Juicy Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe for Game Day

Tender turkey meets zesty cranberry in these mouthwatering baked cranberry turkey sliders that promise to steal the show at any gathering.

These mini sandwiches pack an incredible flavor punch with their perfect blend of savory and sweet.

Soft slider buns cradle juicy seasoned turkey, creating a delightful bite-sized treat.

The tangy cranberry adds a vibrant twist that transforms ordinary sliders into something extraordinary.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these sliders come together quickly for effortless entertaining.

Packed with robust flavors and irresistible textures, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite at your next meal.

Steps To Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or parchment paper hug to prevent any sticky situations.

• Slider Architecture

Split those adorable rolls right down the middle, keeping them connected like best friends. Nestle the bottom halves into the baking dish. Spread some creamy goodness across the bread, then layer on tender turkey slices, a generous dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, and a blanket of melty cheese. Crown with the top halves.

• Magic Butter Potion

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter with zesty Dijon, a splash of Worcestershire, a sprinkle of garlic magic, and a dash of poppy seeds.

• Golden Glory

Generously paint the slider tops with your flavor-packed butter mixture. Drape the dish with foil and let it bake for 15 minutes. Then uncover and let those tops turn a beautiful golden brown for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling with excitement.

• Slider Celebration

Allow the sliders a quick moment to cool down. Slice and serve these little flavor bombs while they’re warm and irresistible.

Tips To Improve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Perfect Slider Secrets and Flavor Twists
• Cheese Flexibility: Switch up classic cheese options like Swiss, provolone, or sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles and textures that complement the turkey and cranberry combination.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble sliders entirely up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator. Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to baking to ensure even heating and consistent results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace standard slider rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls or lettuce wraps for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for complete dietary compliance.
• Spice Level Boost: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes between turkey layers for guests who enjoy extra heat and want a zesty flavor kick to the traditional slider recipe.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based deli slices for a meat-free version that maintains the delicious cranberry and cheese combination. Adjust cooking time slightly to prevent over-browning.

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Serving Ideas

• Turkey Talk Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a wooden board with extra cranberry sauce, fresh herbs, and pickles for a stunning presentation that will wow guests.
• Game Day Slider Station: Set up a build-your-own slider bar with additional toppings like crispy bacon, sliced avocado, and extra cheese so everyone can customize their mini sandwiches.
• Holiday Leftover Remix: Transform these sliders into a perfect next-day meal by adding extra roasted turkey and serving alongside a light winter salad for a quick lunch.
• Picnic Perfect Pack: Wrap individual sliders in parchment paper for an easy portable meal that travels well and looks adorably rustic at outdoor gatherings.

How To Keep Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Fresh

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow sliders to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth while maintaining optimal texture and flavor integrity.
• Refrigeration Method: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and taste quality.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated sliders in the oven at 325F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent bread from becoming dry or tough. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy exterior.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat following the recommended oven warming method for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Into Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Slider Rolls: Soft, pillowy base that cradles all the delicious fillings, choose fresh rolls with a light, airy texture for the best bite.

• Turkey Slices, Cheese: Lean protein paired with creamy cheese creates a satisfying, protein-packed center, select high-quality deli turkey and mild melting cheese like Swiss or provolone.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tangy-sweet burst of flavor, opt for homemade or smooth store-bought sauce for consistent spreading.
• Mayonnaise: Optional creamy layer that enhances moisture and richness, choose full-fat version for best flavor.

• Butter, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic Powder, Poppy Seeds: Magical blend that transforms simple sliders into gourmet appetizers, use fresh garlic powder and high-quality Dijon for maximum flavor impact.

Kitchen Must-Haves For Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for holding all your sliders together.
• Parchment paper: Optional, but helps with easy cleanup.
• Small bowl: For mixing the buttery topping ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend the butter and seasonings smoothly.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for evenly spreading the butter mixture on top.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the sliders during initial baking.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing rolls and serving the sliders.

Mouthwatering Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders showcase seasonal comfort on a miniature sandwich canvas. Mediterranean herbs and tangy cranberry sauce elevate these compact protein-packed morsels for discerning palates you’ll savor with delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) turkey slices (cooked)
• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian or dinner rolls)
• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese (halved)
• ½ cup (120 g) cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or apply light grease for effortless release.
2. Slider Assembly: Carefully bisect rolls horizontally, positioning bottom halves across the prepared baking surface as a foundational layer for flavor construction.
3. Flavor Layering: Spread mayonnaise across roll bases, strategically layer turkey slices, and generously distribute cranberry sauce, creating a harmonious flavor landscape.
4. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle selected cheese uniformly over turkey, crown with top roll sections to form compact slider configurations.
5. Glaze Composition: Whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds until achieving a cohesive, aromatic blend.
6. Glazing Technique: Liberally brush glaze across slider surfaces, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Drape aluminum foil over the dish to protect delicate components.
7. Thermal Transformation: Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking 5-10 minutes until sliders acquire a golden-brown exterior and cheese melts into luxurious uniformity.
8. Serving Preparation: Extract from oven, allow brief resting period for flavor melding, then slice with precision and serve while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Slice Rolls Carefully: Use a serrated knife to cut slider rolls horizontally, ensuring even layers without tearing the bread’s delicate structure.
• Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Spread mayonnaise, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
• Control Butter Glaze: Brush glaze gently and sparingly to prevent soggy tops while maintaining a crisp, golden-brown finish.
• Temperature Management: Watch sliders closely during final baking stage to prevent burning, checking golden-brown color and cheese melt every few minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg