Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a fun and delicious bite-sized twist on a classic holiday flavor combo. Soft, fluffy slider buns are filled with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and often a little something extra like melted cheese or a bit of mayo for creaminess. These sliders are perfect for a casual gathering or a quick snack that feels special without any fuss.
I love making these because they bring together the best of a holiday meal in a small, easy-to-handle sandwich. The mix of savory turkey and sweet cranberry is a combo I never get tired of. I usually add some greens like spinach or arugula to give them a fresh crunch, but even plain turkey and cranberry on a warm bun feels like a mini celebration every time.
One of my favorite ways to serve these sliders is alongside a big bowl of crispy chips or a light salad. They’re also great for game day or any time you want something tasty but not too heavy. When I make a batch, they disappear fast, so I recommend making plenty or doubling the recipe to share with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls work best here. They hold everything together while adding a touch of sweetness. If you can’t find these, use any soft dinner rolls or small brioche buns instead.
Turkey Breast: I like using roasted or grilled turkey breast slices for a juicy, flavorful bite. Leftover turkey from a roast works great, or even deli turkey if you’re short on time.
Cranberry Sauce: This adds the perfect sweet and tart contrast. Homemade cranberry sauce is fantastic, but store-bought works just fine too. For variety, try mixing in a bit of orange zest or cinnamon.
Butter and Herbs: Brushing melted butter on top before baking keeps the buns shiny and soft. Fresh rosemary or thyme on top adds an herbal note, but it’s okay to leave this out if you don’t have it.
Mayo or Cream Cheese (optional): A thin layer adds creaminess and moisture, balancing the tartness of the cranberry. You could also try a flavored aioli or a mustard spread.
How Can I Get Perfectly Warm and Toasted Sliders?
Warming the sliders is key to melding all the flavors and making the buns lightly toasted without drying them out. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go.
- Keep the slider buns connected if you can; this helps them heat evenly and makes serving easier.
- Brush melted butter on top—this helps the buns brown and stay soft.
- Bake for about 10–12 minutes, just enough to warm everything through without drying the turkey.
- Watch closely near the end to avoid burning the tops. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil for 30 seconds but keep an eye on it!
This way, you get warm, toasty buns and juicy turkey with melting cranberry sauce that tastes just right every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use this to hold the sliders while they bake, making the toasting even and mess-free.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the buns and turkey; I like a sharp knife for neat cuts.
- Brush or spoon – to spread melted butter over the buns. A silicone brush works great, but a spoon does the job too.
- Mixing bowls (if making homemade cranberry sauce) – for blending ingredients and storing leftovers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked chicken or ham for different protein flavors.
- Mix in a slice of Swiss or mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey texture.
- Add sliced apples or a handful of arugula for crunch and fresh flavor.
- Spread a layer of Dijon mustard or cranberry chutney instead of plain cranberry sauce for a twist.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns (soft and slightly sweet, like Hawaiian rolls)
- 1 lb cooked turkey breast, sliced (preferably roasted or grilled)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup mayo or cream cheese spread for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10–12 minutes baking time. In just around 20 minutes total, you’ll have these tasty sliders warmed up and ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom connected if you’re using a roll sheet style—it helps make baking and serving easier.
2. Add Creamy Spread (Optional)
If you like, spread a thin layer of mayo or cream cheese on the bottom halves of the buns. This adds a nice creamy texture and balances the tart cranberry sauce.
3. Layer the Turkey and Cranberry Sauce
Place the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Next, spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey slices.
4. Assemble and Butter the Buns
Place the top halves of the buns over the cranberry. Brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. For a lovely aroma and extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme leaves on top if you like.
5. Bake and Serve
Put the sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and the buns are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven, cut the sliders apart if baked as one roll, and serve warm with your favorite sides such as chips or a light salad.
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for These Sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled turkey works perfectly. Just slice it thinly and make sure it’s heated through when baking the sliders.
Can I Substitute the Slider Buns?
Yes, you can use any soft dinner rolls, brioche buns, or even small sandwich buns if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available. Just make sure they’re soft to keep the slider texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the buns soft and the turkey juicy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them without baking. Just add the melted butter and bake them right before serving for the best freshness and texture.