If you’ve ever wished you could capture the cozy comfort of Thanksgiving dinner in a single, hand-held bite, the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is your dream come true. These sliders are bursting with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Swiss cheese all nestled inside buttery, soft dinner rolls. It’s a perfect way to transform leftover turkey or simply indulge in a little festive magic anytime you’re craving that classic flavor combination. Trust me, once you make these sliders, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple for game day, family gatherings, or any time you want a quick, satisfying meal loaded with warm, hearty goodness.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is delightfully straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one adds a special touch—whether it’s the rich creaminess, the savory depth, or that pop of bright cranberry sweetness, they all work beautifully together to create something truly delicious.

12 plain white soft dinner rolls: These create the perfect fluffy and tender slider base that holds all the flavors together.
2 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds just the right amount of tang and subtle heat to brighten the sandwich.
¼ cup whole-egg mayonnaise: For a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
2 cups leftover turkey: Whether shredded, chopped, or sliced, turkey is the hearty star of these sliders.
¼ cup leftover gravy (optional): If you have gravy, it adds extra moisture and warmth that elevates every bite.
¼ cup cranberry sauce: Brings that classic sweet-tart flavor that pairs so perfectly with turkey.
8 slices Swiss cheese: Or your favorite cheese like provolone or gouda, for a gooey, melting layer.
80 g unsalted butter, melted: Used for a flavorful garlic butter glaze to toast the tops to golden perfection.
1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note in the buttery topping.
½ tsp sea salt flakes: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the butter glaze with savory garlic goodness.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) if you’re using a fan-forced oven. This ensures it’s nice and hot, so your sliders will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust on top.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

If your rolls are still attached as a slab, leave them connected and carefully slice horizontally in half. This approach keeps everything nice and snug for baking. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the base of the rolls, and then follow with a layer of mayonnaise. This creamy spread adds a subtle tang and locks in moisture, making every bite wonderfully juicy.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Spread the turkey evenly over the dressed rolls so that every slider will be packed with tender meat. If you have leftover gravy, drizzle it across the turkey to add rich flavor and moisture. Then, spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce on top—the tartness really makes the turkey pop and sings with that holiday spirit.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lay the slices of Swiss cheese (or your chosen cheese) over the turkey and cranberry. Don’t worry about overlapping; that creates wonderful melted pockets of cheese that stretch with every bite. Pop the top halves of the rolls on, and transfer the whole thing to a snug rectangular baking dish or roasting pan so the sliders are touching. This helps them steam slightly while baking, making the bread super soft.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk melted butter together with the chopped parsley, sea salt flakes, and garlic powder. This luscious butter glaze is what turns these simple sliders into a golden masterpiece. It adds a garlicky, buttery finish that’s completely irresistible.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving about a tablespoon for later. Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese has melted perfectly gooey.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, run a sharp knife between the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. If you like, brush with the remaining butter glaze for an extra glossy and flavorful finish. Serve immediately and watch them disappear in no time.

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

To make your sliders look as good as they taste, sprinkle a few more fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves on top for color and freshness. A few extra dollops of cranberry sauce on the side add both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor for cranberry lovers.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a bowl of warm butternut squash soup. The key is to keep sides light and fresh to complement the rich flavors of the sliders without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap your sliders individually in parchment paper tied with a pretty piece of twine for a charming picnic or party presentation. Or serve them on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of extra gravy, cranberry sauce, and mustard for a self-serve slider bar that will impress guests and keep everyone coming back for more!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making for an easy and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

These sliders freeze well too. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen sliders will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm them in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melting again. Avoid the microwave to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides Swiss?

Absolutely! Swiss cheese is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, but provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or brie all make delicious alternatives depending on your preference. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to the sliders.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

No worries! You can pick up cooked turkey from the deli or butcher, or even use rotisserie chicken for a different but still delicious take on the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe.

Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?

While the recipe centers on turkey, you can absolutely substitute a hearty veggie patty or a marinated grilled portobello mushroom to create a vegetarian-friendly version that still pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce and cheese.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time before baking?

Yes! Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just bake as instructed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed to ensure they’re heated through.

What type of rolls work best for these sliders?

Soft white dinner rolls are ideal because they’re tender and absorb the flavors without falling apart. Hawaiian rolls or potato rolls are also excellent alternatives that add a slight sweetness and softness.

Final Thoughts

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe are pure comfort food magic, bringing together festive flavors in a fun and easy-to-enjoy way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, they offer the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and melty all in one bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience how effortlessly delicious they are—once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these sliders in your life.