Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Looking for a delicious way to transform your leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal? Look no further than these Cranberry Turkey Sliders! A delightful twist on the classic Thanksgiving flavors, these sliders are a perfect balance of savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy havarti cheese, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. The secret is in the seasoned butter mixture brushed on top, creating a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and melty.

I stumbled upon this recipe the day after Thanksgiving, seeking a fresh take on the usual turkey leftovers. Since then, these sliders have become a family favorite, disappearing faster than I can make them. Even the pickiest eaters, like my nephew and sister-in-law, couldn’t resist these “fancy hot sandwiches.” The umami kick from Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the flavors, making these sliders a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you serve them as a main course for a casual lunch or as hearty appetizers for holiday gatherings, these Cranberry Turkey Sliders are sure to impress. Pair them with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or a warm bowl of soup for a satisfying meal. And don’t be afraid to get creative by trying different cheeses or swapping turkey for ham or roast beef. With each bite, you’ll savor the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication that makes these sliders a standout dish in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Transforms leftover turkey into a new and exciting dish
• Perfect balance of savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese
• Versatile – works as a main course for casual lunches or as hearty appetizers for parties
• Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy havarti cheese creates a perfect balance that feels both familiar and fresh.
• Transforms Leftovers: Turns ordinary deli turkey into an exciting, restaurant-quality dish that reinvents Thanksgiving leftovers into handheld comfort food.
• Irresistibly Crispy and Melty: The seasoned butter brushed on top makes them golden and crispy while keeping the inside warm and melty, creating a satisfying texture.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters like teenagers and reluctant cranberry sauce fans have been won over by these sliders, making them a hit for all ages.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, meats (such as ham or roast beef), and flavor variations like brie cheese or horseradish sauce, making it a versatile recipe for different occasions.
• Great for Entertaining: Perfect as a main course for casual lunches, hearty appetizers for parties, or paired with soups and salads, providing a fuss-free option for hosting guests.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making them a convenient choice for entertaining and saving you from boring leftover meals.
• Comforting and Indulgent: The sweet and savory flavors combined with a crispy, buttery top make them feel indulgent while still being a simple and comforting meal option.
• Reheats Well: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven, retaining their delicious flavors and textures, perfect for enjoying the next day.

Ingredients for Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Main Components

• 1 lb deli turkey, thinly sliced
• 6 slices havarti or provolone cheese
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
• 16oz package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)

Seasoned Butter

• 2 teaspoons fresh minced chives
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

How to Make Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Step 1: Prep oven and dish

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare rolls

Cut Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise and place the bottom half in the baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the fillings

Arrange deli turkey on top of the rolls, spread cranberry sauce evenly, and layer cheese slices on top.

Step 4: Top and season

Place the top bun layer over the sliders. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion, poppy seeds, and chives in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.

Step 5: Bake covered

Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes until sliders are heated through and cheese is melted.

Step 6: Brown and serve

Uncover and bake for 3-5 minutes until the tops of the sliders are browned. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Cranberry Turkey Sliders, it is best to refrigerate any leftovers promptly. Place the sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to retain their moisture and flavors. Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a 300-degree oven until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy tops and ensures the cheese is melty and delicious.

For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the sliders entirely before refrigerating them for up to a day before baking. This prep-ahead option is great for entertaining, as it allows you to save time on the day of serving. If baking the sliders from cold, remember to add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through properly. Whether serving immediately or storing for later, these sliders offer a delightful way to enjoy leftover turkey in a new and exciting dish that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ingredient substitutions in the Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe, you can switch out the havarti or provolone cheese for other melty cheese options like cheddar or Swiss if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cheddar may not melt as smoothly as havarti or provolone. Additionally, if you want to experiment with different flavors, you can try brie cheese slices for a more sophisticated taste, or even add caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.

If you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand, you can substitute it with another fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot jam to achieve a similar sweet and tart contrast with the savory turkey. This substitution can create a unique twist on the sliders while still maintaining the balance of flavors. Lastly, if you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of these sliders, you can swap the deli turkey for slices of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful alternative that still delivers the satisfying slider experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with these Cranberry Turkey Sliders, consider setting up a DIY slider bar at your next gathering. Provide a variety of cheeses like havarti, brie, and cheddar, along with different condiments such as cranberry sauce, horseradish, and mustard. Guests can mix and match to create their own personalized sliders, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

Another idea is to elevate these sliders by turning them into a gourmet appetizer platter. Cut the sliders into smaller pieces and arrange them on a wooden board alongside some fresh herbs, dried fruits, and nuts for a sophisticated presentation. Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top for a touch of sweetness and acidity, turning this comfort food into an elegant bite-sized treat that will impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe recommends havarti or provolone cheese, you can experiment with other varieties like brie, cheddar, or Swiss to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if they’re going in cold from the fridge.

How should I reheat the leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, simply place the sliders in a 300-degree oven until warmed through. They should retain their delicious flavors and textures even after being refrigerated.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can try using different flavored rolls, swapping turkey for ham or roast beef, adding caramelized onions, or using different sauces like horseradish instead of cranberry to create unique and delicious slider variations.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Cranberry Turkey Sliders brings as much joy and excitement to your family gatherings as it has to mine. The blend of flavors and textures in these sliders truly transforms leftover turkey into a gourmet experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up holiday leftovers or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to hit the spot.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or even meats to customize these sliders to your liking. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it a versatile option for any occasion. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders, sit back, and watch them disappear before your eyes. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful culinary adventure!

Delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Perfect Holiday Appetizer

“Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious Cranberry Turkey Sliders with melty cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a golden, buttery top – a crowd-pleasing handheld delight!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 turkey sliders)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 lb deli turkey, thinly sliced
• 6 slices havarti or provolone cheese
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
• 16oz package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)

Seasoned Butter

• 2 teaspoons fresh minced chives
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Prep oven and dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Prepare rolls: Cut Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
3. Layer the fillings: Arrange deli turkey on top of the rolls, spread cranberry sauce evenly, and layer cheese slices on top.
4. Top and season: Place the top bun layer over the sliders. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion, poppy seeds, and chives in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.
5. Bake covered: Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes until sliders are heated through and cheese is melted.
6. Brown and serve: Uncover and bake for 3-5 minutes until the tops of the sliders are browned. Serve promptly.