cranberry turkey holiday sliders

Cranberry turkey sliders bring a burst of holiday flavor to your table any time of year. Each bite is packed with layers of savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls, all tied together with a buttery herbed glaze before being baked to melty perfection. This is my go-to for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy family snack when I want to relive Thanksgiving in miniature form.

The first time I made these was the day after Thanksgiving as a way to use up leftovers, and now I plan for them year round because friends always request them for holiday brunches.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: pillowy soft rolls bring a touch of sweetness and hold everything together
• Deli turkey: look for freshly sliced turkey at the counter for rich flavor and moisture
• Cranberry sauce: choose jellied for a neater bite or whole berry for extra pop
• Havarti or provolone cheese: creamy and melty, both flavors complement turkey beautifully
• Unsalted butter: lets you control the seasoning in the herbed glaze
• Worcestershire: gives the sliders that savory depth
• Dijon mustard: adds a little bite and keeps the glaze interesting
• Minced dried onion: easy way to add flavor punch without extra chopping
• Poppy seeds: for texture and a hint of nuttiness
• Fresh minced chives: brightens the buttery glaze and adds a hint of herbal flavor

When picking cheese, try to get it freshly sliced. Havarti is luscious and melts beautifully, but you can grab provolone if you want a milder taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:

Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps the rolls from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Split and Layer the Rolls:

Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half through the center as one slab. Place the bottom half snugly into your prepared baking dish for the best structure.

Add the Turkey:

Layer the thinly sliced turkey generously over the bottom half of the rolls. Spread it out so every slider gets an even amount and none are left empty.

Spread the Cranberry Sauce:

Using a spoon or spatula, evenly cover the turkey layer with cranberry sauce. This helps the meat stay moist and gives that classic holiday flavor.

Layer the Cheese:

Lay out slices of havarti or provolone across the cranberry sauce, making sure they cover edge to edge so each bite melts together.

Top with the Buns:

Gently place the top half of your Hawaiian roll slab over the fillings. Try to line up the tops with the bottoms so they look neat after baking.

Mix the Buttery Glaze:

In a small bowl, stir together melted butter with Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh chives until well combined. This mixture smells heavenly and really makes the sliders special.

Brush and Bake Covered:

Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders, making sure each roll is coated. Cover the dish snuggly with foil. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.

Brown the Tops:

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for the tops to become golden brown and a little crisp.

Serve Warm:

As soon as the tops are rosy and the cheese is gooey, serve the sliders immediately. These are at their best fresh and hot from the oven.

Save

My favorite part is the herbed buttery glaze on top. I sometimes sneak a little extra just for me. Last Thanksgiving, my eldest got caught licking her fingers after grabbing a warm slider right out of the dish. That is still one of my favorite holiday food memories.

Storage Tips

These sliders store well in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees until warmed through. The rolls will stay soft as long as you keep them covered.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey for roast chicken or even ham for a different twist. Try Swiss cheese instead of havarti if you like a sharper bite. For a tangy kick, swap cranberry sauce for raspberry preserves or even a tart chutney.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these sliders high on a platter with a little extra cranberry sauce on the side. They make a fun lunch with sweet potato fries or pair perfectly with a crisp green salad for something lighter.

Save

Cultural Touch

Sliders might have started as classic American comfort food, but adding cranberry and turkey brings a nostalgic holiday vibe. They are inspired by Thanksgiving leftovers but have earned their place as a year-round party staple for us.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of turkey works best?

Thinly sliced deli turkey is ideal for even layering and quick heating, but leftover roasted turkey slices also work beautifully.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Havarti and provolone both melt smoothly, but Swiss or Monterey Jack are tasty alternatives to suit your preferences.

→ Is fresh cranberry sauce necessary?

Either jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce delivers a sweet-tart flavor—use what's on hand for convenience.

→ How do I prevent soggy sliders?

Bake covered to heat through, then uncover just long enough to brown and crisp the tops without over-softening the bread.

→ Can these sliders be prepared in advance?

They assemble well ahead of time; simply brush with butter mixture before baking to keep them fresh and flavorful.

→ What’s a good accompaniment?

These pair nicely with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm soup for a full meal.