How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders: A 15-Minute Party Hit

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25-Minute Turkey Cranberry Sliders on Toast-Brett Defriedas for The New York TimesDid you know you can turn all that leftover turkey into tasty turkey cranberry sliders, all in 25 minutes?

These fan-favorite sliders, made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, go fast at any gathering — whether you’re working with leftover turkey from your holiday meal or slabs of deli turkey from the corner store. In fact, their versatility extends beyond the turkey selection — these savory-sweet goodies can be made with a choice of cheeses (think Swiss, Gouda or Havarti, for example). A flavor mecca of soft turkey, tart cranberry sauce and gooey cheese has everyone flocking for more.

Want to see how to make these easy, party-perfect sliders that take 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake? So here we go with a simple, crowd-friendly recipe, perfect for your next party!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders

It all starts with noticeable ingredientsTurkey cranberry sliderslight. So here, let’s break down every element that makes these party favorites so special.

Choosing the Right Rolls and Turkey

A great slider starts with the right rolls. The ideal choice for these sliders are Hawaiian sweet rolls, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. Thanks to them being connected, they’re also easier to slice all at once. Brioche buns are a great substitute if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available.

For the turkey, you’ve got two terrific ways to go. You could use leftover turkey from your holiday meals, or choose thick-cut deli turkey. If you’re using deli turkey, opt for thinly sliced varieties because they are easier to layer and portion.

Best Cheese Options for Maximum Melt

Choosing the right cheese pushes your sliders from good to great. Here’s what to look for in the best melters:

• Havarti, which is creamy and melts like a dream, is an excellent option
• Swiss: Features a mild flavor that pairs well with turkey
• Gouda: Offers a unique flavor profile but good meltability
• Provolone: Another great melter that pairs well with turkey

Cranberry Sauce Selection Tips

For that cranberry thing, there are a few different approaches that you can take. Whole berry cranberry sauce is best; jellied varieties have a tendency to melt too much in the course of baking. Also, you can use either homemade cranberry sauce or the stuff in a can — they both work just fine.

The cranberry sauce serves a twofold function: It keeps the turkey from drying out during baking, and it creates a sweet-tart balance. (Or, if you’re bold, you can swap out the cranberry sauce for chutney or bacon jam — that’ll put a spin on things.)

Topping off your sliders, make an irresistible butter mixture. Mix butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. That little touch is an added flavor that makes these sliders unforgettable.

Quick Assembly Method for Party-Size Batches

Do keep in mind that doing this assembly process right is absolutely paramount to making the perfect turkey cranberry sliders in a timely manner. Here’s how to simplify your plans for any gathering.

Efficient Layering Technique

First line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Instead of pulling apart individual rolls, slice the whole package of slider buns in half horizontally as a single unit, resulting in a joined top and bottom that opens like a book. This technique provides uniform portions and expedites the assembly process.

Follow this foolproof layering sequence:

• Place the connected bottom buns on the prepared baking sheet
• Layer turkey slices evenly across all buns
• Add cranberry sauce between turkey and cheese to prevent sogginess
• Place cheese squares (tear each slice into quarters for better coverage)
• Close with the connected top portion
• Brush with prepared butter mixture

Time-Saving Prep Shortcuts

Important to realize, you can prepare these sliders up to 4 hours before baking. Consider these time-saving strategies:

• Mix and store the butter mix at room temperature in advance
• Slice the cheese and portion the turkey ahead of time
• Before starting, line up all of your ingredients in assembly order

Most importantly, having the cranberry sauce go on between the turkey and cheese forms a moisture barrier to the buns, so they won’t get soggy and you can prep further out.

Scaling Tips for Different Party Sizes

However, bear in mind you will typically need to increase the quantity to allow for two sliders per head when adjusting your recipe. You can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings. When scaling up, to keep up the quality:

• Read more: Use a plethora of baking sheetsInstead of crowding
• Allow ingredients to come to room temperature for even cooking
• Uniform layer thickness for all the batches
• Mix butter: Make it in separate batches for enough volume

To make ahead for convenience, keep assembled sliders covered in the fridge. To ensure the best possible results, allow them to come to room temperature before you bake. That said it works great for any big gatherings where you have a lot of batches to prepare.

The 15-Minute Baking Process

Proper baking techniques are crucial for the success of your turkey cranberry sliders. Here are the exact steps to get perfect golden, gooey sliders at all times.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

The first step is to preheat your oven (to 350°F/175°C). Here are base steps to take for Results every time:

• Spray your baking dish with non-stick spray
• Cover made sliders with aluminum foil
• Bake covered for 15 minutes
• Remove foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes

Achieving the Perfect Golden Top

Now the trick to getting that mouthwatering golden top is to bake twice, in a two-step bake. Since you want your sliders to stay nice and moist as well as have the cheese melt without burning the tops, the foil covering serves an important purpose here!

You can brush the tops liberally with your prepared butter mixture before baking for the best results. This way, all of the roll gets that delightful golden shine and flavor boost.

Visual Doneness Indicators

There are a number of indications your turkey cranberry sliders are just the right doneness:

• It should be matte, not shiny on the surface.
• Edges should be visibly browned and set.
• Cheese should have melted all through
• Tops are of an even golden-brown color

But if the edges start darkening too quickly and the center stays pale, lower the oven temperature 25 degrees and keep baking. Let the sliders rest for about 10 minutes, then serve. That resting period allows the cheese to set up a bit, which makes cutting and serving easier.

Lastly, just remember that baking times can be different by a few minutes here and there depending on pan size, climate and other oven variables. So for the last couple minutes of baking, you should watch your sliders carefully to avoid over-browning.

Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions

If you are looking to make your turkey cranberry sliders even easier for entertaining, planning ahead can actually go a long way. Here’s how to prepare, store and reheat these party staples with success.

Prep Components in Advance

You can assemble your turkey cranberry sliders in advance, up to 24 hours before serving. Here are the recommended preparation tips for best results:

• Assemble the sliders in their entirety, but stop at the butter sauce
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Take out from refrigerator 15 mins just before baking
• Last minute addition of butter sauce to all 3 buns

Proper Storage Methods

Most certainly, proper storage adds to the quality of your sliders. The recommended storage options are as follows:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container
• Keep tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or foil
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality

Freezer Storage: If you’re using fresh (not previously frozen) turkey, you can freeze the assembled sliders:

• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil
• Put in a freezer-safe container
• Store for up to 3 months
• Defrost overnight in fridge then reheat

Reheating Instructions

For the most part, there are two surefire ways to reheat your turkey cranberry sliders:

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Wrap sliders in foil
• Heat 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through
• If you like crispy tops, uncover during the last 5 minutes

Microwave Method:

• Microwave sliders on a microwave-safe plate
• Heat in 15-second intervals
• 23—Feeding at 4–5 minutes and taking temperatures between intervals.
• Heat until further until restorative warmth is achieved

Right after reheating, allow the sliders to rest for a minute before serving. Cover until ready to serve to keep warm. Similarly, if you’re making more than one batch, you may wish to hold the first batch warm, in a 225-degree oven, while the rest get hot.

Note that these sliders are best served warm, so time your reheating in accordance with your serving schedule. In the case of large gatherings, you might consider reheating in batches so that each serving is at its optimal temperature and quality.

Creative Variations and Serving Ideas

And ready to take your turkey cranberry sliders from basic sandwiches to party standouts? But first, 11 creative twists on how to customize and serve these crowd-pleasing treats.

Flavor Combinations Beyond Basic

Of course, nothing beats the old turkey and cranberry combo, but different cheeses and spreads can add a fun twist. Here are a few combinations that work:

• Brie wedges for a luscious, creamy twist
• Extra kick: stone ground or spicy mustard
• Apricot jam blended with mayonnaise for sweet-tangy
• Replace poppy seeds with everything bagel seasoning

You sprinkle the beets; you can also add arugula or spinach for a fresh pop of color. If you want ultimate comfort, you can also layer leftover stuffing or a thin layer of mashed potatoes between the layers.

Party Presentation Tips

Make your serving setup a gastronomic talking point with an impressive slider bar. Steps to get it right: — to professionalise your presentation

• Arrange sliders on tiered stand or large platter for presentation
• Create a separate station for toppings and sauces
• Label each variation and topping with small signs
• Mini skewers or toothpicks to hold sliders together
• Use a covered dish to keep sliders warm for longer serving periods

So really, the secret to great presentation is balancing variety with some kind of structure organization. When considering quantities, think that most people will eat them in packs of 2-3 sliders each.

Complementary Side Dishes

Your choice of side dishes can elevate these sliders from appetizers to a full meal in their own right, primarily. Here are crowd-approved pairings that sing with turkey cranberry sliders:

For Casual Gatherings:

• Sweet potato fries for a colorful addition
• Classic potato chips for crunch
• Fresh fruit salad for a light contrast

For Elevated Events:

• Pico de gallo for fresh, zesty flavor
• Coleslaw with a mix of colorful cabbage varieties
• Macaroni salad for heartier occasions

Or serve a refreshing potato salad alongside — the creamy element is a great accompaniment for the rich, savory sliders. And for an even larger crowd, serving a mix of lighter side dishes, along with heartier ones, makes sure that all your guests have something to enjoy.

Just remember to keep the sides simple enough that they don’t overshadow your main event — the turkey cranberry sliders themselves. Your aim is to enhance, not overpower, the centerpiece of your spread.

Conclusion

Turkey cranberry sliders are ideal party food that balances simplicity with crowd-pleasing appeal. These banefully tasty snacks have endless possibilities in terms of different types of cheese, fun toppings and complementary sides.

Best of all, they come together in just 15 minutes, which makes them a perfect option for planned gatherings or last-minute entertaining. With make-ahead choices and proper storage solutions, they can be prepared well in advance of your event, giving you more time to dedicate to other hosting responsibilities.

Hopefully these sliders will be your new party food, whether you serve the tried-and-true turkey and cranberry pairings or take a few creative liberties. And remember also to factor in the size of your gatherings when calculating quantities, and keep the presentation simple but appealing for maximum effect. Use this basic recipe as a springboard, then let your creativity lead you to new flavor combinations that your guests will adore.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare turkey cranberry sliders?

You can whip up these sliders in a mere 15 minutes: 5 minutes of assembly and 10 minutes of baking. They’re a fast and easy option for entertaining.

What kind of rolls are best for these sliders?

Turkey cranberry sliders are at the top of Hawaiian sweet rolls. To them, they provide the perfect combination of sweetness and softness. If you can’t find them, brioche buns are a great substitute.

Can I make these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge, but don’t add the butter sauce until just before they go in the oven.

What cheese do you recommend for these sliders?

Turkey cranberry sliders are great with cheeses such as Havarti Swiss, Gouda and Provolone. They all melt beautifully and pair well with the turkey and cranberry flavors.

What are the ways I can change up the base turkey cranberry slider?

There are other fun variations to try, such as using different cheeses, such as Brie; spreads, such as stone ground mustard or apricot jam mixed with mayonnaise; and extras, such as arugula or leftover stuffing.