Oh my foodie friend, I’ve got to tell you about the moment I first bit into these Cranberry Turkey Sliders. Imagine a perfect mini turkey sandwich where sweet meets savory in every single bite. The juicy turkey patty, laced with herbs and spices, hits your taste buds, and then BAM—the tart cranberry sauce buns bring this bright, slightly tangy pop that perfectly balances all that rich meatiness. It’s like Thanksgiving in slider form, but way more fun to eat.
What makes these Cranberry Turkey Sliders unforgettable is that cozy holiday vibe packed into a handheld party finger food. The softness of the buns soaked with cranberry goodness is just dreamy. Plus, I loved how the cranberry sauce wasn’t overpoweringly sweet—more of a delicate zing. Honestly, I was craving Thanksgiving sliders after seeing homemade versions pop up all over social media, and once I made this recipe, it became my new obsession.
If you want a cranberry sauce bun that’s not soggy but still packed with flavor, you’re going to love exactly how this recipe pulls it all together. I’ve tweaked it a bit from the ones I saw on sites like Simple Seasonal’s cheesy cranberry bacon and turkey sliders and even added a few surprise flavor boosts inspired by some great ideas in the Holiday turkey sliders with cranberry sauce and brie cheese Facebook group.
Fellow foodies, if you love mini turkey sandwiches that hit every crave-worthy note from sweet to savory, with just a tiny bit of spice that makes your taste buds dance, you’re going to want to whip up these Cranberry Turkey Sliders ASAP. Trust me, this holiday appetizer easily doubles as a drool-worthy anytime snack. Ready to dive in?
What You Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients because the secret to amazing Cranberry Turkey Sliders is all in the quality and a few smart swaps. Here’s what you need for these holiday party finger foods that burst with flavor:
- 1 lb ground turkey (splurge on organic or free-range for the best flavor and texture)
- 12 slider buns (I love brioche for that buttery softness, but any soft bun works great)
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (grab some fresh or a quality jar from the international aisle)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (adds a sharp bite that balances the cranberry tang)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional but trust me, it adds creaminess)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (makes the turkey patty taste like fall on a bun)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter (for toasting buns lightly; game-changer alert)
Pro tip: This Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe gets even better when you use fresh herbs if you have them—fresh rosemary or thyme riffs work wonders in the turkey patties. Also, if you’re short on time, grab pre-made cranberry sauce and pre-chopped onions to speed things up without losing that homemade feel.
Storage heads-up: Keep your buns in a sealed bag to maintain softness before assembling. The cranberry sauce can sit in the fridge for up to a week, but fresh is always best for that tangy zip.
If you really want that cranberry sauce bun to pop, I like going heavy on the sauce layering instead of slathering mayo all over. Trust me, it lets the cranberry flavor sing.
Getting excited yet? Because this list makes the ultimate base for seriously crave-worthy Cranberry Turkey Sliders!
How to Make It
Ready to make these Cranberry Turkey Sliders the star of your next get-together? Let me talk you through the steps with all the flavor-packed details.
- Make your turkey patties first. Combine ground turkey, finely chopped onions, dried sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently so the turkey stays tender but the spices get evenly tossed in. Shape into 12 even mini patties, about the size of your slider buns.
- Cook the patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when your Cranberry Turkey Sliders’ turkey patties smell irresistible—like warm fall herbs and garlic mingled with meaty goodness. Avoid flattening them too much; you want juicy sliders.
- Prep your cranberry sauce buns. Slice the slider buns in half. Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom half, letting that tart sweetness soak into the soft bread. If you want to get fancy, spread a thin layer of mayo on the top bun side to add creamy contrast.
- Cheese, please! Right after flipping the patties, add a sprinkle of cheddar on each one so it melts perfectly by the time the turkey finishes cooking. That melty cheesy goodness is part of what makes these Cranberry Turkey Sliders beyond amazing.
- Toast those buns. Lightly melt butter in the same skillet, then toast the buns face down just until golden and slightly crisp. Those cranberry sauce buns shine best with that delicate toast to balance softness and structure.
- Assemble your sliders. Place each cheesy turkey patty on the cranberry-topped bottom bun, then crown with the buttered top bun. The smell and sight of these mini turkey sandwiches coming together? Pure magic.
- Serve them up while warm for that ultimate texture combo of melty cheese, juicy turkey, and tangy cranberry sauce buns.
