
I've got to tell you about my go-to trick for holiday extras - these incredible Turkey Cranberry Sliders. I stumbled on this idea when I was tired of the same old leftover plates, and now my kids actually ask when we'll be making them! There's something magical about juicy turkey, sweet-tart cranberry, and gooey cheese all tucked into warm buttery buns that just hits the spot.
What Makes These Truly Outstanding
These sliders really shine because they pack all the Thanksgiving goodness into handheld bites of joy. The flavors blend together in such a mouthwatering way, and you can throw them together in no time. They work for feeding a bunch of hungry folks or just whipping up something warm and satisfying for yourself.
What You'll Need
- Buns: I can't get enough of those soft brioche ones.
- Cheese: Swiss is my go-to, but anything that melts well is great.
- Turkey: The holiday leftovers make these sliders shine.
- Cranberry Sauce: This sweet-tart layer is crucial.
- Butter: It gives you that beautiful brown top.
- Mustard: A bit of Dijon cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a hint of savory depth.
- Spices: They bring everything together nicely.
Creating The Goodness
- Set Up
- You won't regret using that foil - it makes cleanup a breeze.
- Stack Everything
- Be patient with this part since each component adds its own special touch.
- The Magic Topping
- This butter blend really takes them from good to unforgettable.
- Warm Them Through
- You'll know they're done when the cheese gets all bubbly and the tops turn a beautiful amber color.
Storing For Later
Nothing beats eating these hot from the oven, but they do keep pretty well. Just wrap them up tight and store them in the fridge. When you want them again, warm them with a tiny bit more butter and they'll come back to life.
Switching Things Up
Don't be afraid to play around with different cheeses or throw in some slow-cooked onions. The basic plan works so well that it can handle all kinds of tweaks. I've made them with leftover ham too, and they turn out just as tasty.
Great Side Matches
They go wonderfully with something light like a green salad or some crunchy chips on the side. The combo of soft sliders and crisp sides just works. They're super for casual get-togethers or watching sports with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these before my party starts?
They taste best when they're fresh out of the oven. But you can definitely cut your shapes and get your toppings ready ahead of time, then put them together and bake when guests arrive.
- → What can I do without a tree-shaped cutter?
You can grab some cardboard, draw a tree, cut it out, and use it as a guide with a kitchen knife. Any holiday shape works just as well for this snack.
- → Is it okay to switch up the toppings?
Absolutely! Go wild with whatever toppings you love. Just chop them small enough to fit nicely on your tiny trees.
- → My pastry didn't puff up much. Why?
Your pastry needs to be completely thawed before you start. Also, check that your oven's hot enough before putting them in. Too many heavy toppings can weigh down the pastry too.
- → Will regular pizza dough work instead?
You can try it, but puff pastry makes them extra light and crispy, plus it's way easier to cut into shapes. It also cooks much faster than pizza dough.
Conclusion
Whip up jolly little pizzas shaped like Christmas trees using puff pastry. These tiny treats make awesome appetizers for holiday parties, giving a playful and yummy spin on regular pizza.