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Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

4.9 from 117 reviews

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.

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