I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Turkey Sliders—my family’s reaction was a mix of surprise and delight. It was just after Thanksgiving, and I was tired of the usual leftover turkey sandwiches. Inspired by a quick browse through a cranberry sauce slider recipe online, I decided to try my own twist. The combination of juicy turkey, a tangy cranberry sauce, and soft mini buns brought a fresh and cozy vibe to our kitchen gathering.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders quickly became a staple in my recipe collection. They’re fantastic for everyday dinners, but also perfect for those casual get-togethers when you want something tasty without fuss. They bring all the warm, familiar flavors of the holidays in a bite-sized, easy-to-shop and prepare format. This means you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy them. Whether I’m hosting a party or just feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, these mini turkey sandwiches always hit the right spot.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please any crowd, this cranberry sauce slider recipe might just become your go-to. It uses ingredients you already have on hand, or can pick up without hassle. Plus, assembling these homemade turkey sliders is straightforward, with no intimidating steps. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and your friends will ask for the recipe. Once you master these Cranberry Turkey Sliders, you’ll see why I can’t stop making them.
For home cooks who love dependable, crowd-pleasing recipes, this one fits right in. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make your own batch of Cranberry Turkey Sliders.
What You’ll Need:

- 1 pound cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped (leftover Thanksgiving turkey works great here)
- 12 mini slider buns (soft Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls both work perfectly)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought—no judgment here!)
- 4 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese, cut into smaller pieces for sliders
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (adds creaminess, but can swap for Greek yogurt if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage or rosemary (optional, finely chopped, for a subtle herb flavor)
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, no problem—I’ve made this cranberry turkey sliders recipe with just mayo and it’s still delicious. Butter is key for toasting the buns; it adds a rich, golden crisp that brings the whole slider together. You’ll find that in the dairy section or regular butter aisle, straightforward to grab.
This cranberry sauce slider recipe is budget-friendly because it leans on ingredients you most likely have leftover after holiday meals or can buy affordably in regular stores. The mini turkey sandwiches are quick to pull together, especially if your turkey is already cooked and your cranberry sauce is ready to go.
Pro tip: If you want to speed things up, shred the turkey with two forks while you toast the buns. Plus, any leftover cranberry sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week—perfect for making these sliders again or using in salads and sandwiches.
My secret to making these homemade turkey sliders taste restaurant-quality is a little extra herb sprinkle and toasting the buns just right. It takes these simple ingredients and turns them into a flavor-packed bite you’ll keep coming back to. Ready to cook?
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Start by prepping your turkey. If you’re using leftover roasted turkey, shred or finely chop it so it fits nicely on your slider buns. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Warm your cranberry sauce a bit in a small saucepan or microwave. This makes it easier to spread nicely on the buns and helps bring out its natural sweetness.
- Slice your mini slider buns in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the buns for toasting.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the buns butter-side down. Toast until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye so they don’t burn—this step adds texture and helps prevent soggy sliders.
- While buns are toasting, mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard in a small bowl (or Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option). This combo adds creaminess and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the turkey and cranberry.
- Once buns are toasted, spread the mayo-mustard mixture on the bottom halves. Then pile on the shredded turkey evenly across the buns.
- Add a spoonful of warm cranberry sauce on top of the turkey layer. Don’t overload it or the slider may become messy, but a good dollop makes all the difference.
- Place a small piece of cheese over the cranberry sauce on each slider. This melts slightly from the warmth below, tying it all together.
- Sprinkle finely chopped sage or rosemary over the cheese for that fresh herbaceous note. It’s optional but highly recommended if you have it on hand.
- Finally, cap each slider with the top bun half. Give the assembled sliders a gentle press to help them stick together.
From start to finish, this Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe takes about 25 minutes, especially if your turkey is ready to go. While you toast the buns and warm the sauce, you can prep the turkey or mix the mayo spread to save time.
If your cranberry turkey sliders look a little crowded or juicy, don’t worry—this just means they’re packed with deliciousness. You can wrap them in parchment for easy handling or serve with small plates and napkins at appetizer parties.
Over the months of making these, I’ve learned patience during the toasting step is key. It adds a little crispiness that keeps each mini turkey sandwich from turning soggy too fast. Once your kitchen fills with the aroma of toasted buns and cranberry sauce, you’ll know the sliders are ready.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!

