These Baked Turkey Sliders with homemade cranberry sauce are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and festive flavor. Picture tender roasted turkey, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and a brush of buttery goodness, all tucked into soft King Hawaiian-style rolls. Whether you're planning a casual holiday gathering or just craving a satisfying snack, this recipe brings that slider sandwich charm with a touch of elegance. It's approachable and homey, yet feels special enough for the season.
Baked Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 (2 sliders per person)
9x13-inch baking dish (or similar size; a rimmed sheet pan works too)
Small to medium saucepan (for cranberry sauce)
Mixing bowls
Whisk (for sauce)
Silicone Brush (for butter mixture) – alternative: a spoon or spatula to spread
Sharp knife (for slicing rolls)
Baking sheet alternative: a disposable foil pan if you prefer easy cleanup
For the Sliders
- 12 King Hawaiian-style dinner rolls see note below for alternatives
- 3 cups cooked turkey thinly sliced or shredded (rotisserie turkey is a great shortcut)
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1½ cups Swiss cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10–12 minutes.
Taste and adjust sweetness or tang with more sugar or orange juice.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly—it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Prep the Roll Assembly
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the pack of dinner rolls horizontally across the middle, keeping the top and bottom together so you open the entire sheet like a book.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into your baking dish snugly.
Make the Butter-Mustard Brush
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Use the silicone brush (or a spoon) to apply half of this mixture evenly over the inside of the bottom roll layer.
Layer the Sliders
Spread a generous layer of warm cranberry sauce over the buttered bottom rolls—enough to taste in every bite, about ½–⅔ cup.
Pile the turkey evenly over the sauce.
Sprinkle cheddar and Swiss cheese on top of the turkey, ensuring melted-good coverage.
Add the Top and Finish
Close the sandwiches by placing the roll tops back on.
Brush the remaining butter-mustard mixture across the top of the rolls.
Tent with foil and bake for 12 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
Serve
Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes before slicing between each pair with a sharp knife.
Transfer to a serving platter and get ready to eat!
Pairings
- Crisp Fall Salad: Butter lettuce, sliced apples, candied pecans, crumbled goat cheese, with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette.
- Soup Sidekick: Creamy butternut squash soup or classic tomato bisque enhances the sliders’ richness.
- Cranberry Punch or Sparkling Cider: Fresh cranberry-ginger punch or non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider keeps things festive and pairs beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries or Crispy Potato Wedges: A lightly spiced side highlights the holiday notes of these sliders.
- Pickled Veggies or Relish Tray: Bright, briny pickles or marinated olives offer contrast to the mellow sliders.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey breast vs. thigh?
Absolutely. Sliced turkey breast is lean and clean-tasting, while dark meat (thighs) brings richer flavor and tenderness. Both work great.
2. Are pre-packaged Hawaiian rolls okay?
Yes! King Hawaiian-style rolls (like King’s Hawaiian Dinner Rolls) are ideal—they offer that soft, sweet base. You can also explore Slider Sandwiches King’s Hawaiian brand or general Hawaii Roll Sliders for variety. If you'd prefer something less sweet, your local bakery’s dinner rolls or slider buns are fine alternatives.
3. What if I want a make-ahead option?
You can prepare the cranberry sauce and butter mixture a day ahead. Assemble the sliders and refrigerate (covered). When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
4. Any substitutions for cheese?
Feel free to mix in Swiss Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone. Pepper Jack adds a mild kick. The cheddar plus Swiss combo keeps a nice balance of tang and melty good texture.
5. Can I turn this into a sandwich buffet?
Definitely! Offer the buns, cranberry sauce, sliced turkey, cheeses, and the butter brush on the side. Let guests build their own Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches and Hawaiian Roll Dinner Ideas become customizable and festive.
