Cranberry Turkey Sliders

These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful treat that combines savory turkey with sweet cranberry sauce and creamy cheese, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress your guests. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes them a standout choice, while their ease of preparation ensures you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready for the oven in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese creates an irresistible taste that appeals to everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer or main dish, they work perfectly for any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are sure to be a hit at gatherings, making them a go-to recipe for entertaining.
• Easy Cleanup: Using just one baking dish means less mess and easier cleanup after enjoying your delicious meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Cranberry Turkey Sliders, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment on hand will help you prepare this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving straight from the oven.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps in slicing the rolls neatly without squishing them.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the butter mixture before brushing it on the sliders.
• Brush: A brush is key for applying the buttery glaze evenly over the rolls for a golden finish.

Ingredients

These butter-baked cranberry turkey sliders feature layers of turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy white cheese sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls.

For the Sliders:

• 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or chicken ham
• 6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
• 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 12-pack Hawaiian Dinner Rolls

For the Butter Mixture:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Lay down an even layer of turkey or chicken ham on the bottom halves. Spread cranberry sauce generously over the turkey. Top with slices of Swiss or Provolone cheese before adding the top half of the bread.

Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Apply Butter Mixture

Use a brush to apply the butter mixture generously over the top layer of bread rolls. Make sure every part is coated for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning once uncovered.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Cut into individual sliders and enjoy this delicious treat!

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Cranberry turkey sliders are a delightful treat perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or having a cozy family dinner, these sliders can be served in creative and fun ways.

Easy Appetizer Platter

• Arrange the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving. This makes them perfect for parties where guests can grab and go.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Serve sliders alongside a colorful selection of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The crunch of the veggies complements the softness of the sliders.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch or honey mustard. These add an extra layer of flavor and allow guests to customize their experience.

Create a Slider Bar

• Set up a slider bar with additional toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles. This interactive option lets everyone build their perfect slider.

Serve with Chips

• Place some kettle-cooked chips or sweet potato fries on the side. The crunchiness of the chips pairs well with the soft texture of the sliders.

How to Perfect Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Making cranberry turkey sliders is simple, but a few tips can elevate your dish even further.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh turkey or chicken ham for richer flavor and better texture.
• Melt Cheese Properly: Covering the sliders while baking helps melt the cheese evenly, ensuring every bite is cheesy goodness.
• Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different sauces like spicy mustard or cranberry relish for added zest.
• Add Seasoning: A sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the overall flavor profile of your sliders.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your sliders while baking to avoid over-browning; you want them golden, not burnt!

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Pairing side dishes with cranberry turkey sliders enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that complements the cranberry sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the sliders.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm flavors of the sliders.
4. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are hearty and satisfying, making them an excellent companion to your sliders.
5. Vegetable Chips: Baked vegetable chips offer a healthy crunch that pairs well without overpowering the main dish.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, enhancing your overall meal without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Turkey Sliders, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Skipping the Butter Mixture: Not brushing the top with the butter mixture can lead to dry sliders. Make sure to apply it generously for a rich flavor.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold turkey or cheese can affect melting. Allow your ingredients to reach room temperature for better results.
• Overbaking: Leaving the sliders in the oven too long can cause them to burn. Keep an eye on them after removing the foil for perfect browning.
• Not Layering Evenly: Uneven layers can lead to imbalanced flavors. Spread ingredients evenly across the rolls for consistent taste in every bite.
• Forgetting About Leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to wasted food. Use airtight containers for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often come up about making Cranberry Turkey Sliders:

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Chicken is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

How do I make these sliders gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls. This maintains the overall flavor while catering to gluten sensitivities.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Provolone cheese is a delicious alternative, but you could also try mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Turkey Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a fantastic appetizer or main dish, perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite cheeses or sauces to create your unique touch!