Introduction

Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Swiss Cheese are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food, perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. They take everything you love about a Thanksgiving turkey sandwich—savory roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese—and package it into warm, golden Hawaiian rolls brushed with a buttery herb topping.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both nostalgic and fun. It captures the essence of holiday leftovers but transforms them into something exciting and shareable. The sweetness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey and cheese, while the melted butter topping with herbs and Dijon adds a depth of flavor that elevates these sliders far beyond an ordinary sandwich.

This is a Must Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s quick to make, feeds a crowd easily, and delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, looking for a creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers, or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re versatile, customizable, and absolutely addictive—you’ll find people reaching for seconds (and thirds) every time you serve them.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders (serves 6 people as an appetizer or 4 as a main dish)
• Calories: ~280 kcal per slider
• Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls (or any soft slider rolls)
• 1 lb cooked turkey breast (sliced thin or shredded, leftover or deli-style)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (cut in half to make 12 pieces)
• ¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

For the Butter Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried minced onion (or ½ tsp onion powder)
• 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (or ½ tsp dried parsley)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Without separating the rolls, slice the package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (like a sandwich bun).
3. Place the bottom half in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Sliders

1. Evenly layer turkey slices across the bottom rolls.
2. Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey.
3. Top with Swiss cheese slices.
4. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 3: Make the Butter Topping

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion, poppy seeds, and parsley.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

1. Brush butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Let sliders cool for 2–3 minutes, then cut into individual sandwiches.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method (Simplified)

1. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese.
3. Replace tops and brush with butter mixture.
4. Cover, bake, uncover, and finish baking until golden.
5. Slice and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve as a holiday appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or roasted veggies.
• Great for game-day snacks with chips or fries.
• Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey + cranberry sauce).

Recipe Tips

• Use leftover roasted turkey for best flavor, but deli turkey works too.
• Don’t skip the butter topping—it makes the sliders golden and flavorful.
• If you like a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
• Line your baking dish with parchment for easy cleanup.

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use provolone, cheddar, or brie instead of Swiss.
• Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
• Extra Festive: Add a thin layer of stuffing before the cranberry sauce.
• Sweet & Spicy: Use pepper jack cheese and add a drizzle of hot honey.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute roasted veggies or grilled mushrooms for turkey.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
• Freezing: Assemble sliders, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp bread knife
• Pastry brush (for butter topping)
• Foil for covering

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

Q3: Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
No, any soft dinner rolls or slider buns will work, though Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness.

Q4: Can I make these without cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can swap cranberry sauce with raspberry preserves, fig jam, or skip it for a savory version.

Q5: How do I prevent soggy sliders?
Use less cranberry sauce if it’s very liquidy and bake uncovered for a few extra minutes to crisp the tops.

Conclusion

Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Swiss Cheese are a deliciously festive, crowd-pleasing dish that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese nestled in buttery Hawaiian rolls make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for holiday gatherings, leftover turkey solutions, or party appetizers, this recipe proves that sliders are more than just sandwiches—they’re a celebration in every bite. Once you try them, they’ll become a permanent addition to your seasonal favorites.