Nothing screams “holiday party hero” like a platter of warm, cheesy, flavor-packed turkey sliders disappearing the moment they hit the table. These mini sandwiches are festive, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make—perfect for feeding a crowd without stressing in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, a family game night, or a full holiday feast, these sliders will become your go-to holiday recipe. Let’s break down how to make them step-by-step, plus add pro tips to elevate flavor like a seasoned holiday cook.
Gather Your Ingredients (The Festive Essentials)
The best Christmas turkey sliders start with simple, reliable ingredients that work beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- Cooked turkey (roasted or leftover)
- Sliced cheese (Swiss, provolone, or cheddar)
- Cranberry sauce
- Mayo or aioli
- Dijon mustard
- Butter
- Garlic powder & onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional but amazing: rosemary or thyme)
After gathering your ingredients, it helps to visualize the final setup.
These ingredients create the perfect mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and festive.
Step 1: Prep the Slider Base
Start by cutting your slider rolls in half horizontally—keeping them attached makes assembly so much easier. Place the bottom half on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Spread a thin, even layer of mayo and a little Dijon mustard over the bread. This adds creaminess and tang that balance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Pro Tip:
Brush the bread lightly with melted butter to help it crisp up from underneath.
Step 2: Layer the Turkey + Cranberry Goodness
Next, pile on your sliced turkey. Thick or thin—both work—but try to keep the layer even.
Add dollops of cranberry sauce across the turkey. You don’t need much; a little goes a long way.
Why This Combo Works
- Turkey = savory, hearty base
- Cranberry sauce = holiday sweetness
- Mustard & mayo = creamy, tangy contrast
- Cheese (coming next) = melty goodness
The flavors create the perfect holiday bite in every slider.
Step 3: Add Cheese + Top with Buns
Now lay slices of cheese evenly over the turkey. Swiss melts beautifully and adds that classic slider richness, but cheddar adds extra color and sharpness. Pick your favorite—or mix both for fun!
Place the top half of the rolls gently over the cheese layer.
Step 4: Brush With Festive Butter and Bake
Melt butter in a small bowl and mix in:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- A small pinch of salt
- Optional: finely chopped rosemary or thyme
Generously brush this over the top of the slider rolls. Don’t be shy—this is what gives them that shiny, golden, bakery-style finish.
Cover the tray with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese melts beautifully.
Your kitchen will smell like pure holiday magic at this point.
Step 5: Slice, Serve & Watch Them Vanish
Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for 2–3 minutes (this helps everything hold together).
Use a sharp knife to cut along the roll lines and pull apart each slider.
Serve on a wooden board or festive platter for the perfect Christmas presentation.
Optional Garnish Ideas
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley
- A drizzle of warmed cranberry reduction
- Toothpicks topped with mini holiday decorations
These small touches make your sliders Pinterest-perfect and holiday-party ready.
Extra Tips for Slider Success
1. Use Leftover Turkey
This recipe is a post-Christmas lifesaver if you’ve got roast turkey in the fridge.
2. Swap the Protein
No turkey? Use:
- Shredded chicken
- Deli turkey
- Leftover roasted chicken
3. Add Caramelized Onions
They add sweetness and depth. A spoonful goes a long way.
4. Make Them Ahead
Assemble the sliders earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake right before serving.
5. Scale for a Crowd
Just double the ingredients if you’re hosting a big gathering.
Final Thoughts
Christmas turkey sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing holiday recipe—easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for any festive gathering. Bookmark this guide, try it at your next party, and watch your guests devour every single one.
Save this recipe for later! 🎄🍗✨
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