© Original Recipe By Megan May ©
🍔✨ Sweet and Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders — The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer!
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for an **easy slider recipe** that combines festive flavors with crowd-pleasing appeal, then the Turkey Cranberry Sliders are just what you need. This delectable holiday appetizer features tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese layered on soft slider buns. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it an instant hit on any holiday table or casual family gathering.
With a perfect balance of juicy turkey and vibrant cranberries, these sliders are the epitome of comfort and celebration. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a brunch, this recipe is sure to impress everyone with its irresistible flavor and simple prep.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20-30 minutes — perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- One-pot or one-pan preparation simplifies cleanup and cooking time.
- Flavorful combination of sweet cranberries and savory turkey.
- Versatile appetizer that can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd — easy to scale up or down.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing the right ingredients elevates these **Turkey Cranberry Sliders** from good to unforgettable. Use fresh, high-quality slider buns—soft and slightly sweet buns are best for holding all the flavorful fillings without becoming soggy. When selecting your turkey, opt for lean ground turkey or leftovers from a roasted bird for maximum flavor.
Cranberry sauce is the star here, so use homemade or a high-quality store-bought version that’s vibrant and tangy. For cheese, sharp cheddar or Swiss melt beautifully and add richness. For the best results, season the turkey with herbs like sage or thyme, which complement the cranberries’ tartness.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — To quickly crisp the sliders or cook the turkey stuffing without extra dishes.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — For easy sautéing, browning, or cooking the turkey filling to perfection.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — To achieve a crispy finish on the sliders if desired.
5. How to Make Sweet and Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Preparation of Turkey Filling
Begin by heating a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent—your kitchen will fill with a savory aroma. Toss in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like sage or thyme if available. The meat should look beautifully browned and smell irresistible.
Assembling the Sliders
Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Spoon the cooked turkey mixture over the cranberry layer, then top with slices of cheese. Cap with the top buns, ensuring they’re nestled snugly together. If you like a crispy touch, brush the tops with a little melted butter or olive oil.
Cooking
Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the buns are golden. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Once out of the oven, let the sliders rest for a minute before serving. The result is a sticky, cheesy, and flavorful bite-sized masterpiece that pairs well with a side of your favorite green veggie dish, like the green bean casserole.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cranberry sauce: It’s the flavor burst that ties the sweet and savory elements together.
- Use quality cheese: It melts beautifully and enhances the overall taste; sharp cheddar or Swiss are popular choices.
- For perfect browning, brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
- If preferred, wrap sliders in foil and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a warm, crispy bite.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize these sliders to suit dietary needs or your taste. Substitute ground chicken or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Swap cheddar for pepper jack or provolone for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños inside the filling.
If fresh cranberries are available, blend them with a little honey and orange zest to create a homemade cranberry relish for a fresh twist.
8. Storage & Reheating
If there are leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy top, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.
9. FAQ
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
What kind of cheese works best for these sliders?
Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese melt well and add delicious flavor. Choose based on your preference for richness or spice.
Can I freeze these sliders?
It’s best to freeze assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen by baking at 350°F until heated through.
10. Conclusion
In just about 30 minutes, you can transform humble ingredients into the star of your next holiday gathering — the **Sweet and Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders**. Perfectly balanced with the tartness of cranberries and the savory comfort of turkey, these sliders are a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to steal the show. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and endlessly versatile, this recipe is a must-try for your next celebration!
Print
Sweet and Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These delicious turkey cranberry sliders are the perfect holiday appetizer, combining tender turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on soft slider buns.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, salt, and pepper; cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes.
- Warm cranberry sauce slightly to make it spreadable.
- Slice slider buns and toast lightly if desired.
- Assemble sliders by spreading cranberry sauce on the bottom bun, adding cooked turkey, then placing a slice of cheese on top. Cover with the top bun.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the turkey during cooking.
- Can be prepared in advance; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Skillet cooking, assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg