Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey Cranberry Sliders have quickly gained popularity as the ultimate blend of festive flavors, offering a delicious twist on the classic turkey sandwich. These mouthwatering sliders marry tender turkey with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled within soft, buttery slider buns.
Whether you are planning a holiday party, looking for an efficient way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, or simply craving a sweet and savory snack, Turkey Cranberry Sliders will not disappoint. Not only are these sliders easy to prepare for gatherings, but they also allow endless customization.
The key to the popularity of Turkey Cranberry Sliders lies in their versatility—they are perfect as appetizers, light lunches, or even as a creative addition to your dinner table.
The combination of succulent sliced turkey and zesty cranberry sauce offers the right balance of flavors, making each bite exciting and memorable. Rooted in the tradition of enjoying turkey and cranberry in holiday meals, these sliders provide a portable, shareable snack that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation.
By adding melty cheese and optional savory elements like stuffing or herbed butter, Turkey Cranberry Sliders evolve from a humble leftover dish to a coveted party favorite. Their simplicity, flavor, and festive flair make them a standout dish worthy of any season.
Ingredients
- 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup stuffing or dressing
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally, placing the bottom halves in the prepared dish.
- Evenly layer the sliced or shredded turkey over the bottom buns.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading it evenly.
- Lay cheese halves over the cranberry layer, covering each slider.
- If using, sprinkle stuffing or dressing over the cheese.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the slider buns.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Turkey Cranberry Sliders offer a delightful balance of macronutrients and key micronutrients, making them a satisfying yet nutritious choice for any meal. Each slider typically contains around 180-220 calories, depending on the size of the buns and the amount of cheese or optional add-ins like stuffing.
Most of these calories come from lean protein sources (turkey), giving you sustained energy and helping you feel full longer. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, containing essential amino acids and being naturally low in saturated fat.
Cranberry sauce adds a small amount of natural sugars and fiber, while also introducing antioxidants and vitamin C. Whole-berry cranberry sauce, used in moderation, enhances the flavor profile without excessive calories. The cheese delivers calcium and protein but also contributes some saturated fat, so portion control is advised.
Slider buns may be high in carbohydrates, and choosing whole-grain buns can increase fiber content. For those watching their sodium intake, lower-sodium turkey and cheese options are recommended. Each slider generally delivers about 9-12 grams of protein, 18-22 grams of carbohydrates, and 5-7 grams of fat.
Adding greens or reducing cheese quantity can further tailor the nutritional value to your dietary needs. Overall, Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a balanced and satisfying snack, perfect for active lifestyles and group gatherings.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
The flavors in Turkey Cranberry Sliders pair wonderfully with a range of beverages. For wine lovers, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir complements the savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry without overwhelming the palate.
White wine enthusiasts may prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Riesling, both of which provide balanced acidity that enhances the dish’s flavors. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling cider or cranberry spritzers offer a refreshing complement.
A craft pilsner or wheat beer also matches well, especially if you’re serving these sliders during a casual gathering or tailgate party. For a more festive option, consider a festive holiday punch with citrus and cranberries to tie in the meal’s theme.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For truly exceptional Turkey Cranberry Sliders, a few simple tips can elevate your results. First, using freshly cooked turkey will yield the juiciest and most flavorful sliders, but turkey leftovers also work beautifully. If you prefer a richer flavor, smoked turkey is a fantastic alternative.
When choosing buns, soft slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls enhance the overall texture and add a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberry. Buttering the tops generously ensures a golden crust and prevents the buns from drying out while baking.
To customize, you can add a thin layer of stuffing or dressing between the turkey and cranberry sauce for extra savory flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; Swiss, provolone, or even a mild cheddar can complement the turkey and cranberry without overpowering the dish.
If you like a hint of spice, consider including a sliced jalapeno or a pinch of chili flakes in the butter mixture. For a gluten-free version, swap conventional buns for gluten-free rolls.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders can be assembled in advance and refrigerated (unbaked) for several hours, making them ideal for party prep. Simply bake when ready to serve for a fresh-off-the-oven taste.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with cheese perfectly melted and buns lightly crisped from the buttery topping. Arrange the sliders on a large, rustic wooden board or festive platter to create an inviting centerpiece at your table.
If you’re serving them as appetizers, use cocktail picks or small skewers for easy handling and an attractive presentation. These sliders are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners, as they are easy to pick up and savor in just a few bites.
For a complete meal, pair Turkey Cranberry Sliders with simple sides such as a mixed green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a tangy coleslaw. For a heartier spread, consider offering a soup, such as butternut squash or classic potato leek.
When serving at parties, keep baked sliders covered with foil on a warm setting to preserve their softness and prevent drying. If hosting a buffet, provide a station where guests can customize their sliders with extra cranberry sauce, gravy, or fresh greens.
For leftovers, sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain their moisture and flavor.
Health Benefits
Enjoying Turkey Cranberry Sliders offers several health benefits, thanks to their wholesome ingredients. Turkey breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, aiding in muscle repair and keeping you full between meals. It’s also low in saturated fat, which supports heart health, particularly when compared to red meats.
Cranberry sauce not only provides a burst of festive flavor but also contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help support immune function. Choosing whole-berry cranberry sauce ensures you get some dietary fiber alongside the antioxidants.
Swiss or provolone cheese adds calcium and protein, important for bone health and muscle function. By using a moderate amount of cheese, you can enjoy its creaminess without excessive fat intake.
Soft slider buns provide quick energy through carbohydrates; for added nutrition, swap them for whole-grain or multigrain buns to increase fiber intake and support digestive health. Including optional parsley as a garnish introduces vitamins A and K, supporting eye health and blood clotting.
By balancing portions and including fresh ingredients, Turkey Cranberry Sliders can fit comfortably within a heart-healthy, balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe. Simply slice or shred your cooked turkey and layer it between the buns with cranberry sauce and cheese.
Whole-berry cranberry sauce is recommended for texture and flavor, but jellied cranberry sauce will also work if you prefer a smoother spread.
Absolutely. You can assemble the sliders up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake them just before serving to ensure they are fresh and warm.
It’s best to freeze the sliders before baking, wrapped tightly. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed for best texture.
Simply substitute the regular slider buns with your favorite gluten-free rolls or buns to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders combine the best holiday flavors into a bite-sized, shareable treat that is both easy to make and full of festive spirit. Whether served as an appetizer, lunch, or a main course for gatherings, the delicious interplay of savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and melty cheese on soft buns makes this dish stand out. They are versatile enough to adapt to various preferences and dietary needs and can be conveniently prepared ahead of time. These sliders are not only perfect for using up turkey leftovers but also make a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire all year round. Bring Turkey Cranberry Sliders to your next event, and watch them disappear in no time.
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
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3Layer the turkey slices evenly over the roll bottoms, then spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey.
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4Add a slice of provolone cheese over each slider, then cover with the roll tops.
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5Mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
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6Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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