Florida Orange Cranberry Turkey Sliders for Christmas are the perfect holiday appetizer when you want something festive, flavorful, and easy to prepare. These warm, melty sliders bring together sweet Florida orange juice, tangy cranberries, and savory sliced turkey for a bite-sized treat that instantly tastes like Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, planning a holiday buffet, or looking for creative ways to use leftover turkey, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The combination of homemade cranberry orange sauce, Hawaiian rolls, buttery garlic herb glaze, turkey, and Swiss cheese creates a balance of sweetness, richness, and texture that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe is ideal for busy holiday cooks because it requires simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and delivers maximum flavor. Baked until golden and gooey, these Christmas turkey sliders are perfect for parties, Christmas movie nights, or festive potlucks.
Made with Florida orange juice, fresh herbs, and classic holiday spices, these Christmas sliders are both comforting and gourmet. They bake beautifully in the oven and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a stress-free option during the holiday rush. If you’re searching for an easy Christmas appetizer, holiday party recipe, or turkey slider recipe with cranberry orange sauce, this dish will become a new seasonal favorite.
Prep Time: 35 mins
Cook Time: 40-50 mins
Total Time: 75-85 mins
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
Cranberry Orange Sauce:
1 cup Florida Orange Juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 small bundle fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, optional (3-4 sprigs each, tied together with kitchen twine)
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Sliders:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 package (12 count) sweet dinner rolls
¾ cup cranberry orange sauce
7 ounces thick-sliced deli turkey or leftover holiday turkey
4 ounces (about 6 slices) Swiss cheese
Additional fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions For Florida Orange Cranberry Turkey Sliders for Christmas
Instructions:
Cranberry Orange Sauce:
To prepare the homemade cranberry orange sauce, start by adding the Florida orange juice, fresh orange zest, granulated sugar, and the optional rosemary–thyme herb bundle to a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Warm the mixture while stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the fresh or frozen cranberries and bring everything to a gentle boil.
As soon as it begins boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer. Cook for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a glossy, jam-like consistency. Remove the herb bundle and discard it. Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the cranberry orange sauce to cool completely — it will continue to thicken as it cools, developing an even richer holiday flavor.
Sliders :
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the garlic Dijon herb butter by combining melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fragrant, then set it aside. Carefully slice the sweet Hawaiian dinner rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife, keeping both halves intact as one large slab. Place the bottom half on a rimmed baking sheet.
Using a pastry brush, spread half of the garlic Dijon herb butter evenly across the bottom layer of rolls. Spoon and spread the cooled cranberry orange sauce over the buttered bread. Arrange the sliced turkey evenly over the rolls to cover all 12 slider portions. Layer the Swiss cheese slices over the turkey, cutting the slices if necessary so they fit neatly across the buns. Position the top half of the rolls over the cheese to close the sliders.
Brush the tops generously with the remaining garlic Dijon herb butter. Cover the entire baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let the sliders cool for 2–3 minutes, then cut them into individual portions following the natural roll lines. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Make-Ahead Advice:
These holiday turkey sliders can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. If baking straight from the fridge, simply add 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure even heating. This make-ahead option is especially helpful for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or busy hosting days.
Delicious Variations:
• Spicy Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Add a kick to your Christmas sliders by mixing 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or hot honey into the cranberry orange sauce. The sweet-heat combination pairs perfectly with the savory turkey and melted Swiss cheese.
• Cheesy Holiday Sliders
Replace Swiss cheese with smoked provolone, Gruyère, or white cheddar for an extra-creamy, ultra-melty texture. These cheeses add a rich, comforting flavor ideal for winter holiday appetizers.
• Leftover Christmas Turkey Sliders
Use leftover roasted turkey from Christmas dinner instead of deli turkey. The roasted flavor works beautifully with the cranberry orange sauce, making this recipe a smart and delicious “next-day leftovers” idea.
• Orange-Glazed Ham Sliders
Swap the turkey for thinly sliced holiday ham. The salty ham with the sweet citrus cranberry sauce creates a festive flavor balance guests will love.
• Herb-Roasted Veggie Sliders (Vegetarian Option)
Replace the turkey with roasted squash, sweet potatoes, or caramelized onions. Add extra cranberry orange sauce for a bright, fruity finish.
Practical Tips:
• Prep the Cranberry Orange Sauce Ahead
Make the sauce 2–3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. It thickens and improves in flavor over time, making Christmas meal prep easier.
• Don’t Overbake the Sliders
Keep the sliders covered for the first bake to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Uncover only for the last few minutes to achieve a perfectly golden finish.
• Use a Serrated Knife for Clean Slices
A serrated bread knife helps keep the slider buns intact and prevents tearing while cutting.
• Keep the Cheese Evenly Distributed
Cut the Swiss cheese slices as needed to fully cover the buns. Even coverage ensures every slider melts perfectly and tastes consistent.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture
These sliders are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is gooey and the buns are lightly crisp on top. If serving at a party, keep them warm in a covered dish.
• Great for Meal Prep & Holiday Buffets
These sliders reheat well at low temperature (300°F for 10–12 minutes), making them perfect for Christmas buffets, potlucks, and next-day snacks.
