Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders: The Best 30-Minute Holiday Appetizer

Golden brown turkey cranberry sliders on a baking sheet with melted cheese and poppy seeds

Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out during the holidays? These easy turkey cranberry sliders are your new secret weapon for the winter season.

They take just thirty minutes from start to finish. You get savory turkey, melted cheese, and tangy cranberry in every single bite. It is the perfect way to use up your holiday leftovers!

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy families during the festive months. It uses simple ingredients but delivers a restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

The combination of sweet rolls and savory glaze makes these easy turkey cranberry sliders a hit with kids and adults alike. They are budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at your next holiday gathering.

Simple Cooking Steps

Making these sliders is as easy as layering and baking. You do not need any special kitchen skills to get perfectly golden results every time. Even if you are a beginner, the buttery glaze makes these feel truly special and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These sliders rely on simple pantry staples and fresh deli finds for the best flavor.

  • 12 count pack sweet Hawaiian or brioche slider rolls
  • 1 lb thinly sliced deli turkey breast
  • 8 oz Swiss cheese slices
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Slice the entire slab of slider rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
  3. Place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Layer the sliced turkey breast evenly over the rolls.
  5. Arrange Swiss cheese slices in a single layer over the turkey.
  6. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
  7. Place the top slab of rolls over the cranberry sauce layer.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  9. Brush the butter mixture evenly across the tops of the rolls.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  12. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve these warm while the Swiss cheese is still gooey and melted. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. For a festive touch, set them out on a pretty platter at your next holiday party.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crisp, reheat the sliders in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes. This helps the buttery tops stay golden rather than getting soft in the microwave.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use a long serrated knife to slice the rolls evenly.
  • Do not skip the aluminum foil for the first fifteen minutes of baking.
  • Apply the butter glaze generously to every corner of the rolls.
  • Swap Swiss cheese for Provolone if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • For Thanksgiving, use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli meat.
  • Let them rest for five minutes so the sauce sets before cutting.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Easy Flavor Ideas

  • Try ham instead of turkey for a classic savory twist.
  • Swap Dijon mustard for honey mustard for a sweeter profile.
  • Use pepper jack cheese if you want a little spicy kick.
  • Add a layer of stuffing for the ultimate leftover sandwich.

Quick Answers

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before your party. Just wait to add the butter glaze until right before you put them in the oven.

Will kids like the cranberry sauce?

Most kids love the sweetness it adds to the savory meat. If they are very picky, you can leave the sauce off a few sliders on one end.

What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

You can leave them out or use sesame seeds instead. The flavor will still be wonderful without them.

I hope these easy turkey cranberry sliders bring a little extra joy to your holiday table. They are so simple to make and always disappear fast. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Golden brown turkey cranberry sliders on a baking sheet with melted cheese and poppy seeds

Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 count pack sweet Hawaiian or brioche slider rolls
  • 1 lb thinly sliced deli turkey breast
  • 8 oz Swiss cheese slices
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Slice the entire slab of slider rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
  • Place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared baking dish.
  • Layer the sliced turkey breast evenly over the rolls.
  • Arrange Swiss cheese slices in a single layer over the turkey.
  • Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
  • Place the top slab of rolls over the cranberry sauce layer.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Brush the butter mixture evenly across the tops of the rolls.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

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