Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite post-holiday treat: Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders! Every year after Thanksgiving, I find myself with a mountain of turkey and a sudden craving for something delicious to whip up using those leftover goodies. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem, and let me tell you, it changed the game! These sliders are so easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
I remember the first time I made these; my family was sprawled out after a big turkey feast, and I was determined to revive them with some culinary magic. In just a short while, the aroma of melted cheese and buttery rolls filled the kitchen, and it wasn’t long before we were all happily munching away. The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory turkey creates this deliciously nostalgic vibe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. So let’s jump right in and get cooking!
What’s in Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders?
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The star of the show! These little sweet rolls are soft and fluffy, making them the perfect base for any slider. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and tart cranberry.
Cooked Turkey: Shredded turkey gives these sliders their hearty filling. Use leftover turkey for that amazing post-holiday flavor, or rotisserie chicken works too if you’re in a pinch!
Cranberry Sauce: This is what really sets the vibe! The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese and turkey, leaving you with a delightful burst of flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Melty Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture that holds everything together. I personally love the way it blends with the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise: This adds a nice creaminess to the sliders, keeping them moist and delicious.
Dijon Mustard: A little zing from the Dijon mustard elevates the flavor profile and brings a nice balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples add depth to the flavor without any hassle!
Black Pepper: Just a pinch for seasoning; because what’s cooking without a little spice?
Unsalted Butter: Brushed on top, this golden goodness creates a glorious, cravable crust, and you can use it to make the sliders extra indulgent.
Sesame Seeds & Poppy Seeds: These bring a delightful crunch and a splash of flavor on top of the rolls, taking them from “good” to “well, wow!”
Is Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about whether these little delights deserve a spot on your “healthy eats” list. First off, the use of cooked turkey means you’re getting a dose of lean protein, which is always a plus for health. Plus, cranberry sauce brings antioxidants to the table—so that’s a win!
However, we’ve got some aspects worth considering. The sliders do contain mayonnaise and butter, which are higher in calories and fat. It might be worth scaling back a bit if you’re watching your intake. You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option, and you can even skip the butter if you’re feeling extra healthy (but I wouldn’t blame you for not!)
In moderation, these sliders are a fun and delightful way to enjoy leftovers, though! And remember, balance is key in any diet!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
– 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
– 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Salt to taste
*Serves: 12 sliders*
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders?
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish.
4. Spread a layer of the mayonnaise mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
5. Layer the shredded turkey evenly on top of the mayonnaise mixture.
6. Top the turkey with cranberry sauce, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the cranberry sauce.
8. Place the top half of the rolls on the sandwich.
9. Brush the melted butter over the top of the rolls, ensuring even coverage.
10. Sprinkle sesame seeds and poppy seeds evenly across the brushed butter.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
13. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. **Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders!**
Slider Secrets and Tips
– **Make it your own**: Feel free to experiment with other fillings! I’ve swapped out turkey for ham, or even added in some spinach for a boost of greens.
– **Toast the Rolls**: If you like a crunchier bite, consider toasting the Hawaiian rolls in the oven for a few minutes before assembling.
– **Saucy Option**: For extra sauciness, you could drizzle more cranberry sauce on top after baking—they’re so sweet and tangy!
– **Serving Perfectly**: These sliders are best served warm, but they’re also tasty cold! So if you have any leftovers (though I doubt there will be!), they’ll make a great snack.
I’ve got a feeling you’re going to fall in love with this recipe just like I did! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a weeknight craving, these Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cranberry Sliders are bound to become your go-to favorite. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t be shy—share your experience or any clever twists you add! Happy cooking!
