Cranberry turkey sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will take your sliders to the next level. With their perfect blend of savory turkey, creamy pepper jack cheese, and the tangy sweetness of homemade cranberry sauce, these sliders will add an unexpected, delicious flavor to your sandwiches!
Delightful Turkey Sliders with Homemade Cranberry Sauce
When cranberries are in season, use leftover fresh berries to create turkey sliders topped with homemade cranberry sauce. These sliders are not only easy to prepare but also provide the perfect opportunity to use up leftover fresh cranberries. This addition adds a delicious taste to a classic turkey sandwich!
The Magic of Homemade Cranberry Sauce
No turkey slider is complete without a flavorful sauce. Therefore, making your own cranberry sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level. The combination of sugar, orange juice, and fresh cranberries creates a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors. Additionally, the cooking process allows the cranberries to burst and release their juices. This creates a luscious and thick filling that perfectly complements the savory turkey. Plus, it’s a fun way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into your meal!
The Perfect Sliders
Hawaiian sweet rolls are a delicious option for these sliders because they complement the turkey and zesty pepper jack cheese exceptionally well. However, if that doesn’t suit your taste, you can certainly choose savory rolls instead. Furthermore, whether you opt for deli turkey for convenience or decide to use leftover home-cooked turkey for a more personalized touch, both options are equally delicious. Additionally, layering the turkey with the homemade cranberry sauce not only adds moisture but also elevates the overall flavor profile. As a result, each bite is delicious!
Assembling Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Assembling the cranberry turkey sliders is a simple process that brings all the delicious elements together. Start by slicing your buns in half and placing the bottom halves on a large sheet of aluminum foil that you can wrap around the sliders for heating in the oven.
Layer the turkey slices, ensuring each slider gets a hearty filling. Then, add pepper jack cheese or another type of cheese you prefer. For an extra touch, you might also consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, to enhance the taste. Finally, finish with cranberry sauce and the top buns.
A Savory Butter Topping
A savory butter topping takes these sliders over the top. Specifically, a mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of onion powder, combined with the crunch of poppy and sesame seeds, adds an irresistible golden finish. Furthermore, as the sliders bake, the butter seeps into the bread, creating a rich and decadent layer that complements the ingredients perfectly.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders are Perfect for Any Occasion
These turkey sliders with cranberry sauce are versatile enough for a variety of occasions. Particularly, whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual gathering, or simply looking for a warm and inviting meal, these sliders can be a star attraction. Moreover, they’re easy to prepare in large batches and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them an ideal choice for buffet-style dining.
Other Slider Recipes You Might Enjoy
Click on each name or photo to link to the recipe.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Equipment
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
Sliders
- (1) 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/4-1/2 pound thinly sliced deli turkey (for thick sliders, use 1/2 pound of turkey; can also use thin-sliced baked turkey)
- 8 slices pepper jack cheese (or a 16-ounce block of cheese, finely sliced)
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
Cranberry Sauce
- Place the sugar, water, orange juice, and cranberries in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat on medium heat and cook until the cranberries burst. Using a masher, tamp the berries to help break them up. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Set aside.
Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to make a top and a bottom.
- Place 2 long sheets of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. You will need enough foil to completely wrap the sliders for baking. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the middle of the foil. Divide the cheese and add a layer to cover the bread.
- Add a layer of turkey on top of the cheese.
- Add cranberry sauce to each slider, and then top with the rolls.
Butter Topping
- Melt the butter and add the mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire. Whisk to blend. Use a brush to cover the entire top and sides of the sliders with the butter mixture. Drizzle any leftover butter on the sliders. Sprinkle the sliders with poppy and sesame seeds.
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Pull back the foil to expose the sliders. Bake uncovered for 2 more minutes. Serve warm.