The Holiday Leftover Hero Baked Cranberry Brie Turkey Sliders

Cranberry Turkey Sliders

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:12 sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 rolls) Slider Rolls (e.g., Hawaiian or potato rolls)
• 12 oz Sliced Deli Turkey Breast
• 8 oz Brie Cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium Red Onion, very thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce (Whole berry or jellied)
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Poppy Seeds (Optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Carefully slice the entire package of slider rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping the bottoms and tops connected. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange half of the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom rolls. Dollop small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the turkey layer, then top with the thinly sliced red onion.
• Place the sliced Brie evenly over the cranberry and onion layer, and top with the remaining sliced turkey.
• Place the top halves of the rolls gently back onto the filled bottoms.
• Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
• Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire melted butter mixture over the tops of the slider rolls. Sprinkle evenly with poppy seeds, if using.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 2–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the tops are nicely golden brown.
• Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing them apart and serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:383 kcal

Protein:6.0 g

Fat:13.0 g

Carbs:23.0 g

Fiber:2.7 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:344 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Sandwich, Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine:American

Transforming Leftovers: The Ultimate Game-Day Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

As the holidays wind down or a big game looms large, we all face the inevitable mountain of delicious, yet slightly tired, leftovers. But what if those remnants could be reborn into something entirely new, exciting, and undeniably craveable? Enter the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders , a recipe that takes the familiar pairing of turkey and tart fruit and elevates it into a handheld masterpiece. Forget wrapping those dry slices in bread for the hundredth time; these sliders offer a warm, gooey rebirth, fusing festive flavors with incredible ease. This is truly The Holiday Leftover Hero: Baked Cranberry & Brie Turkey Sliders with Honey-Mustard Glaze , ready to steal the show.

Why This Tangy-Sweet Slider Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This isn't just another assembled sandwich; it’s a carefully constructed bite designed for maximum comfort and flavor payoff. The secret lies in combining textures and tastes that typically only appear together once a year, locking them into a soft, buttery roll and baking them until the cheese melts into pure decadence.

The Perfect Post-Holiday Comfort Food Solution

If you’re looking for a streamlined way to manage the abundance of holiday meats, these Baked Turkey Sliders are your answer. They provide all the comforting essence of a holiday meal—savoury, sweet, and creamy—without the hours spent at the stove. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, you transform basic ingredients into a gourmet snack or light dinner, making them ideal for impromptu gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.

A Flavor Profile Combining Festive Richness and Savoury Depth

The magic in these Turkey Cranberry Sliders comes from the balance struck between the ingredients. We utilize a good, tart cranberry sauce, which provides the essential festive tang, juxtaposed against rich, creamy Brie cheese. The deli turkey brings the savoury anchor, while the addition of thinly sliced red onion offers a sharp, welcome bite. It’s this interplay—sweet, sharp, savoury, and rich—that makes every bite of these Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Sauce so captivating.

Beyond the Sandwich: Why Sliders Beat Leftover Wraps

While a wrap is quick, it often lacks the textural complexity achieved here. The magic of baking these Cranberry Sliders within a sheet of rolls is twofold: the tops become golden and slightly crisp thanks to the glaze, while the bottom absorbs just enough moisture to remain tender without becoming waterlogged. It transforms a standard deli affair into something that feels genuinely special, proving that presentation and texture elevate even the simplest ingredients.

Assembling Your Components: Essential Items for Maximum Flavor Impact

To achieve the rich, gooey centre these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders promise, attention must be paid to the quality and preparation of the core components. We are aiming for a perfect melt and a balanced flavour distribution across all twelve rolls. Remember, these are built to serve 4 to 6 people easily.

The foundation of this recipe involves slicing 12 ounces of high-quality, thinly sliced deli turkey breast. Next, we introduce the creamy element: about 8 ounces of Brie cheese, which should be sliced thinly; feel free to remove the rind if you prefer a softer melt, although it is entirely edible. For that essential aromatic counterpoint, have half a medium red onion sliced paper-thin. Finally, procure about 1/2 cup of your favorite cranberry sauce, whether it’s the classic jellied style or a chunkier, whole-berry variety.

The Unconventional Baker's Pantry Checklist

While the main fillings are straightforward, the success of these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders hinges on the supporting cast: the bread and the glorious glaze that will bind everything together. Getting these elements right is what separates a good slider from a truly memorable one.

Sourcing the Best Soft Rolls for Optimal Melt

For the ultimate experience, I highly recommend using a package of soft slider rolls, often referred to as Hawaiian rolls or potato rolls, as they have a slight sweetness that complements the cranberry beautifully. These rolls should be kept intact within their connected structure for as long as possible. This is crucial because slicing the whole package horizontally in one go maintains the structural integrity needed for easy layering and ensures that every slider in the batch has an even filling distribution.

Defining the Cranberry-Brie Ratio for Every Slider

When layering, restraint is key, especially with the Brie. Since Brie melts beautifully and spreads, layering it generously but not excessively ensures the cheese oozes just enough to coat the turkey and mingle with the cranberry sauce without completely overwhelming the meat. We use enough cranberry sauce to provide pockets of tartness, ensuring that when you bite into one of these Turkey Havarti Sliders (if you chose Havarti instead!), you get that sweet-and-sour pop in every portion.

Tools of the Trade: Essential Gear for Perfect Baking

This is truly an easy recipe, requiring minimal specialized equipment. You will need a standard 9x13-inch baking dish—this vessel will hold the entire batch neatly. A small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl is necessary for gently warming the butter glaze ingredients. Most importantly, arm yourself with a reliable pastry brush; this tool ensures an even, generous coating of the sweet-savoury topping over every peak and valley of the rolls.

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Step-by-Step Assembly: Crafting Your Delicious Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

With all components ready, the assembly phase moves swiftly. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and lightly grease that baking dish. The first critical move is slicing the entire sheet of rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves still connected in their original grid formation. Place the bottom halves snugly into your prepared dish. Now, we build: distribute half of the sliced turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by dollops of the 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and the thin slices of red onion. Next comes the creamy Brie, layered evenly, and topped with the remaining turkey. Finally, gently place the top layer of rolls back on.

The Critical Glaze Application for a Golden, Bubbly Finish

The finishing touch—the glaze—is what transforms these into something special. This is not optional; it’s the signature element of perfect Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls .

Prepping the Buns: Creating the Flavor Foundation

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You are not trying to brown it, just liquefy it smoothly. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. This mixture creates a glossy, tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully under heat.

Layering Techniques to Prevent Soggy Bottoms

While the rolls are soft, they are surprisingly resilient. If you are concerned about excess moisture, you can briefly place just the bottom halves of the rolls under a preheated broiler for about two minutes until just barely golden before adding your fillings. This seals the bread surface just enough to resist sogginess while allowing the fillings to permeate nicely.

Baking Times and Temperature Checks for Gooey Perfection

Once the glaze is fully mixed, use your pastry brush to generously coat the entire top surface of the assembled sliders. If desired, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds over the top now. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 10 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C). This initial covered bake steams the rolls slightly, ensuring the cheese starts to melt thoroughly. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. You are looking for fully molten cheese and a golden-brown, bubbly top crust.

The Essential 5-Minute Rest Before Serving

Resist the urge to slice immediately! Allow the Christmas Sliders (or Thanksgiving Sliders ) to rest uncovered for five minutes. This brief resting period allows the melted cheese structure to settle slightly, making it easier to slice neatly between the rolls without everything collapsing into a glorious, yet messy, heap.

Mastering the Make-Ahead: Storing and Reheating Your Baked Wonders

These sliders are fantastic fresh from the oven, but their make-ahead capabilities are a lifesaver for entertaining. You can assemble the sliders completely—filling, cheese, and glaze applied—and cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the preheated 350° F ( 175° C) oven. You may need to add 5 to 7 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through fully.

Freezer Compatibility and Thawing Guidelines for Future Cravings

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap the entire dish or individual portions very securely in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. To thaw, move them to the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed above, remembering that frozen items will always require slightly longer to reach the perfect internal temperature.

Ingredient Swaps: From Deli Turkey to Rotisserie Excellence

While good quality deli turkey works perfectly, don’t hesitate to use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken or roast turkey if you have it on hand. If using leftover roast meat, make sure it is pulled or thinly sliced and distributed evenly. For cheese, if Brie feels too mild, substituting it with thinly sliced Gruyère or Havarti provides a nuttier, sharper profile for your Turkey Havarti Sliders .

Creative Twists: Elevating Your Standard Turkey Slider Experience

Once you master the base recipe, experimentation is encouraged! These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are robust enough to handle adventurous additions that can push them into even more unique territory.

Ingredient Swaps: From Deli Turkey to Rotisserie Excellence

For a spicier kick, incorporate a thin layer of jalapeño jelly alongside the cranberry sauce, creating a delightful sweet-and-spicy dynamic. Alternatively, for a herbaceous complexity, sprinkle a tiny amount of fresh, finely chopped rosemary or thyme directly into the melted butter glaze before brushing it onto the rolls. This infusion takes the flavour profile straight into high-end appetizer territory.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing Sides That Complement the Sweet Heat

Because these sliders are rich, sweet, and cheesy, they beg for a counterpoint that is crisp and acidic. A simple, vibrant side salad dressed with a sharp sherry or red wine vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For heartier appetites, consider pairing these with crispy sweet potato fries or a small bowl of creamy Butternut Squash Soup. And don't forget a little bowl of extra honey-mustard for dipping—it never hurts to have more of that glorious glaze on hand!