking dish.
- Spread mayonnaise on the buns if using. Layer the shredded turkey evenly over the buns.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the cheese slices on top of the cranberry sauce, covering the sliders.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the sandwiches.
- Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with dried thyme or rosemary.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use leftover roasted turkey for a quick and easy prep.
- You can adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to taste.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 330mg
Leave a Reply