If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that combines savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and melty cheese, look no further than these Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These sliders are the perfect way to elevate your regular sandwich game with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a casual dinner, or as a quick lunch, these sliders are sure to be a hit. The combination of juicy turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and a buttery, toasted bun will have everyone asking for more!
What makes these Turkey Cranberry Sliders so special is the perfect balance of flavors. The savory turkey pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and the melted cheese adds a creamy, rich element. The slider buns are brushed with butter and baked to golden perfection, creating the ultimate crunchy exterior. These sliders are not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and satisfying meal.
I first made these sliders after Thanksgiving when I had a lot of leftover turkey and wanted to try something different. The combination of turkey and cranberry sauce is a classic, but when paired in a slider with melty cheese and soft buns, it became an instant family favorite. These sliders have since become a regular feature in our meal rotation, especially during the holidays. They’re quick, flavorful, and a great way to use up leftovers!
Why These Turkey Cranberry Sliders Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese create a delicious and satisfying combination.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, these sliders come together quickly and are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Great for leftovers: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and tasty meal.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite cheese or even some greens like spinach or arugula to customize the sliders to your taste.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the slider buns: Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
- Assemble the sliders: Layer the cooked turkey evenly on the bottom halves of the buns. Top the turkey with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a slice of cheese on each slider. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
- Make the butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Brush the buns: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns. Use a brush or spoon to spread it so the buns are fully coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the tops of the buns.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and cut them into individual servings. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a spoonful of mustard or a drizzle of honey on top of the turkey before adding the cheese.
- If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use a homemade cranberry relish or even substitute with apple butter for a different twist.
- Use a sharp cheese like cheddar for a stronger flavor or a milder cheese like Swiss for a creamier taste.
- For a crunchier texture, add some greens like spinach or arugula between the turkey and cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter for a dairy-free version of these sliders.
- Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and use roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeños or a spicy mustard to give these sliders a bit of heat.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- Lower Fat: Use whole-wheat slider buns, reduced-fat cheese, and a smaller amount of butter to lighten up the sliders without sacrificing flavor.
- No Sugar: Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce or make your own using fresh cranberries and a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
And there you have it! These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines the best of savory and sweet. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or making them fresh, these sliders are sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to let us know how your sliders turn out, and check out some of our other great recipes for more delicious ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for turkey and will work perfectly in these sliders. - How do I store leftover sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best results. - Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they’re fully heated. - Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours before baking. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. - How do I make these sliders spicier?
Add some spicy mustard, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños for an added kick of heat. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can swap the Swiss cheese for cheddar, provolone, or even a tangy goat cheese for a different flavor. - Can I add other toppings?
Yes! You can add lettuce, pickles, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 12 slider buns (small sandwich rolls)
1 lb 1 cooked turkey (sliced or shredded)
1/2 cup 1/2 cranberry sauce
6 slices 6 Swiss cheese (or cheddar, provolone, or your favorite cheese)
1/4 cup 1/4 butter, melted
1 tbsp 1 Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder
1/4 tsp 1/4 onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the slider buns: Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
- Assemble the sliders: Layer the cooked turkey evenly on the bottom halves of the buns. Top the turkey with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a slice of cheese on each slider. Place the top halves of the buns on top.
- Make the butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Brush the buns: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns. Use a brush or spoon to spread it so the buns are fully coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the tops of the buns.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and cut them into individual servings. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.
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