Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Festive Bite

Cranberry turkey sliders spark a delightful culinary adventure that promises to revolutionize your meal planning.

Small sandwiches packed with bold flavors dance across your plate, tempting every taste bud.

Lean ground turkey mingles perfectly with tart cranberry sauce, creating an unexpected harmony.

Crisp textures and zesty notes make these mini sandwiches irresistible for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a simple yet sophisticated twist on traditional slider recipes.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these sliders will become your new go-to comfort food.

Savor each bite and watch as everyone around the table asks for seconds.

Cranberry Turkey Slider Storage Know-How

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Preheat oven to 325F, place sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the buns.
• Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and heat in additional 15-second intervals if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making them perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

• Can I make these sliders with chicken instead of turkey?

Definitely! Shredded chicken works great as a substitute and provides a similar texture and taste.

• Are poppy seeds necessary for the recipe?

No, poppy seeds are optional. You can skip them if you don’t have them or prefer a simpler topping.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Festive Favorite

• Simplify Holiday Leftovers: Transform leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal that breathes new life into day-old ingredients with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making these sliders incredibly versatile for any palate.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, delivering a gourmet-tasting dish without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients To Gather For Turkey Sliders

• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls perfect for creating mini sandwiches.
• Turkey: Lean, flavorful protein that serves as the main filling.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy condiment that adds holiday-inspired flavor.
• Cheese: Creamy topping that melts and binds the ingredients together.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps create a golden, crispy bun topping.
• Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiments that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Poppy Seeds: Seasonings that add depth and texture to the slider topping.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Prep Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350F (175C) so it’s ready for baking the sliders.

Step 2: Prepare Slider Base

Split the slider buns horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a greased baking dish, creating a foundation for your delicious creation.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Tender turkey slices
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Melty cheese

Gently place the bun tops over the layered ingredients.

Step 4: Craft Savory Butter Glaze

• Melted butter
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Rich Worcestershire sauce
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Crunchy poppy seeds

Generously brush this flavorful mixture over the assembled sliders.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Crisp and Golden Finish

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer the hot, bubbling sliders to a serving plate and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors right away.

Pro Chef Tips For Turkey Sliders

• Melt butter completely before mixing with other ingredients to ensure smooth, even coating on sliders.
• Allow ingredients like turkey and cheese to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before assembling to improve flavor melding.
• Select a mild cheese like Swiss or provolone that complements turkey without overpowering cranberry sauce.
• For extra crispy tops, broil sliders for 1-2 minutes after baking instead of additional uncovered baking time.
• Prepare sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient entertaining.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders: Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Sliders: Replace turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein patties for a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure all condiments are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Swap slider buns with crisp lettuce leaves, creating a lighter, carb-conscious version of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for chipotle sauce, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.

Turkey Sliders: Creative Serving Styles

• Game Day Touchdown: Serve these sliders during football watch parties for an irresistible crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will devour.
• Holiday Gathering Star: Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving leftover meals, these mini sandwiches transform traditional ingredients into something exciting and fresh.
• Picnic Perfect Bite: Pack these sliders in a cooler for outdoor events, potlucks, or family reunions where handheld foods are convenient and delicious.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pair with a light garden salad or crisp coleslaw to create a complete meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry turkey sliders bring festive flavors to your holiday table with a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Juicy turkey patties nestled between mini buns create an irresistible bite you’ll crave at every gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced

Bread:

• 12 slider buns

Toppings and Sauce:

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 slices Swiss cheese

Seasoning and Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a greased baking dish for the sliders.
2. Carefully split the slider buns horizontally, positioning the bottom halves in the prepared dish.
3. Construct layered sliders by arranging sliced turkey, spreading cranberry sauce, and adding cheese on the bottom bun halves.
4. Gently place the top bun halves over the assembled ingredients to complete the slider sandwiches.
5. Create a flavorful glaze by whisking together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds in a mixing bowl.
6. Generously brush the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the slider tops, ensuring even coverage.
7. Shield the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the buns turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Allow the sliders to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then serve immediately while warm and appetizing.

Notes

• Swap turkey for plant-based alternatives like pulled jackfruit or grilled tofu to create vegetarian or vegan-friendly sliders.
• Reduce butter quantity or use olive oil spray for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the recipe.
• Toast poppy seeds briefly before mixing with butter sauce to enhance their nutty flavor and release aromatic oils.
• Choose gluten-free slider buns if preparing for guests with wheat sensitivities or celiac requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 247 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 26 mg