Zesty Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Holiday Gem

Succulent shredded turkey meets tangy cranberry sauce in these irresistible cranberry turkey sliders that promise a flavor explosion.

Packed with festive charm, these mini sandwiches deliver maximum deliciousness in every bite.

Tender meat nestled between soft slider buns creates a perfect handheld meal.

The bright cranberry sauce cuts through rich turkey with a zesty punch that awakens your taste buds.

Crisp lettuce and a hint of herbs add fresh complexity to this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Each slider combines classic ingredients in a playful, satisfying way that elevates your gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.

These sliders are your ticket to instant culinary admiration at any potluck or game day spread.

Pro Tips for Festive Turkey Sliders

• Apply the butter, mustard, and garlic powder mixture evenly to ensure each slider gets a delicious, golden-brown top with maximum flavor.
• Choose a cheese that melts smoothly like swiss or provolone for the best gooey texture and rich taste.
• Use homemade or high-quality store-bought cranberry sauce for a more vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
• Use fresh, soft slider buns and slightly toast them before assembling to prevent sogginess and add extra crunch.
• Assemble sliders in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Creative Turkey Slider Ideas

• Vegetarian Slider Swap: Replace turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for chipotle sauce, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cranberry sauce with olive tapenade, use feta cheese, and add fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired slider.

How to Serve Turkey Sliders

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh cranberries and sprigs of parsley for a festive gathering centerpiece.
• Leftover Lunch Hero: Pack these sliders in lunch boxes with a side of mixed greens or crisp apple slices for a delicious midday meal.
• Game Day Delights: Serve these mini sandwiches during sports events with a side of tangy coleslaw or sweet potato chips for extra crunch and flavor.
• Holiday Brunch Charm: Pair these sliders with a light winter salad and cranberry mimosa for a cozy weekend family breakfast or brunch spread.

Storing Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze sliders for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Wrap tightly to protect from freezer burn.
• Warm individual sliders for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep buns soft and prevent edges from becoming tough.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with shredded chicken or deli-style roast beef for a similar slider experience.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary for the recipe?

While Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor, you can replace it with whole grain mustard or regular yellow mustard if needed.

• How can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar cheese are excellent choices that complement the cranberry and turkey flavors.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Holiday Magic

• Whip Up Quickly: Sliders come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese, these sliders offer a delightful flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Great for game day gatherings, holiday potlucks, or casual family dinners, these sliders easily adapt to any social occasion and impress guests with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or different cheeses to make the recipe uniquely yours, ensuring endless tasty variations.

Ingredients for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls perfect for creating mini sandwiches.
• Turkey: Lean and flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the sliders.
• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds a festive flavor to the sliders.
• Cheese: Melty topping that provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder: Flavorful seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the sliders.
• Melted Butter: Adds a golden, crispy finish to the bun tops.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, optional decorative touch to the finished sliders.

Directions for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for some slider magic.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Buns

Gently slice the slider buns in half and nestle the bottom halves into a greased baking dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Tender turkey slices
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Melted cheese

Step 4: Top and Seal

Crown your slider creation with the top halves of the buns.

Step 5: Whip Up the Glaze

• Melted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder

Generously brush this flavorful mixture over the bun tops.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and let the sliders bake for 15 minutes.

Then, uncover and continue baking for 5-7 minutes until the tops turn golden and the cheese becomes irresistibly melty.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Serve these sliders warm and watch them disappear in moments.

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Cranberry turkey sliders bring festive flavors to classic mini sandwiches with a delightful twist. Packed with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese, you’ll savor this perfect party appetizer that combines comfort and celebration in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or sliced)

Bread and Cheese:

• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese (cut in half)

Condiments and Seasonings:

• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F for optimal slider preparation.
2. Carefully split slider buns horizontally, positioning bottom halves in a greased baking vessel.
3. Artfully arrange layers of succulent turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese atop the bun bases.
4. Crown the layered sliders with their corresponding top bun halves.
5. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together rich melted butter, zesty Dijon mustard, and aromatic garlic powder.
6. Generously brush the prepared glaze across the slider tops, ensuring even coverage.
7. Shield the sliders with aluminum foil, then bake for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to warm through.
8. Remove foil and continue baking 5-7 minutes until bun tops transform into a golden-brown crust and cheese becomes perfectly molten.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
10. Serve immediately while sliders are warm and invitingly aromatic.

Notes

• Swap out turkey for rotisserie chicken or pulled pork to create variety and keep the recipe flexible for different protein preferences.
• Reduce butter content by using olive oil spray for a lighter version, which cuts down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Make these sliders gluten-free by selecting gluten-free slider buns or using lettuce wraps as a low-carb alternative.
• Prepare the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute cooking stress.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 171 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg