Name: Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls); 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60 grams); 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce or prepared orange cranberry sauce (160 grams); 3 cups diced leftover turkey, skin and bones removed (375 grams); 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced (190 grams); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; Kosher salt, to taste; 12 ounces fresh cranberries (120 grams); 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (80 milliliters); 2/3 cup water (160 milliliters); 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (160 grams); 1 teaspoon orange zest

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking for a bright, flavorful, and utterly satisfying bite that feels like a little festive hug, you have got to try this Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe. The sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls meets the savory warmth of leftover turkey and creamy brie, all brightened up with a tangy cranberry sauce that you can whip up from scratch or use leftovers. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, casual dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something cozy and spectacular without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a meal arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a white box with twelve soft, golden brown slider buns closely packed. To the left of the buns, a round white plate holds a pile of shredded white meat mixed with black pepper. Above this plate is a scalloped white bowl filled with chunky dark red cranberry sauce. Below the meat, a small round white bowl contains smooth, light beige mayonnaise. To the bottom left, a brown ceramic plate holds a small block of pale yellow butter, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a small dish of creamy mustard. Next to it, a tiny bowl contains a light brown powder seasoning. On the bottom right, overlapping slices of creamy pale yellow cheese with white rind lie on a wooden board with a cheese slicer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward success, and the magic here lies in simplicity and balance. Each component plays a starring role—from the fluffy Hawaiian rolls that hold everything together, to the rich brie that melts beautifully, and the homemade cranberry sauce that adds a lively burst of flavor.

Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls): Soft, slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect slider base and contrast beautifully with savory fillings.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and creaminess for a luscious texture that complements the tart cranberry sauce.
Cranberry sauce (1/2 cup leftover or homemade): The star tangy-sweet element that enlivens the turkey with every bite.
Diced leftover turkey (3 cups): Tender, juicy holiday turkey that brings hearty protein to these sliders.
Brie cheese (6 ounces, sliced): Melted and creamy, brie adds a subtle richness and a hint of earthiness.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used for the savory herb butter topping that crisps the rolls to golden perfection.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Offers a gentle tang that livens up the butter topping.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
Minced fresh rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant herbal touch that pairs wonderfully with turkey and cranberry.
Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances all other flavors, carefully balanced in the butter topping and throughout the dish.
Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): For making the homemade cranberry sauce if you don’t have leftovers.
Fresh orange juice (1/3 cup): Adds bright citrus notes to the cranberry sauce, perfectly balancing sweetness and tartness.
Water (2/3 cup): Helps the sauce simmer nicely without becoming too thick too quickly.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Sweetens the cranberry sauce naturally and adds depth of flavor.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Boosts the fresh citrus aroma and flavor in the cranberry sauce.

How to Make Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Rolls

Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact so you create a neat sandwich base. Arrange the bottom halves evenly on a sheet pan to prepare for layering the delicious fillings.

Step 2: Build Your Sliders

Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the rolls – this will keep each bite moist and tame the tartness from the cranberry sauce. Next, spread your leftover cranberry sauce or homemade version evenly, followed by the diced turkey. Finally, top the turkey with luscious slices of brie, then carefully place the tops of the rolls back on like a crown.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Topping

Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl, then whisk in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, minced fresh rosemary, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mixture becomes your flavorful topping for the sliders, adding an irresistible savory crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the butter topping generously over the tops of the rolls. Place your sliders in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden and slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 4 to 5 minutes before slicing – this little rest time lets flavors settle perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Orange Cranberry Sauce (if needed)

For those without leftover cranberry sauce, this easy homemade version is a breeze. Combine fresh cranberries, fresh orange juice, water, and brown sugar in a skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often until the berries have burst and the sauce thickens. Stir in fresh orange zest, then set it aside to cool and thicken further. This fresh sauce packs a perfect zesty punch that makes the sliders unforgettable.

How to Serve Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

The image shows a group of nine golden brown sliders arranged in a grid on a wooden board lined with white parchment paper. Each slider has a shiny, soft white bun top sprinkled with black poppy seeds and bits of crispy brown seasoning. One slider is pulled out slightly with a metal spatula, revealing three visible layers inside: the bottom bun, a thick layer of light cream color meat, likely cooked turkey, topped with a bright red glossy cranberry sauce, and the top bun. In the background, there are two white bowls, one filled with white sauce and the other with more cranberry sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. The scene is focused on the sliders with a close-up view showing texture details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your sliders feel extra special, consider sprinkling a bit of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme on top after baking. These herbs brighten the presentation and intensify the fragrant herbal notes. A few whole fresh cranberries or a small dollop of cranberry sauce on the side can add a jewel-like pop of color, too.

Side Dishes

Pairing these sliders is fun and flexible! Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance richness, or a warm bowl of creamy butternut squash soup to keep the cozy vibe going. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potato fries or lightly salted kettle chips both bring a delightful textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, consider arranging these sliders on a festive wooden board layered with fresh herbs and orange slices. You might also want to serve them in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming touch. Using small decorative picks or toothpicks with fun toppers makes serving and snacking simple and stylish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though these sliders rarely hang around!), tightly wrap them with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day sandwich just as delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap the whole sheet pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then brush with butter topping and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the rolls soggy and the cheese rubbery. Warm them gently and patiently to keep the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! While brie adds a wonderfully creamy texture and subtle flavor, you can swap it out for mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar for a sharper bite. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that lovely gooey texture.

Is it necessary to make homemade cranberry sauce?

Not at all. Using leftover cranberry sauce is a great shortcut that saves time and effort. However, homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest really elevates the flavor—adding freshness and depth that pairs beautifully with the turkey and brie.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can certainly adapt it by substituting the turkey for a plant-based protein like grilled mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a vegetarian deli slice. The cranberry and brie still shine in every bite!

How can I make these sliders spicier?

Try adding a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the butter topping for a smoky heat. You can also mix a bit of spicy mustard into the mayonnaise for an extra kick that livens things up.

Are Hawaiian rolls necessary or can I use another type of roll?

Hawaiian rolls give a perfect sweet balance and pillowy texture, but if you don’t have them, plain slider buns or soft dinner rolls will work fine. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different without that signature sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe brings together the best of comfort and flavor in a way that’s both approachable and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, using up leftovers, or just craving something warm and cozy, these sliders are bound to become a new favorite. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!