Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders

I stumbled upon these cranberry turkey sliders one afternoon when I was staring at my Thanksgiving leftovers, wondering how to turn them into something special.

The combination of tender turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls felt like pure comfort food magic.

Why I Keep Coming Back to These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

What makes this cranberry turkey slider recipe so good every single time is how the sweet Hawaiian rolls balance perfectly with the savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce.

I love how quickly they come together, no fussy prep work, just layer, brush with butter, and bake.

The melted cheese creates this wonderful richness that turns simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

These sliders remind me of the flavors in my easy yogurt pancakes, that same balance of sweet and satisfying.

When I want something hearty alongside these sliders, I often make a simple soup or salad to round out the meal.

What You Need for These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count) – The soft, slightly sweet rolls are essential here
• 12 oz sliced roasted turkey – Deli turkey or leftover holiday turkey both work beautifully
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce – The chunky texture adds great contrast
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened – This creates that creamy, melty layer we love
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Yellow mustard works too if that’s what you have
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds – These add a lovely nutty crunch
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish

The beauty of cranberry turkey sliders is their flexibility, swap the cream cheese for Swiss if you prefer, or use homemade cranberry sauce if you have it on hand.

How I Make These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

1. Prep your oven and pan – Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Slice the rolls – Using a sharp serrated knife, cut through the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves intact. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the filling – Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer the turkey slices over the cream cheese, then dollop the cranberry sauce on top, spreading gently to cover.
4. Top it off – Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, pressing down lightly to secure.
5. Make the butter mixture – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and garlic powder until well combined.
6. Brush and bake – Use a pastry brush to coat the top of the rolls with the butter mixture. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 18 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 7-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully slice into individual sliders using a sharp knife. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

My Go-To Methods for Cranberry Turkey Slider Success

The secret to perfect cranberry turkey sliders every time is keeping those rolls connected while you work, it makes assembly so much easier and helps everything bake evenly.

I always let the cream cheese come to room temperature first, which makes spreading a breeze.

Don’t skip the foil covering during the first part of baking; it keeps the tops from browning too quickly while the cheese melts perfectly inside.

Can I make these Turkey Sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble these cranberry turkey sliders up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking.

Just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

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What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

Try raspberry jam, cherry preserves, or even a good quality grape jelly. The sweet-tart contrast is what makes these sliders special, so any fruity preserve will work.

For a nice Pinterest board of similar comfort food recipes, you can follow me where I share lots of cozy meal ideas like these.

How do I store leftovers?

These are definitely best fresh from the oven, but leftover sliders keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

I actually enjoy them cold the next day – the flavors meld together beautifully.

Can I freeze these sliders?

Absolutely! Wrap individual sliders tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

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When I Love to Share These Cranberry Turkey Sliders

These cranberry turkey sliders have become my go-to for potluck dinners and casual weekend gatherings. I love serving them during football season with some crispy chips and pickles on the side.

They’re perfect for those times when you want something more interesting than regular sandwiches but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The combination of comfort and convenience makes them ideal for busy weeknights too.