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Best Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe for the Holidays

Close-up of turkey cranberry slider buns cut in half showing layers

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into crowd-pleasing Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These mini sandwiches combine tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and fresh greens on buttery Hawaiian rolls. The perfect make-ahead appetizer for holiday parties or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

12 Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns

1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded

1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese

2 cups fresh baby spinach or arugula

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of slider buns horizontally, keeping the bottom and top connected as one piece. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom layer of buns.

4. Arrange the sliced or shredded turkey evenly across the bottom buns, distributing it uniformly so every slider gets a generous portion.

5. Place the Swiss or provolone cheese slices over the turkey layer.

6. Generously spread the cranberry sauce over the cheese layer.

7. Layer the fresh baby spinach or arugula on top of the cranberry sauce.

8. Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over all the layers. Press down gently to compact everything together.

9. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, black pepper, and honey (if using).

10. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the buns, covering every inch.

11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese melts completely.

12. Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the original slider bun lines. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the sliders completely (without the butter topping) up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add the butter topping and bake when ready to serve, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Bread Options: Hawaiian sweet rolls work beautifully, but you can substitute with potato rolls, brioche buns, or any soft dinner rolls.

Cheese Variations: Try sharp white cheddar, brie, havarti, or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.

Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze assembled sliders without the greens. Add fresh spinach when reheating for the best texture.

Extra Flavor Boost: Add a layer of stuffing, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon for more depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cranberry sliders, thanksgiving sliders, holiday sliders, mini turkey sandwiches, leftover turkey recipe

Find it online: https://www.hanaeats.com/turkey-cranberry-sliders/