My biggest win here was mastering that sweet-sour balance on the buns without making them soggy, so they hold up perfectly as holiday appetizer party finger foods. Plus, this recipe comes together in just under 40 minutes—hello, quick weeknight or festive finger food win!
If you want to mix things up, have a look at making turkey cranberry quesadillas next time for a fun twist on this flavor combo. Same love, different delivery.
Serving This Up
Now comes the fun part—how to serve your Cranberry Turkey Sliders and make jaws drop. These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides that highlight their holiday flair.
Serve them alongside crispy sweet potato fries or even a bed of kale salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh balance. When it comes to drinks, a sparkling cranberry mocktail or dry cider really takes these mini turkey sandwiches up a notch.
I love plating these Cranberry Turkey Sliders on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for that cozy vibe perfect for holiday appetizer spread. And bonus: leftover sliders? Chop them up for crunchy slider salad croutons, or reheat gently and enjoy breakfast sandwiches the next day.
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders always score big at gatherings, disappearing fast because they’re easy finger foods that taste like a celebration in every bite. They steal the show whether it’s Thanksgiving season or a casual weekend get-together.
For party inspiration, check out the BBQ Chicken Sliders recipe if you want to diversify your mini turkey sandwiches spread. Trust me, your guests will thank you.
Your Questions Answered
Let’s talk FAQs because I’ve seen lots of fellow foodies wondering how to get their Cranberry Turkey Sliders just right:
Q1: How do I make these Cranberry Turkey Sliders extra flavorful?
A: Mix fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme right into the turkey patties and don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Also, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a touch of smoked paprika amps up the savory depth.Q2: Can I meal prep Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
A: Absolutely! Cook the patties ahead and keep them refrigerated. Assemble just before serving or store components separately and assemble at the party.Q3: What’s the best way to reheat without drying out Cranberry Turkey Sliders?
A: Wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes. This keeps the buns soft and patties juicy.Q4: Can I swap out turkey for chicken?
A: Yes! Ground chicken works great for mini turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce buns, but add a bit more seasoning since chicken can be milder.Q5: What if I don’t have slider buns?
A: Use small dinner rolls or even split mini croissants for a buttery twist. Any soft bread that can soak up cranberry sauce works.Q6: How do I prevent soggy buns?
A: Toasting the buns lightly with butter helps build a barrier so the cranberry sauce blends without soaking through immediately.Q7: Can I make Cranberry Turkey Sliders vegetarian?
A: Try swapping patties for mushroom or black bean-based options, topped with veggie-friendly cranberry sauce buns. You might also love the veggie quesadilla spin at FoodieDishes cranberry turkey quesadillas.
More juicy tips come from fun food lover communities like the Holiday turkey sliders with cranberry sauce and brie cheese group. There’s always a way to make your holiday appetizer the star.
Final Bites
Okay fellow foodies, these Cranberry Turkey Sliders deserve an A+ spot in your recipe rotation because they bring that unmistakable cozy holiday comfort with a modern prep ease.
My Foodie Tips:
– Use fresh herbs in brand-new ways to amp the patties without overpowering the holidays vibe.
– Get your cranberry sauce homemade or from a high-quality brand with minimal added sugar to balance savory perfectly.
– Toast the buns in butter! It seals the deal between soft, fluffy, and hold-together texture.
For variety, try these tested Cranberry Turkey Sliders variations: stuffing them with melty brie and walnuts, swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick, or adding crispy bacon strips for that smoky crunch. The ones with brie always get the loudest “mmm”s, but honestly, all versions rock party finger foods status.
You can totally customize these, so play with ingredients that fit your taste or occasion. I’m so excited for you to try these because Cranberry Turkey Sliders are more than just mini turkey sandwiches—they’re a flavor-packed bite of holiday cheer you’ll crave all year.
And if you’re loving this vibe, you have to check out how much fun Cranberry Turkey Sliders leftover style can be. This recipe has stolen my heart, and I’m betting it will yours too!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Delight in these savory cranberry turkey sliders, perfect for a quick meal or entertaining guests with a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 12 small patties, about the size of your slider buns.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned.
- Place a half slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and transfer them to a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Toast slider buns lightly if desired.
- Spread cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each bun, add a turkey patty with melted cheese, then top with baby spinach leaves and the bun top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your festive cranberry turkey sliders.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a dollop of spicy mustard or swap baby spinach with arugula for a peppery bite.