Cranberry Turkey Sliders really shine as both a comforting weeknight meal and a crowd-pleasing appetizer party sliders option. My favorite way to serve them is alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette or roasted sweet potato fries.
These mini turkey sandwiches are perfect for holidays, especially Thanksgiving leftovers. They let you enjoy all those classic flavors in a fresh, fun way without the same old sandwich routine. For family get-togethers, they bring people to the table smiling.
Presentation-wise, arrange your cranberry turkey sliders on a wooden board or platter. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. It looks inviting and makes guests feel like you put in an effortless touch.
If you have any leftover sliders, I recommend wrapping them tightly and refrigerating—they stay tasty for a day or two. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the buns from getting soggy. You can also chop them up and add them to a hearty salad or turkey soup the next day.
For seasonal variations, try swapping out the cranberry for a spicy jalapeño cranberry jam for an unexpected kick. Or, for some extra creaminess in your homemade turkey sliders, check out this cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip recipe that pairs well as a spread.
Guests have told me they love how these sliders balance sweet and savory effortlessly. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy other tasty turkey recipes like turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce or turkey burger chili—both reliable, simple dishes you can find on Duma Foods.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make Cranberry Turkey Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders without the cranberry sauce and cheese, then store them wrapped in the refrigerator for a few hours. Add the warm cranberry sauce and cheese right before serving to keep the buns fresh and avoid sogginess.
What’s the best substitute for turkey?
If you’d like a twist, chicken breast shredded or even a plant-based deli slice works well. The flavors pair nicely with cranberry sauce and the mayo spread.
How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer servings?
It scales up easily—just multiply the ingredients by however many sliders you want. For two or three sliders, simply halve the quantities. These mini turkey sandwiches are great for any size crowd.
Can I use regular sandwich buns instead of mini slider buns?
You can! The sliders are easiest to handle when mini, but regular buns make delicious sandwiches too. Just increase the filling amounts accordingly.
Is there a low-calorie version of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
Swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and using turkey breast without skin cuts calories while keeping plenty of flavors.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Freezing isn’t ideal because the buns lose their texture, but you can freeze the components separately. Defrost turkey and cranberry sauce fully before assembling for best results.
How spicy are these sliders?
The classic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add a bit of hot sauce or jalapeño cranberry jam for a gentle spicy kick if you like.
If you want more ideas for cranberry turkey sliders, this home cook favorite from Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating and Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe offers interesting twists and inspirations for your next batch. Also, check out this Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls for another delicious take.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s dependable, delicious, and perfect any time you want a little taste of the holidays or just something comforting. It’s become the recipe I turn to for feeding a crowd or treating my family to a simple, tasty meal.
My Best Cranberry Turkey Sliders Tips:
– Don’t skip toasting the buns—it means all the difference for texture.
– Use warm cranberry sauce for easier spreading and fuller flavor.
– Add fresh herbs like sage or rosemary to make every bite feel special.
Variations I’ve enjoyed include swapping Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar, adding a slice of crispy bacon inside, and stirring jalapeños into the mayo spread for a spicy twist. The version with classic mayo-Dijon and Swiss cheese gets requested most often by friends and family.
I encourage you to make these sliders your own, adding flavors you love or trying different cheeses and herbs. I hope you enjoy the balance of savory turkey and sweet-tart cranberry just as much as I do. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more simple, delicious homemade turkey sliders in your kitchen.
For more reliable dinner ideas, check out my turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce or the turkey burger chili recipe that’s a hit with every crowd. And if you want a creamy dip companion for your appetizer party sliders, this cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip is fantastic.
Ready to dig in? These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delicious, doable way to bring real flavor and easy cooking to your table. Give them a try—you won’t regret it.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Delight in these easy-to-make Cranberry Turkey Sliders, combining savory sliced turkey with tangy cranberry sauce on soft slider buns—perfect for a quick lunch or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 pound sliced roasted turkey breast
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Fresh spinach or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected as a whole tray.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard; spread evenly on the bottom halves of the buns.
- Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
- Top with halved Swiss cheese slices and add spinach or arugula if desired.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns.
- Wrap the slider tray tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and buns are warmed through.
- Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
For a smoky twist, add a layer of crispy bacon or swap the Swiss with smoked cheddar. These sliders pair well with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad.