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Cozy Turkey Cranberry Sliders – Best 20-Minute Snack

turkey cranberry sliders - featured image

These turkey cranberry sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the perfect way to use leftover turkey. With a garlic-herb butter topping and melty Swiss cheese, they come together in just 20 minutes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (one package, kept whole as a connected sheet)
  • 1 ½ pounds cooked turkey, thinly sliced or shredded
  • ¾ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, carefully slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the sliced or shredded turkey evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
  3. Lay the Swiss cheese slices over the turkey, tearing to fit if needed.
  4. Dollop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the cheese and gently spread with the back of a spoon. If using jellied cranberry sauce, slice into thin rounds and lay over the cheese.
  5. Layer any remaining turkey over the cranberry sauce, then place the top half of the rolls over everything. Press down gently.
  6. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine 4 tablespoons melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  7. Carefully lift the top layer of rolls and brush the Dijon-butter mixture onto the cut side of the tops.
  8. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the rolls with the garlic-herb butter mixture.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the edges are caramelized.
  11. Let the sliders rest in the dish for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls.

Notes

Let the rolls sit out uncovered for 10 minutes before assembling to prevent sogginess. If using homemade cranberry sauce, drain slightly in a fine-mesh strainer. For best results, use room temperature turkey and cheese. Watch the oven closely during the uncovered stage to prevent burning. A serrated knife works best for slicing the finished sliders.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cranberry sliders, leftover turkey recipe, Hawaiian roll sliders, 20-minute snack, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy appetizer