Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at leftover turkey wondering how to jazz it up beyond the usual sandwich, you’re in for a treat. I absolutely love this Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, flavorful bite that my whole family goes crazy for. Imagine soft Hawaiian rolls layered with savory turkey, gooey white cheddar, and bursts of tangy cranberry sauce—all topped with a nutty, seasoned brown butter glaze. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to shortcut for turning leftovers into a showstopper.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe happens because each ingredient brings something special. The richness of brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that you might not expect but won’t want to live without. And the Hawaiian rolls? Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

• Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter so it browns evenly and doesn’t burn—it’s worth the extra minute to prep.
• Poultry seasoning: This classic blend adds warmth and a slight earthiness to the brown butter.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Hawaiian rolls: Their sweetness balances the tart cranberry sauce perfectly; fresh rolls work best for a tender texture.
• White cheddar: Shredded off the block gives you better melting texture and flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Turkey breast meat: Whether deli slices or leftover Thanksgiving turkey, make sure it’s sliced thin for easy layering and melting.
• Cranberry sauce: I use classic cranberry sauce here, but feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or sauces for a twist.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is. Sometimes I switch up the cheese or add extras like herbs or crunchy slaw. Feel free to make this recipe your own depending on what you have on hand or your mood.

• Cheese Swap: I’ve made these with pepper jack for some heat or smoked gouda for a rich, smoky boost—both are crowd favorites.
• Herb Twist: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the brown butter elevates the flavor even more.
• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted veggies instead of turkey and layer with cheese and cranberry for a delicious meatless bite.
• Sweet & Spicy: Stir a little chipotle powder into the brown butter for a subtle smoky kick that balances the cranberry.

How to Make Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Browning Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. I like to spritz a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper with overhangs—this little trick helps you lift the entire batch out after baking without breaking the sliders apart. Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch closely because the butter will start to foam and then turn golden brown with tiny nutty bits forming at the bottom. That’s the flavor gold right there! Stir in your poultry seasoning and garlic powder, then transfer to a bowl to cool just a bit. This brown butter glaze will give your sliders an irresistible crust.

Step 2: Layer It Up

Place the bottom half of your Hawaiian rolls snugly in your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the shredded white cheddar evenly across the rolls, then add all the turkey slices in a single layer. Spoon dollops of cranberry sauce over the turkey—you want enough to get those tangy bursts but not so much that the sliders get soggy. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top before placing the top half of the rolls over everything.

Step 3: Brush, Bake, and Enjoy

Brush the browned butter mixture over the top layer of the rolls generously. Then, tent the whole pan with foil (this keeps the tops from browning too quickly) and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, so the tops get golden and slightly crispy. When I first tried this, I was surprised at how the buttery, seasoned glaze pulls it all together—it really takes these sliders from good to unforgettable.

How to Serve Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. A light swipe of Dijon mustard on the rolls before assembling also brings a nice tang if you want to experiment.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair beautifully with a simple green salad with vinaigrette or some crispy sweet potato fries for a casual meal. For a festive touch, roasted Brussels sprouts or a bowl of creamy soup complement the sliders perfectly during colder months.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange the sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra cranberry sauce, pickles, and mini pretzels on the side. It turns the whole thing into a gorgeous, interactive platter that everyone loves digging into. And if you want to get extra fancy, sprinkle some edible flowers or microgreens over the top for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I tightly wrap leftovers in foil or pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up really well, so you don’t have to worry about soggy bread right away, especially if you reheat gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully assembled sliders wrapped in foil and then plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the oven covered with foil. This method preserves the texture and flavor beautifully without sogginess.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is in a 350°F oven, wrapped loosely in foil for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the bread soft without drying things out or making the top crust too hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy turkey beyond the holidays. It’s cozy, colorful, and ridiculously easy to put together—you’ll find it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I’m confident that once you try these warm, cheesy bites with that bright cranberry zing, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again, just like I do. So, go ahead, grab those Hawaiian rolls and leftover turkey—your friends and family will thank you!

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