These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are tiny, tasty sandwiches filled with juicy turkey and a nice touch of sweet cranberry sauce. They’re perfect for game day or a cozy lunch!
I love how easy they are to make; just pile the goodies on small buns and enjoy! Plus, they’re great for sharing—if you can resist not eating them all first! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls make perfect sliders. They’re fluffy and sweet, which pairs beautifully with the turkey. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular sandwich bread cut into smaller pieces.
Cooked Turkey: Shredded or sliced turkey is key. Leftover turkey from a holiday meal is perfect. You can also use deli turkey or rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If you want a bit more flavor, try provolone or gouda. For a healthier option, you can use a fat-free cheese or even skip it altogether.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought cranberry sauce works fine, but homemade adds a personal touch and is generally fresher. You can also substitute it with a fruit jam, like raspberry, for a different taste.
Thyme: Dried thyme is convenient, but fresh thyme brings a wonderful flavor. If you’re not a fan, Italian herbs or even a dash of sage can be great alternatives.
How Do You Make Sure The Sliders Stay Nice and Warm?
Keeping your sliders warm and melty is about proper baking technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheating your oven is essential; this ensures even cooking.
- Covering the sliders with foil while baking helps trap steam. This keeps the buns moist and prevents them from getting too hard.
- Watch closely during the last few minutes; remove the foil to allow the tops to crisp slightly. Just enough to get golden brown.
Following these tips will help you serve warm, gooey sliders that everyone will love! Enjoy creating these tasty snacks as the perfect addition to any gathering.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved (or any mild melting cheese)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves (for garnish and flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders will bake evenly and come out deliciously warm!
2. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them attached together in a single sheet. This makes it easy to layer your ingredients without making a mess!
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
Place the bottom half of the buns on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both the tops and bottoms with olive oil or melted butter for a lovely flavor and golden finish.
4. Layer the Turkey:
Spread the sliced or shredded turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Season the turkey lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme for added flavor.
5. Add the Cheese:
Take the halved Swiss cheese slices and lay them evenly on top of the turkey. This will melt beautifully during baking!
6. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce:
Now, add a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce atop the cheese for that perfect sweet and tangy touch.
7. Top It Off:
Close the sliders with the top buns, pressing down gently to combine everything.
8. Brush Again for Extra Flavor:
If you like, brush the tops of the buns with a little more olive oil or melted butter to get a golden crust. Sprinkle some thyme leaves on top for added aroma and color.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sliders from the oven. Cut between each slider to separate them, and serve warm. Enjoy bite-sized comfort in each delicious sandwich!
These sliders are a delightful blend of savory turkey, sweet cranberry, and gooey cheese all tucked into soft, buttery rolls. Perfect for gatherings or cozy lunch dates with friends!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey from a holiday meal is ideal for these sliders. Just shred or slice it up, and you’re good to go!
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, try using provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven right before you’re ready to serve!