Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders

What Makes Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders So Special

There’s a moment, just as you pull these Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders from the oven, that feels like pure comfort. The sweet, buttery aroma of the toasted rolls mingles with the savory scent of turkey and the tangy hint of cranberry. It’s a symphony of holiday flavors, all tucked into one delightful, handheld package. They are the ultimate answer to the question, “What can I serve that’s both effortless and impressive?”

I first started making these holiday turkey sliders as a way to breathe new life into our Thanksgiving leftovers. It quickly became a tradition of its own. My best tip? Don’t skimp on that buttery onion topping—it’s the secret to that irresistible, golden-brown finish. It transforms these simple leftover turkey sliders into something truly memorable.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked turkey
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 4 slices provolone cheese, cut in half
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated and ready to go by the time your Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders are assembled.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. This keeps all the little rolls connected, making assembly a breeze.

Step 3: Place the Bottom Slab

Place the bottom slab of rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This is the foundation for our delicious cranberry turkey sliders.

Step 4: Layer the Turkey

Evenly layer the shredded turkey across the bottom slab of rolls. Using leftover turkey makes these Easy Turkey Sliders a wonderfully practical and tasty meal.

Step 5: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. The sweet-tart berries are the perfect partner for the savory turkey in this Thanksgiving sliders recipe.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Place the halved provolone cheese slices on top of the cranberry sauce. The cheese melts beautifully and binds all the flavors together.

Step 7: Assemble and Brush

Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese. Whisk together the melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

One of the joys of this recipe for Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite little tweaks, learned from years of happy experimentation in my kitchen.

• Flavor Swap: For a zestier kick, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of dried thyme to the butter mixture.
• Diet Tweak: To make these holiday turkey sliders lighter, use low-fat provolone and a butter alternative.
• Prep Fix: If you’re worried about sogginess, a very light spread of butter on the bottom roll slab before adding the turkey creates a protective barrier.
• Storage Tip: These sliders reheat beautifully. Wrap them tightly in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for best results.

Healthier Alternatives for Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders

If you’re asking, “Can I make these Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders a bit healthier?”, the answer is a resounding yes! I often do this for a quick weeknight dinner. You can use whole-wheat slider buns instead of Hawaiian rolls for extra fiber. For the cheese, part-skim mozzarella or a thin slice of Swiss work wonderfully. And if you’re watching sodium, you can easily reduce or omit the Worcestershire sauce. These small swaps let you enjoy all the cozy flavor of these easy turkey sliders, just a little lighter.

How to Serve Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders

I love serving these Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders straight from the baking dish, placed right in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. It invites such a lovely, communal feeling. For a casual gathering, a simple green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup is the perfect partner. If you’re hosting a holiday party, these sliders shine alongside other appetizers like deviled eggs and a festive crudité platter. A crisp glass of white wine or a mug of hot spiced cider completes the picture perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions