Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect treat for any occasion. These delicious sliders combine tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese, all nestled within sweet Hawaiian rolls. Ideal for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or a family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress your guests with their unique flavors and appealing presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a 10-minute prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these sliders fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve them at parties or family gatherings; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
To make these delightful Cranberry Turkey Sliders, you’ll need some handy tools to streamline the process. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of your sliders.
- Basting brush: This tool helps apply the buttery garlic mixture evenly over the top for that perfect finish.
Ingredients
These butter-baked cranberry turkey sliders feature layers of turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy white cheese sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls.
For the Sliders
- 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or chicken
- 6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
- 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 package Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12 count)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake your sliders perfectly.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Lay down an even layer of turkey on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce generously over the turkey layer.
- Top with slices of Swiss or provolone cheese.
- Finally, place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Prepare Butter Mixture
In a small mixing bowl:
* Combine melted butter with minced garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
* Mix well until everything is combined.
Step 4: Apply Butter Mixture
Using a basting brush:
* Brush the top of the assembled bread rolls with the buttery mixture evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 12 minutes covered.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown on top.
3. Keep an eye on them after uncovering to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked to perfection, remove from oven. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders!
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Cranberry turkey sliders are versatile and perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these sliders can be served in many delightful ways.
For a Festive Touch
- Holiday Garnish: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top for a festive look.
- Colorful Plate: Serve with a side of sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
As an Appetizer
- Mini Skewers: Cut sliders into smaller pieces and serve on skewers for easy handling.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with extra cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard dip for added flavor.
For Game Day
- Buffet Style: Set up a slider bar with assorted toppings like jalapeños, pickles, and additional cheese.
- Chips & Dip: Serve alongside tortilla chips and guacamole for a fun snack spread.
Family Dinner Option
- Simple Salad: Complement the sliders with a mixed green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
- Baked Potatoes: Offer baked potatoes as a hearty side to balance the meal.
How to Perfect Cranberry Turkey Sliders
To ensure your cranberry turkey sliders are always a hit, keep these tips in mind.
- Bold Flavor Boost: Use freshly minced garlic in the butter mixture to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cheese Choice Matters: Opt for cheese that melts well, such as Swiss or Provolone, to create that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sliders during baking; uncover them only when they’re almost done to avoid burning.
- Layer Smartly: Ensure an even layer of turkey and cranberry sauce for balanced flavors in every bite.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Pairing side dishes with cranberry turkey sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These add a hint of sweetness and crunch that complements the sliders well.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender brings healthy flavors to the table.
- Classic Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich sliders.
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad provides creaminess and a tangy taste that pairs wonderfully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a fun finger food option that guests will love.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can balance out the sliders’ texture while adding heartiness to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cranberry Turkey Sliders, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Bold Ingredient Swaps: Using the wrong type of cheese can alter the flavor. Stick to Swiss or Provolone for the best taste.
- Bold Overloading on Sauce: Too much cranberry sauce can make the sliders soggy. A thin layer is just right for balance.
- Bold Ignoring Cooking Times: Baking too long can dry out the turkey. Follow the baking times closely for juicy sliders.
- Bold Forgetting to Preheat: Skipping preheating can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect results.
- Bold Not Covering with Foil: Failing to cover with foil initially can cause the tops to burn. This step is crucial for even browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, covering until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cranberry Turkey Sliders.
Can I use different types of meat in my Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
Yes, you can substitute turkey with chicken, beef, or lamb according to your preference.
What kind of bread works best for these sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are ideal due to their sweetness and soft texture, but any slider-sized roll will work.
How do I customize my Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
Feel free to add ingredients like spinach, avocado, or different cheeses for a twist on the recipe.
How many Cranberry Turkey Sliders does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 sliders, perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful mix of savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce, making them perfect as appetizers or main dishes. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on personal tastes. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends at your next gathering!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful fusion of flavors, making them an ideal choice for gatherings, game days, or family dinners. These sliders feature tender turkey layered with tangy cranberry sauce and creamy cheese, all nestled between sweet Hawaiian rolls. With their quick preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal, they guarantee satisfaction at any event. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just looking for a delicious snack, these sliders are sure to impress with their unique taste and easy assembly.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or chicken
- 6 large slices of Swiss or Provolone cheese
- 1 ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 package Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12 count)
- 2 ½ tablespoons melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Horizontally cut the Hawaiian rolls in half and layer turkey on the bottom half.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey and top with slices of cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
- Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled rolls.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, use freshly minced garlic in the butter mixture. Opt for cheeses that melt well to achieve that gooey texture everyone loves. Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent burning.