These Cranberry Turkey Sliders started as my solution for leftover holiday turkey but quickly became a year-round favorite. The combination of that buttery glaze sweet Hawaiian rolls and tangy cranberry sauce creates something magical. My family now requests these for game days movie nights and pretty much any gathering we host.
The Perfect Bite
What makes these sliders so special is how all those flavors work together. That sweet and tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the rich cheese while the buttery herb glaze takes everything over the top. Plus they're so easy to put together I can have them ready for unexpected guests in no time.
What You'll Need
- Hawaiian Rolls: 12 rolls, soft and sweet for the perfect base.
- Deli Turkey: 12 slices, thinly sliced for even layering.
- Cranberry Sauce: ½ cup, tangy and sweet to complement the turkey.
- Havarti or Provolone Cheese: 6 slices, for a creamy and melty texture.
- Butter Glaze: 4 tablespoons melted butter, mixed with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried onion, ½ teaspoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon chopped chives for added flavor.
Let's Make Some Sliders
- Get Started
- Warm up your oven and slice those rolls keeping them connected it makes assembly so much easier.
- Build Your Layers
- Layer on that turkey cranberry sauce and cheese making sure every bite gets the good stuff.
- Make That Amazing Glaze
- Mix up your butter with all those delicious seasonings it's what makes these sliders extra special.
- Time to Bake
- Brush on that glaze and let them bake until they're golden and gooey.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use Swiss cheese instead of Havarti or add some fresh herbs from my garden to the glaze. When I'm feeling fancy I'll use brie it gets so wonderfully melty. The possibilities are endless you can really make these your own.
Keep Them Fresh
These sliders are best served warm when that cheese is all melty and the tops are golden brown. If you have leftovers they reheat beautifully in the oven just wrap them in foil to keep them from drying out.
Holiday Magic Any Time
Whether you're using holiday leftovers or just craving those cozy flavors these sliders never disappoint. They bring a little bit of celebration to any occasion and watching that cheese pull when you grab one is pure joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the sliders ahead and refrigerate. Add the butter topping just before baking when ready to serve.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
- Havarti, provolone, or Swiss cheese all work well. Choose based on your preference for mild or sharp flavor.
- → Can I use leftover turkey?
- Yes, leftover roasted turkey works great in place of deli meat. Just slice it thinly for best results.
- → Why cover with foil while baking?
- Foil prevents the tops from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt and inside to heat through.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven until warm for best results.