Introduction
Leftover turkey never looked this good. Cranberry turkey sliders are the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that belongs at both holiday parties and weeknight dinners. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese, then brushed with a buttery, seasoned glaze before baking to golden perfection. They’re quick, they’re festive, and they’re just as good for feeding a group as they are for cozy family meals. These sliders strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making them the ultimate way to reinvent turkey in a way that everyone will love.
The Story Behind These Sliders
Turning Leftovers into Something Special
The first time I made cranberry turkey sliders was the day after Thanksgiving. The fridge was packed with leftovers, but nobody wanted another plate of plain turkey and sides. I grabbed Hawaiian rolls, stacked in turkey slices, spooned over some cranberry sauce, and tucked everything under melted Swiss cheese. The kitchen smelled amazing as the buttery topping baked into the rolls. What started as a simple way to clear out leftovers quickly became a family tradition.
These sliders are more than a clever use of turkey—they’re a festive dish in their own right. The cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, while the buttery mustard drizzle ties everything together. They’re just as fitting at a holiday party buffet as they are on a casual weeknight.
The best part? They come together in about 20 minutes of hands-on time. Simple layering, a quick butter brush, and a short bake—that’s all it takes. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to pull off.
Ingredients That Make These Sliders Shine
The Role of Each Layer
Every part of these cranberry turkey sliders adds something special. The key is balance—savory turkey, tart cranberry, creamy cheese, and that buttery drizzle that makes the rolls golden and irresistible. Here’s a closer look:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding everything together. Their size makes them ideal for sharing.
- Turkey: Use leftover roasted turkey or cooked turkey breast. Sliced, pulled, or diced—any texture works. The richness of turkey pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tangy, fruity, and bright. It lifts the heaviness of the meat and cheese, adding that festive note. If you like bolder flavors, try a cranberry BBQ sauce for extra depth.
- Swiss Cheese: Smooth and melty with just enough sharpness. It creates the gooey layer that ties the turkey and cranberry together.
- Butter Drizzle: Melted butter mixed with mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds. It seeps into the rolls, infusing every bite with flavor and giving the tops a golden, crisp finish.
Each layer complements the others—nothing feels out of place. Together, the sliders become a little sweet, a little tangy, a little savory, and completely crave-worthy.
Why Cranberry & Turkey Are a Perfect Match
Turkey is naturally mild, which is why it pairs well with something bold like cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart flavor cuts through the richness and wakes up the whole dish. Add cheese and bread to the mix, and you get harmony in every bite.
This pairing isn’t just about tradition—it’s about balance. You’ve got protein, dairy, fruit, and carbs in one compact package. That’s why these sliders don’t just feel festive; they also feel complete.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Equipment
- A Crowded Table: Favorite Holiday Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12-count
- ▢3 cups cooked turkey diced, sliced or pulled
- ▢1 cup cranberry sauce
- ▢6 slices Swiss cheese
- For the butter drizzle:
- ▢4 tablespoons butter melted
- ▢1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
- ▢1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢1/8 teaspoon salt
- ▢1/2 teaspoon teaspoon poppy seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil or spray with cooking spray with cooking spray.
- Separate the Hawaiian Rolls (top and bottom portion) and place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese then place the top part of the rolls back on top of the layers of ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt and poppy seeds.
- Pour butter mixture over the top of the buns and use a brush or spoon to spread the butter and spices evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for 3 more minutes, uncovered.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredients:
2/3 cup cranberry sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it begins to bubble, stirring constantly. Spoon over the top of the turkey layer before baking the sliders.
If you don’t have poppyseeds, don’t worry! Just omit them, or you can substitute Everything Bagel seasoning in the butter mixture.
Serving: 1, Calories: 197kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 142mg, Sugar: 7g
Ingredients That Make These Sliders Shine
The Role of Each Layer
Every part of these cranberry turkey sliders adds something special. The key is balance—savory turkey, tart cranberry, creamy cheese, and that buttery drizzle that makes the rolls golden and irresistible. Here’s a closer look:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding everything together. Their size makes them ideal for sharing.
- Turkey: Use leftover roasted turkey or cooked turkey breast. Sliced, pulled, or diced—any texture works. The richness of turkey pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tangy, fruity, and bright. It lifts the heaviness of the meat and cheese, adding that festive note. If you like bolder flavors, try a cranberry BBQ sauce for extra depth.
- Swiss Cheese: Smooth and melty with just enough sharpness. It creates the gooey layer that ties the turkey and cranberry together.
- Butter Drizzle: Melted butter mixed with mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds. It seeps into the rolls, infusing every bite with flavor and giving the tops a golden, crisp finish.
