Print

Easy Mini Turkey Cranberry Sliders: Best Party Appetizer

easy mini turkey cranberry sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These crowd-pleasing mini turkey and cranberry sliders come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. They’re perfect for last-minute gatherings, game day, or holiday parties, and they disappear faster than you can say ‘second helping.’

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean recommended)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12-pack sweet Hawaiian rolls (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
  • 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese (cut each slice in half)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or onion powder)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried sage, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if needed. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Without separating the individual rolls, carefully slice the entire pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Spread the cooked turkey mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey and spread gently. Place the halved cheese slices on top of the cranberry sauce. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese, pressing down gently.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let the sliders rest in the dish for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut along the individual roll lines. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use 93/7 lean ground turkey to avoid dryness. Do not overcook the turkey. Use a thin layer of cranberry sauce (about 1 tablespoon per slider) to prevent sogginess. If the turkey mixture seems dry after cooking, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or a splash of olive oil. If the cranberry sauce is too thick to spread, microwave it for 10-15 seconds. If the tops of the rolls brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last few minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. To freeze, assemble unbaked sliders without the butter topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake as directed (add 5-10 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: mini turkey cranberry sliders, party appetizer, easy sliders, ground turkey recipe, Hawaiian roll sliders, Thanksgiving sliders, game day food

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-mini-turkey-cranberry-sliders-best-party-appetizer/