Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Looking for the perfect dish to impress your guests at a holiday gathering or to create a quick weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and comforting? These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the answer! Combining the savory goodness of turkey with the sweet, tangy touch of cranberry sauce, these sliders are easy to make, easy to enjoy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a festive appetizer or a hearty meal, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The savory turkey pairs perfectly with the sweet, tart cranberry sauce and the melted cheese, creating a blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a short prep time, these sliders come together quickly and easily.
• Perfect for Parties: Baked cranberry turkey sliders are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a satisfying family meal.
• Versatile: You can customize these sliders with your favorite cheese or even add extra toppings like fresh spinach or a touch of dijon mustard for added flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns (or dinner rolls)
• 1 lb of sliced cooked turkey breast (you can use leftover turkey or deli slices)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese or your favorite type of cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating the tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves in the baking dish, fitting them snugly together. Layer the turkey slices evenly over the buns, followed by the cranberry sauce and shredded Swiss cheese. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese to complete the slider assembly.

Step 3: Add the Flavorful Topping In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds (if using). Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns. This will create a golden, flavorful crust when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are warm. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops get golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice into individual sliders and serve hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sliders up to a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions.
• Customize Your Sliders: Add a slice of fresh spinach or arugula between the turkey and cheese for a pop of freshness. For a more intense flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom buns before adding the turkey.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Perfect Pairings

These baked cranberry turkey sliders pair wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries, apple cider, or a simple mixed greens salad. They’re also delicious when served with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are an ideal dish for the holiday season or for anytime you’re craving something easy and delicious. They bring together the best of savory and sweet flavors, are simple to make, and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to for gatherings, dinners, or just a weeknight treat. Enjoy the holiday flavors with a simple twist that will leave everyone asking for more!

Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation Matters: To make your sliders look more appealing, slice them in a way that shows off the layers, making it easy for guests to grab a portion. Use a serrated knife for a clean cut.
2. Serve Warm: These sliders are best enjoyed when served warm, so consider keeping them in a warming tray or covered with foil to retain heat during parties.
3. Pair with Sides: Serve your sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or garlic roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh salad or soup for a complete meal.
4. Garnish for Appeal: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or a light drizzle of extra cranberry sauce over the top of the sliders before serving for added visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
5. Condiments and Dips: Provide a small dish of extra cranberry sauce or a side of honey mustard for dipping. For those who like a bit more spice, offer a side of sriracha mayo.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid condensation and sogginess.
2. Freezing: To extend the life of your sliders, you can freeze them after baking. Wrap individual sliders or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
3. Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the sliders in the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sliders in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For individual sliders, a microwave can be used but may make the buns less crispy.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: If reheating multiple sliders, don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave some space between each slider to ensure even heating and to maintain the texture of the buns.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to impress guests even after the initial serving.

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Place the prepared sliders in a covered baking dish and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions. This makes them perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights when you need a meal prepped in advance.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While Swiss cheese adds a nice, mild flavor that pairs well with turkey and cranberry sauce, you can customize your sliders with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a sharper taste. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

3. How do I make homemade cranberry sauce for the sliders? Making homemade cranberry sauce is simple! Combine 12 oz of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before using in your sliders. You can also add a touch of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

4. Can these sliders be frozen? Yes, baked cranberry turkey sliders can be frozen. After baking, let them cool completely and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a Ziploc bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later!

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