Cheesy Turkey Sliders

If you are like me, when it comes to entertaining, planning and choosing simple yet flavorful recipes is key. My Cheesy Turkey Sliders are ready in 30 minutes and can be made with deli meat or leftover turkey, loaded with cranberry sauce and cheese. Serve these with gravy for dipping.

These are my go-to appetizers when I need something quick and easy, but still bound to impress everyone. These also come in handy if you have some Thanksgiving leftovers and can’t stomach another turkey sandwich or salad. Making my sliders is a better way to put that meat and cranberry sauce to good use.

I like using leftover turkey for this recipe, and it works perfectly with white or dark turkey meat; it is totally up to you. The sliders are full of gooey cheese and sweet and tangy flavors that will make everyone want more.

Why you will love this recipe

• Use up those holiday leftovers: I always get lots of extra turkey because I make so much. But even if I don’t have extra, you can make this with deli turkey or lunchmeat from the grocery store.
• It takes less than 30 minutes: There are just a few steps from start to finish, so these succulent sandwiches are ready to eat in under 30 minutes. They’re easy to make so that anyone can do it.
• This special recipe needs only four ingredients: turkey, plus three others, and I usually make one of them myself. I typically buy the rolls from the grocery store, and the other two are basic items I have at home.   
• Something new to try that everyone will love: Instead of the regular turkey sandwiches, these tasty little bites are savory, tangy, sweet, and even a little crunchy with gooey cheese. Say goodbye to boring turkey on white bread.    

What you will need

• Hawaiian sweet rolls – I prefer King’s Hawaiian rolls for these sliders because they are the softest and have the best flavor.
• Turkey slices –Perfect for holiday leftovers. If not, any thin turkey slices will do. I like Hormel or Butterball slices, but use your favorite.
• Mayonnaise – Use your favorite here, too. Something thick and rich is good, but it should be something that everyone can enjoy.
• Cranberry sauce – My cranberry sauce is easy to make with just four ingredients, only takes a few minutes, and is flavored with orange zest and juice. It is perfect for this recipe, but store-bought will do in a pinch.
• Mozzarella cheese – I like mild cheese, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and gives these sliders a gooey layer of deliciousness. Please don’t use pre-shreddedcheesef because it is treated to prevent clumping, which also prevents it from melting.
• Butter sauce – I use unsalted butter and garlic powder.

How to prepare

I am blown away every time I make this recipe; it’s so easy to make in about 30 minutes, and they’re on the table, ready to enjoy! Also, to save even more time, I sometimes assemble them in the morning, pop them in the fridge, and bake them just before guests get here.

Preheat the oven: First, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9-inch pan with oil-sprayed foil.

Slice: Next, I slice the rolls in half to remove the tops. But I don’t separate the rolls.

Sauce: I spread the bottom layer with mayo and place it in the prepared pan. Next, I add the cranberry sauce and shredded cheese.

Add the meat: Then, I add the turkey slices, or shredded turkey if you are using leftover meat.

More cheese: I add the rest of the cheese on top before putting the top of the rolls back on.

Spread the butter: I put the butter in a bowl and microwave it for about a minute, until it melts. I stir in the garlic powder.

Brush: I pour it onto the rolls, using a pastry brush to spread it evenly before sprinkling the poppy seeds on top.

Bake and serve: Last, I cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Brown: Then I remove the foil and bake for another three to five minutes, or until the top is as brown as I like it. I let the sliders rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving individually.

Expert tip

Not slicing the rolls

Please don’t cut the rolls into individual pieces before filling and cooking them. This is the number one mistake that many newbie cooks make. I recommend carefully removing the rolls from the package and, using a very good, long, serrated knife, slicing the roll sheet in half. If you cut them into individual pieces, the toppings will shift and fall while baking, and the sliders won’t hold their shape.

Other tips to consider:

• Let the sliders rest for 10 minutes before slicing so they can set. That way, the cheese will not all come out.
• Shred your cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
• Cover the pan with foil to keep the sliders from burning on top, so don’t skip that step.
• Only spread a thin layer of mayo to keep the bottoms from getting soggy. If you want more mayo, add it to the top bun.
• Also, don’t use too much butter, or the bottoms of the rolls will be soggy.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Different cheese: Sometimes I use other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack to kick these sliders up a notch. But I always make sure it is freshly shredded.
• Other meats: Sick of turkey? It also tastes amazing with sliced ham, beef, chicken, or pork.
• No cranberry: If you don’t like cranberry sauce, skip it or substitute it with a jam like strawberry or raspberry.
• Add bacon: Bacon lovers like my husband enjoy it when I add chopped bacon on top of the turkey layer. It adds a nice smoky flavor.
• Spicy sliders: Make these spicy by sprinkling some red pepper flakes on the cranberry sauce. Just do not use too much. It should be subtle.    
• Add mustard: I like a little honey or Dijon mustard, while my husband really likes spicy mustard.

Serving suggestions:

First, serve the sliders immediately or within 30 minutes of baking. While the cold sliders are still delicious, I found it best to microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving. You can serve these as appetizers or snacks, but I have also served them as meals with side dishes. Try one of these ideas.

For a hearty lunch, I serve these with a variety of veggies and my easy cranberry stuffing, which goes great with the flavors in these sandwiches. They also pair well with this hearty fall pasta salad packed with butternut squash, pasta, broccoli, cheese, and cranberries. Sometimes, a big plate of turkey sliders with a pitcher of beer is all you need to fill the guys up while watching the game.

If you’re looking for a hot soup-and-sandwich meal, serve these yummy sliders with a bowl of my crockpot cheesy potato soup. For dessert, try my sensational creamy cranberry cheesecake. The spiced crust and orange-infused filling are unique and so delicious.

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container.   
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each sandwich in plastic, then place it in a freezer bag; it can be frozen for up to three months.   
• Defrost: Place frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight to thaw for the best results.
• Reheating: Reheat these in the oven for five minutes at 375 degrees F or in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for five to 10 minutes.   

Frequently asked questions

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