Each layer complements the others—nothing feels out of place. Together, the sliders become a little sweet, a little tangy, a little savory, and completely crave-worthy.
Why Cranberry & Turkey Are a Perfect Match
Turkey is naturally mild, which is why it pairs well with something bold like cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart flavor cuts through the richness and wakes up the whole dish. Add cheese and bread to the mix, and you get harmony in every bite.
This pairing isn’t just about tradition—it’s about balance. You’ve got protein, dairy, fruit, and carbs in one compact package. That’s why these sliders don’t just feel festive; they also feel complete.
Make-Ahead Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes
Can You Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes—and that’s one of the reasons these sliders are so popular for parties. You can assemble the rolls with turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese earlier in the day, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush on the butter mixture and pop them in the oven. This way, you get all the convenience of a make-ahead recipe without sacrificing freshness.
If you want to go even further, bake the sliders fully and store them in the fridge. Reheat covered with foil to keep them from drying out. They taste just as good the next day, which makes them great for leftovers and lunch prep.
Creative Variations to Try
These sliders are flexible, so you can easily change things up depending on what you have:
- Different Cheese: Swap Swiss for provolone, Havarti, or even brie for extra creaminess.
- Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Mix cranberry sauce with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire for a smoky-sweet upgrade.
- Seasoning Twist: Replace poppy seeds with Everything Bagel seasoning for extra crunch and flavor.
- Turkey Substitutes: No turkey on hand? Use chicken breast or deli-sliced roasted chicken for a quick alternative.
This is a recipe designed to be customized. Once you know the base formula, you can build it to fit your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though these sliders are simple, a few missteps can make a difference:
- Soggy Rolls: Add the butter drizzle right before baking—not hours ahead—or the bread can get too wet.
- Skipping Foil: Covering the sliders while baking helps melt the cheese evenly without burning the tops.
- Too Much Cranberry: While tempting, too much sauce can make the sliders messy and overpower the turkey. Stick to a thin, even layer.
Follow these simple steps, and your cranberry turkey sliders will come out perfectly every time—gooey, golden, and full of balanced flavor.
Serving, Storage & How to Keep Sliders Fresh
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These sliders are as versatile as they are delicious. They work equally well as a holiday party appetizer, a casual weeknight dinner, or a hearty game-day snack. Here are a few serving ideas to make the most of them:
- As a Party Tray: Bake a full batch in a 9×13 dish and serve straight from the pan. Guests can pull apart their sliders while they’re still warm.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
- Game-Day Style: Serve with chips, pickles, and dips for an easy grab-and-go setup.
- As a Leftovers Buffet: Set out turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and rolls so everyone can build their own slider.
Their sweet-savory balance means they don’t need much else, but they can be paired with light sides for a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat Sliders
The good news? Cranberry turkey sliders reheat beautifully. If you have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the rolls soft and the cheese melty.
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a rush, reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per slider. The bread may be softer, but the flavor holds up.
For longer storage, you can even freeze them. Wrap sliders individually in foil and place in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven until hot.
How to Keep Them Fresh
The trick to keeping sliders fresh is managing moisture. Here’s how:
- Assemble ahead, but brush the butter on right before baking.
- Don’t overload the cranberry sauce—just enough for flavor.
- Serve immediately after baking while the tops are golden and crisp.
When served fresh, these sliders are gooey, cheesy, and perfectly balanced. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether for the holidays or any time you want something satisfying yet easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese goes best with cranberry turkey sliders?
Swiss cheese is a classic choice because it melts smoothly and balances the tart cranberry sauce with a mild nuttiness. Brie or Havarti also pair wonderfully if you want something creamier.
Can you make cranberry turkey sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover them, and refrigerate. Add the butter drizzle just before baking to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
What sauce pairs well with turkey sliders?
Cranberry sauce is the go-to, but you can take it further by mixing it with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire to create a cranberry BBQ sauce that adds smoky sweetness.
How do you keep turkey sliders from getting soggy?
Apply cranberry sauce in a thin layer, add the butter mixture right before baking, and cover with foil during baking to melt the cheese without over-softening the bread.
Conclusion
Cranberry turkey sliders prove that simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Sweet Hawaiian rolls, tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese come together in just minutes, finished with a buttery mustard topping that makes each bite irresistible. They’re quick enough for weeknights yet special enough for the holidays, turning leftovers into something everyone looks forward to.
From parties to family dinners, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them warm, share them generously, and watch them disappear fast—because once you try cranberry turkey sliders, they’ll become a recipe you return to again and again.
