Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are an irresistible blend of savory and sweet, perfect for holiday gatherings, game day appetizers, or a delightful weeknight meal. Tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Swiss cheese are nestled in soft slider buns, all brought together with a zesty Dijon-mayonnaise spread and a buttery, savory poppy seed topping. The warm, gooey perfection of each bite makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
12 sliders (serves 4-6)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
- Incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy hosts or a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
- Versatile for any occasion, from elegant holiday buffets to casual game day gatherings.
- Features a crave-worthy buttery, savory topping that elevates the texture and taste of the buns.
- A fantastic way to reinvent leftover turkey, transforming it into a gourmet-style dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 250g (2 cups) cooked turkey, shredded or thinly sliced
- 12 slices (halved from 6 slices) Swiss cheese or provolone cheese
- 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns
- 120ml (1/2 cup) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 120ml (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard
- 60g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) poppy seeds, optional
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) chopped fresh parsley, optional
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is crucial for even baking and proper cheese melting, leading to a perfectly gooey interior.
- Carefully slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. If they come in a connected sheet, try to keep them mostly attached for easier handling. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a lightly greased 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish. Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes individual sliders easy to lift out for serving.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth. This zesty spread adds a crucial layer of flavor and moisture. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls using a spatula or the back of a spoon, reaching all edges.
- Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the mayonnaise-Dijon spread on the bottom buns. Following this, spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey. The tartness and sweetness of the cranberry beautifully complement the savory turkey, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Lay the halved slices of Swiss or Provolone cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers. Ensure good coverage so every slider gets a generous helping of melted cheese. Carefully position the top halves of the slider rolls back onto the cheese layer, completing the sandwich assembly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and the optional poppy seeds and fresh parsley until well combined. This savory butter mixture is key to achieving a golden, aromatic, and slightly crispy crust on the buns. Brush this mixture generously and evenly over the tops of the slider rolls, ensuring every bun is coated.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial covered baking allows the sliders to steam gently, ensuring the turkey warms through and the cheese melts thoroughly without browning the tops too quickly. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the sliders cool briefly for about 5 minutes; this allows the melted cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off when cut. Use a sharp knife to separate the individual sliders. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Small mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Essential Success Tips
- For the best texture, opt for high-quality slider buns or mini brioche buns that are sturdy enough to absorb the moisture without becoming soggy, yet remain soft.
- Don't skip the Dijon mustard in the mayonnaise spread; it adds a crucial tangy, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Ensure the butter topping is brushed generously and evenly over all the rolls for a consistent golden-brown finish and a delicious savory crust.
- Covering the sliders for the initial baking period is essential; it creates a steamy environment that gently warms the turkey and ensures the cheese melts thoroughly before the tops crisp up.
- Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes out of the oven before cutting; this crucial step helps the melted cheese set slightly, preventing it from oozing excessively when you separate the individual sliders.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the flavor profile by using a homemade whole berry cranberry sauce infused with a hint of orange zest and a touch of cinnamon. The bright citrus and warm spice will deepen the complexity of the dish beautifully.
- For an extra layer of savory depth and textural contrast, lightly toast the cut sides of the slider buns under a broiler for a minute or two before assembling. This creates a slight barrier against moisture and adds a pleasant crispness.
- Consider adding a very thin slice of crispy, cooked bacon or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans to the turkey layer for an unexpected textural and flavor enhancement that will surprise and delight your guests.
Notes
- These sliders are absolutely best served warm, fresh from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the buns are soft with a hint of crispness on top.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For reheating, a gentle warm-up in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes is recommended to restore some crispness, though the buns may not be as fresh.
- For a subtle smoky flavor, use smoked Provolone cheese instead of regular, or add a very small pinch of smoked paprika to the butter topping.
- If fresh parsley isn't available, a small amount of dried parsley or dried chives (about 1 teaspoon) can be used in the butter topping for a touch of herb flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for these sliders?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Provolone are classic and melt beautifully, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious alternatives. Choose a cheese that complements the savory turkey and sweet cranberry for your preferred flavor profile.
What can I use if I don't have leftover turkey?
If you don't have leftover roasted turkey, you can easily substitute sliced deli turkey (thick-cut for better texture) or even cooked shredded chicken. Ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well for the best flavor results.
Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?
You can certainly assemble the sliders, including the turkey, cranberry, and cheese layers, and prepare the butter topping in a separate bowl a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with the butter topping just before baking to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per slider: Calories: 280, Protein: 18g, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 18g. (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands used, and portion sizes.)
Allergy Information
This dish contains common allergens such as dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (slider rolls). For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free slider buns. Always check labels for hidden allergens in sauces and processed ingredients if dietary restrictions are a concern.
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