Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Recipe: Perfect for Thanksgiving

Why Turkey and Cranberry Sliders are the Perfect Holiday Bite

Welcome to a warm, cozy spot in my kitchen! Today, I’m bringing you a recipe that not only tastes amazing but captures the spirit of the fall and holiday season. Imagine this: warm, savory turkey paired with a burst of tart cranberry, all nestled between buttery, toasted rolls. These turkey and cranberry sliders bring together classic holiday flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to a quick family dinner. FULL RECIPE VIDEO BELOW!

The greatest part about this recipe is you can make it with fresh deli meat or LEFT OVER TURKEY! Not only are these sliders a fantastic way to make use of Thanksgiving leftovers, but they’re also a simple recipe to whip up anytime you’re craving that holiday flavor. And if you’re following along with my November Bucket List, you know it’s all about seasonal DIYs, comfort foods, and easy yet festive ideas to celebrate fall. So let’s dive into the details and make these sliders the new highlight of your holiday table!

Ingredients You’ll Need: Let’s Get into the Details

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and many of them might already be in your fridge or pantry. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and a few tips to get the most out of each ingredient.

• 15 Hawaiian rolls or soft slider buns

• Hawaiian rolls are my top pick for this recipe because their slight sweetness enhances the tartness of the cranberry and honesty mustard dressing and balances the savory turkey. Plus, they’re soft and hold up well when baked, giving each bite a satisfying texture. You can also use dinner rolls or any soft buns for a more savory taste.

• 2 cups of leftover turkey, shredded or sliced OR Fresh Deli Turkey Lunch meat

• Leftovers are perfect here! Using Thanksgiving turkey brings a nostalgic flavor, and you can shred it for a lighter texture or slice it for heartier bites. If it’s not the holiday season, deli turkey works great, too!

• 140z can of cranberry sauce

• Whether you prefer a whole berry cranberry sauce or a classic jellied version, cranberry adds that necessary zing to each bite. The tartness cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, giving each slider a burst of flavor.

• 6 slices of cheese (brie, gouda, or Swiss)

• Cheese is optional, but I highly recommend it! Brie gives a creamy, decadent touch, while gouda or Swiss are milder options that let the turkey and cranberry shine. You can even use cheddar if you like a sharper taste. I used Swiss.

• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

• Butter is a must for adding richness and flavor. Brush it on top for golden, toasty buns and a slight crunch.

• 1 tablespoon honey mustard dressing

• This is optional, (honestly I do not mustard at all) but the mixture of all these flavors you can’t even taste the mustard.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions: How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get started! This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. In just a few steps, you’ll have a tray of sliders that smell and taste like the holidays.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the sliders. Spray your 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray will make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice the rolls in half, and set the tops aside.

2. Lay the bottom halves in the baking dish, side by side.

3. Melt your butter then add your Honey Mustard Dressing- mix the 2. Brush 75% of the mixture onto the rolls.

4. Layer the turkey slices or shredded turkey over the bottom halves.

5. Spread cranberry sauce generously over the turkey layer. The more cranberry, the more flavorful each bite will be!

6. Top the cranberry layer with cheese slices, then place the top halves of the rolls on top.

Step 3: Brush with Butter and Seasonings

Brush the remaining butter mixture on the top of the rolls. This step ensures that the buns bake up with a golden, flavorful crust, adding both color and taste to the sliders.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

You can cover the baking dish with foil to keep the sliders moist, and bake for about 15 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes before cutting them apart. They’re best served warm, and trust me—once you take a bite, you’ll know they’re worth every step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Flavor, Simplicity, and Versatility

These turkey and cranberry sliders are the ultimate blend of simplicity and indulgence. Here are just a few reasons why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

1. Easy Assembly – There’s no complicated prep or cooking techniques here. You can get these sliders assembled and in the oven in no time, making them perfect for those busy holiday days.

2. Holiday Nostalgia – The combination of turkey and cranberry instantly evokes the holiday spirit. With every bite, you’ll taste the cozy, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving.

3. Flexible for Any Occasion – While they’re perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, these sliders are versatile enough to make anytime you’re craving a taste of the holidays. Try them at potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a weeknight treat.

Make-Ahead Tips: Save Time and Stay Stress-Free

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want an easy dinner, these sliders can be made ahead of time for ultimate convenience.

• Make the Sliders in Advance: You can assemble the sliders a day before, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When it’s time to bake, just follow the original instructions, and they’ll turn out just as fresh.

• Store Leftovers (If There Are Any!): Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the rolls.

Serving Suggestions: Pairings to Complete Your Meal

To make a complete meal, pair these sliders with a few simple sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Broccoli Cheese Soup – A creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for dipping your sliders. Try my Broccoli Cheese Soup Dupe recipe, which complements the holiday flavors beautifully.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sliders

Making these sliders is easy, but here are a few tips to take them to the next level:

• Add Extra Layers: For an extra indulgent slider, add a layer of stuffing or a dollop of mashed potatoes along with the turkey. These additions make each slider taste even more like a mini Thanksgiving feast.

• Experiment with Spreads: Try swapping the cranberry sauce with a cranberry-mayo blend for a slightly creamier filling.

• Use a Mix of Cheeses: Brie, gouda, and Swiss are all fantastic choices, but feel free to get creative with your favorite cheeses!

November Bucket List: More Festive Ideas for the Season

Be sure to explore my November Bucket List for more seasonal DIYs, recipes, and activities! This month’s list is packed with ideas to bring warmth and creativity into your home, from movie night ideas to easy crafts and decor tips.

Join the Fun – Share Your Creations!

If you give these turkey and cranberry sliders a try, I’d love to see your take on them! Don’t forget to tag me on social media (@AshtonSedita) so I can see and share your delicious creations. And if you’re not already, follow me for more cozy, festive recipes to add extra warmth and flavor to your season.

xoxo, Ashton