Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful blend of savory turkey, creamy provolone, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce nestled in soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal, these sliders combine comforting flavors with a buttery poppy seed glaze that makes every bite memorable.

A close-up view of four sandwich pieces arranged on a wooden board, each sandwich made with a golden brown poppy seed bun. Inside, there are three visible layers: the bottom soft white bun, slices of light pink turkey meat in the middle, and a layer of bright red cranberry sauce topped with fresh green leafy lettuce. The cranberry sauce is slightly spilling out, adding a glossy texture. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with fresh green arugula leaves and another clear bowl with bright red cranberries, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 12 King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls
  • 1 lb deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey meat
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 cup arugula leaves
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible for easier assembly and serving. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Layer an even amount of sliced turkey on the bottom buns, then top with provolone cheese and a handful of arugula leaves. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce generously over the top.
  4. Step 4: Place the top half of the buns back onto the sliders to complete the sandwiches.
  5. Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Microwave for about 10 seconds until melted, then stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns. Loosely tent the sliders with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to toast the tops until golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but make for great leftovers too.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crunchier texture, add thinly sliced red onions or pickles inside the sliders before baking.
  • Substitute provolone cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
  • Use homemade cranberry relish for a fresher taste if you have the time.
  • Leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays works perfectly in this recipe.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a moment under the broiler if you want to refresh the toasted tops.

How to Serve

A white plate holds six sandwich pieces made with three layers of golden brown bread topped with black seeds; the bottom layer is soft and light inside. The fillings include a thick layer of pale pink turkey, a layer of light yellow cheese, fresh green leafy herbs, and a thick spread of dark red cranberry sauce on top. The plate sits on a white and blue striped cloth over a round woven mat on a white marbled tabletop. In the background, a clear glass bowl with bright green leafy salad and a small bowl with red cranberries are visible, along with a plant with pale green leaves on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?

Yes, regular dinner rolls will work, but King’s Hawaiian rolls add a signature sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce beautifully.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with the butter glaze and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Print

Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are delightful mini sandwiches perfect for a holiday appetizer or a tasty snack. Featuring tender turkey, melted provolone, peppery arugula, and a tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, all nestled between sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a flavorful buttery Dijon glaze sprinkled with poppy seeds, they are baked to golden perfection for a warm, satisfying bite.

  • Author: Leo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Ingredients

  • 12 King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls
  • 1 lb deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey meat
  • 12 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 cup arugula leaves
  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Butter Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Build the base: Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet to form the base for the sliders.
  3. Layer it up: Evenly layer the sliced turkey over the bottom buns. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese and a handful of fresh arugula leaves. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce generously over the arugula to add a sweet and tart flavor contrast.
  4. Top it off: Place the top halves of the buns back onto the assembled sliders to complete the sandwiches.
  5. Make the butter glaze: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Microwave for about 10 seconds until the butter is melted, then stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
  6. Brush and bake: Brush the prepared butter glaze evenly over the tops of the slider buns. Loosely tent the sliders with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese melts and the sandwiches are heated through. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes to brown and toast the tops lightly until golden.
  7. Serve: Allow the sliders to cool slightly, then slice apart if needed and serve warm. These sliders are sure to be a hit and disappear quickly at any gathering.

Notes

  • Using leftover turkey meat is a great way to reduce waste and add flavor.
  • You can substitute provolone cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if desired.
  • Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to your preferred sweetness and tartness level.
  • If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds for a different texture.
  • For easier serving, keep the slider buns connected and slice them into individual pieces after baking.
  • These sliders can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Keywords: Cranberry Turkey Sliders, Holiday Appetizer, Mini Sandwiches, King’s Hawaiian Rolls, Turkey Sandwich, Easy Party Snack

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