Delicious Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Introduction

If you’re looking for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish, these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a game day gathering, or just want a fun and easy dinner, these sliders are packed with savory turkey, melty cheese, and a delightful cranberry spread that adds the perfect sweet-tart balance. The best part? They’re quick to prepare, and baking them all together makes serving a breeze.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create these delicious sliders, including step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and keto-friendly alternatives.

Ingredients

For the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
• 1 lb sliced deli turkey
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a single piece. Place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Cranberry Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Spread the cranberry mayo mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Layer the sliced turkey on top, followed by the Swiss cheese slices. Place the top half of the buns on top.
5. Make the Butter Glaze: In another small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, poppy seeds, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
6. Brush the Sliders: Use a pastry brush to spread the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the buns, making sure they are all well coated.
7. Bake: Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. These sliders are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

Cooking Notes

• Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls are ideal for these sliders because they add a touch of sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce. However, any soft dinner rolls will work.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with turkey, but you can also use cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
• Butter Glaze: Be sure to cover the sliders for the first part of baking to prevent the buns from browning too quickly. Removing the foil allows them to get perfectly golden and crispy.

Variations

• Spicy Cranberry Sliders: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the cranberry mayo spread for a spicy kick.
• Turkey and Brie Sliders: Replace the Swiss cheese with brie for an extra creamy, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce.
• Herbed Butter Glaze: Add a teaspoon of minced garlic and fresh rosemary to the butter glaze for extra depth of flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders keto-friendly or low-carb, try these adjustments:

• Slider Buns: Use low-carb slider buns or make keto cloud bread buns as a substitute.
• Sweetener Substitute: Replace the honey in the butter glaze with a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Cranberry Sauce: Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce or make your own with a keto-friendly sweetener to reduce the carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day ahead of time. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the butter glaze and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I Use Different Meat?

Absolutely! These sliders work well with different deli meats, such as ham or roast beef. You can also use leftover roasted turkey, making them perfect for using up holiday leftovers.

What Should I Serve with These Sliders?

These sliders are great on their own, but they also pair well with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a party spread, consider serving them alongside chips and dip or a veggie platter.

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering. With melty cheese, tender turkey, and a touch of cranberry sauce, these sliders are easy to make and sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just want a fun, simple dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

Try this recipe the next time you need a quick, delicious dish that’s full of flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and let us know which version you love the most!

Looking for More Party-Friendly Recipes?

Check out our other slider recipes and party appetizers for more delicious and easy options that are perfect for any occasion!