Turkey Cranberry Sliders Easy Holiday Appetizer

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are my go-to for any gathering, especially around the holidays. They’re incredibly easy to make, and that sweet and savory combination is just perfect. Using Hawaiian sweet rolls makes them a bit special, and the tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness beautifully. You can whip these up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute guests or a weeknight treat. The little pockets of melted Swiss cheese and the savory turkey mixture tucked inside the soft, slightly sweet rolls are simply addictive. I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they always disappear first. The best part is how adaptable they are; you can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or even deli turkey in a pinch, and any tart berry sauce will work if you don’t have cranberry. They really are a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders are my go-to for any gathering, especially around the holidays. They’re incredibly easy to make, and that sweet and savory combination is just perfect. Using Hawaiian sweet rolls makes them a bit special, and the tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness beautifully. You can whip these up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute guests or a weeknight treat. The little pockets of melted Swiss cheese and the savory turkey mixture tucked inside the soft, slightly sweet rolls are simply addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
• 2 cups diced turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce or relish
• 6 slices Swiss (or favorite cheese)
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp dried minced onion
• salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• dried parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolls and Filling: First, take your package of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and carefully slice them horizontally, almost like you’re making one giant sandwich. Try to get a clean, even cut so the filling sits nicely. Set the tops and bottoms aside separately. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of diced turkey. If your turkey is leftover roast turkey, make sure it’s cut into small, bite-sized pieces, about the size of a small dice. Add the 1 cup of cranberry sauce or relish to the turkey. For the relish, if it’s very chunky, you might want to give it a quick mash with a fork to distribute it better.
2. Mix the Flavor Base: Now, let’s get to the binder that’s going to hold our filling together and add a punch of flavor. In a small bowl, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This mix is going to give the sliders a fantastic savory depth. Add the 1/2 tablespoon of dried minced onion. If you don’t have dried minced onion, you can finely mince a small piece of fresh onion, but the dried version disperses more evenly and doesn’t add extra moisture. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Remember that the turkey and cheese will already have some salt, so start light.
3. Combine and Assemble: Pour the butter and mustard mixture over the turkey and cranberry combination. Stir everything gently until it’s well combined. You want to make sure every piece of turkey has a bit of that flavorful sauce. Now, take the bottom half of your sliced Hawaiian sweet rolls. You can either spread this turkey mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, or you can place the mixture in a bowl and then spoon it onto each individual roll bottom if you prefer. Aim for an even distribution so each slider gets a good amount of filling. Don’t overstuff them, or the filling might spill out too much when you bake.
4. Add the Cheese and Top: After you’ve evenly distributed the turkey and cranberry filling across the bottom half of the rolls, it’s time for the cheese. Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese, like cheddar or provolone) on top of the filling of each slider. You can cut the cheese slices in half if they are too large for the individual rolls. Then, carefully place the top halves of the Hawaiian sweet rolls back onto the assembled sliders. Gently press down on the tops to secure everything in place.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). You’ll want to bake these sliders in a baking dish. If they fit snugly in the dish, that’s even better, as it helps them steam and stay moist. If you want an extra layer of flavor and color, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a little bit of melted butter or even some of the leftover butter mixture from step 2. For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese and some dried parsley over the tops before baking. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark. The smell will be amazing!

Serving and Variations

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm. The steam will be intense right out of the oven, so giving them a moment to settle helps prevent burning your mouth. These sliders are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a side salad or some sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use deli turkey, but opt for a good quality, thinly sliced variety. For a bit of a kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture. If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try a mild cheddar, Gruyère, or even some provolone. And if cranberry sauce isn’t your thing, a dollop of fig jam or even some apple butter can offer a different, but equally delicious, sweet contrast. The key is to have that balance of sweet and savory. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a guaranteed hit, perfect for parties or just a fun weeknight meal. The mix of sweet rolls, savory turkey, tart cranberry, and melted Swiss is a combination that’s hard to beat. They come together quickly, which is always a bonus when you’re entertaining or just short on time. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble them just before baking to save even more time. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a bit of Dijon mustard to the turkey mixture for an extra layer of flavor, or swap the Swiss for provolone or cheddar. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, for the best gooey cheese experience. They also make a fantastic lunch the next day, if there are any leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make the turkey and cranberry mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembling and baking the sliders.

What kind of turkey should I use?

Leftover roast turkey, especially from Thanksgiving or Christmas, is ideal because it has a great texture. However, finely diced cooked turkey breast from the deli works well too. Just make sure it’s cut into small, manageable pieces.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Certainly! While Swiss is fantastic, provolone, cheddar, or even a mild Monterey Jack would also be delicious in these sliders. Just make sure it melts well.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Quick and easy sliders featuring savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
12 sliders

Ingredients

• 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
• 2 cups diced turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce or relish
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp dried minced onion
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• dried parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2
   Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Step 3
   In a medium bowl, combine the diced turkey, cranberry sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4
   Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
5. Step 5
   Top the turkey mixture with the Swiss cheese slices. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6
   Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the tops of the rolls. If using, sprinkle with dried parsley.
7. Step 7
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Step 8
   Let the sliders cool slightly before cutting into individual portions and serving.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.