The Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed bite that brings together the juiciness of shredded turkey, the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, and melty provolone on soft Hawaiian rolls. This cozy combination is perfect for holiday gatherings, game day snacking, or anytime you want a deliciously handheld meal that bursts with festive flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an irresistible everything bagel seasoning glaze, these sliders are destined to become your new go-to recipe when you crave a little comfort with a fresh twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and essential to crafting the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in your Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the soft Hawaiian rolls providing a tender base or the cranberry sauce lending that classic holiday brightness.

Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness and fluffy texture make the perfect slider buns that hold all the delicious fillings.
Shredded turkey (3 cups): Use leftover turkey or freshly cooked to add hearty protein and a rich, savory element.
Cranberry sauce (1 cup): This adds a bright, sweet-tart flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
Provolone cheese (4 ounces, 6 slices): Melts smoothly over the cranberry sauce, adding creamy richness and depth.
Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Used in the glaze to keep the tops tender and add a buttery shine.
Honey (2 teaspoons): Brings a touch of gentle sweetness to the glaze without overpowering the savory flavors.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and cut through the richness perfectly.
Everything bagel seasoning (1 teaspoon): Provides a delightful crunch and savory kick on top, enhancing the slider’s flavor profile.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the glaze

Start by whisking together the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will give the slider tops a beautiful golden sheen and infuse them with extra flavor as they bake.

Step 2: Assemble the sliders

Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom halves in place in your baking dish. Spread the shredded turkey evenly over the bottoms, then layer the cranberry sauce on top. Lay the provolone slices gently over the cranberry for that perfect melt.

Step 3: Add tops and glaze

Place the top halves of the rolls over the stacked fillings. For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to cut between each slider before brushing. Brush the prepared glaze liberally over the top and sides, then sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning to add crunch and a savory finish.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Pop the assembled sliders in a preheated 350˚F oven for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the cheese has melted fully and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. That’s when you know they’re ready to come out and be enjoyed!

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Garnishes

Enhance your Turkey Cranberry Sliders with garnishes like fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a pop of herbal freshness. A few baby arugula leaves tucked inside each slider add a peppery bite that cuts through the richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with simple sides such as a crisp mixed greens salad or sweet potato fries to round out the meal without competing with the bold flavors inside the sliders. A creamy coleslaw also makes a refreshing contrast that keeps everything balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Turkey Cranberry Sliders on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper, adding small dishes of extra cranberry sauce and mustard for dipping. You can even serve them on mini skewer picks to keep the layers intact, making them perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to grab a quick, flavorful bite the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking by wrapping the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, and when ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and warm them in a 350˚F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the rolls soft and the cheese melted without drying out the turkey and cranberry layers.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?

Absolutely! While provolone melts nicely and pairs well with turkey and cranberry, you can experiment with Swiss, mozzarella, or even gouda for different flavor experiences.

Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the shredded turkey for a plant-based protein or hearty roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. The cranberry sauce and glaze will still shine beautifully.

How spicy are the sliders?

These sliders lean more on the sweet and savory side, with just a slight tang from the Dijon mustard in the glaze. If you like things spicier, adding a dash of cayenne to the glaze is a great option.

Can I prepare these sliders without everything bagel seasoning?

You can skip the seasoning if you don’t have it on hand, but it really adds a great texture and flavor contrast. Alternatively, sprinkle some sesame seeds and poppy seeds for a similar effect.

What’s the best way to shred leftover turkey for this recipe?

The easiest way is to use your hands or two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the turkey mixes evenly with the cranberry and cheese without being too chunky.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser that bring comfort food vibes with an elevated twist. Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or just craving a quick and cozy snack, these sliders hit all the right notes every single time. Give this recipe a try — I promise once you taste that perfect harmony of juicy turkey, sweet cranberry, melted provolone, and everything bagel seasoning, they’ll become a beloved classic in your home too.