Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with bold flavors, tender meat, and just the right touch of sweetness, then these Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders will become your new go-to recipe. Juicy shredded turkey slow-cooked in a rich blend of tangy BBQ sauce and vibrant cranberry, layered with melted cheddar on soft slider rolls, creates a perfect balance of comfort and excitement in every bite. These sliders are not only easy to prepare but perfect for feeding a crowd or making an everyday meal feel special. Let me walk you through why this recipe might just be your next favorite hands-down winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines straightforward but powerful ingredients that come together beautifully for taste, texture, and that gorgeous pop of color. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether you’re creating a tender, flavorful turkey or adding the finishing touches that keep everyone asking for more.

• Boneless turkey breast: The lean protein base that cooks up tender and shreddable.
• BBQ sauce: Provides tangy, smoky flavor essential to this classic slider taste.
• Cranberry sauce: Adds a lovely sweetness and subtle tartness that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a slight sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavors and gives a gentle sweetness.
• Onion powder: Adds depth and a mild savory note.
• Garlic salt: Gives a perfect hint of garlic and seasoning.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a warm smokiness that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of sharp heat to round out the flavor profile.
• Slider rolls: Soft Hawaiian rolls work excellently here for their slight sweetness and pillowy texture.
• Cheddar cheese slices: Melted over the turkey for creamy sharpness.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Forms the delicious topping glaze on the buns.
• Dried parsley: Adds a subtle fresh herbal note and pretty color on top.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the turkey and sauce

Start simply by placing the boneless turkey breast right into your slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together your BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until everything is smooth and perfectly combined. This blend is the heart of the flavor, merging smoky, sweet, and tangy notes that will soak deep into the turkey as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the turkey

Scoop out about half a cup of the sauce and set it aside – this reserved sauce will tell the finishing story of your sliders. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the turkey in the crockpot, cover, and slow cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The turkey will end up fall-apart tender, soaking in all the vibrant flavors you just mixed together.

Step 3: Shred the turkey

When the turkey is perfectly cooked, shred it directly inside the slow cooker for extra sauciness, or transfer to a cutting board if that’s easier. The pulled turkey is irresistibly tender and packed with that delicious cranberry BBQ taste.

Step 4: Assemble the sliders

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your slider rolls horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer each with slices of sharp cheddar cheese, then pile generous portions of shredded turkey on top. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the turkey to keep each bite juicy and flavorful. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls back on.

Step 5: Add the buttery topping and bake

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Pour this fragrant seasoned butter over the tops of the slider rolls, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for that perfect golden finish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection.

How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders

Garnishes

Feel free to add fresh garnishes like thinly sliced red onions, pickles, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to bring brightness and some contrasting textures to your sliders. A dash of extra smoked paprika or even a few chili flakes can elevate the smoky flavor and add a little kick.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides such as crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or even a simple garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a comforting combo, creamy mashed potatoes or baked beans would round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these sliders at a party, consider presenting them on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, inviting look. You can also serve each slider with a cute toothpick topped with a cranberry or small herb sprig for a touch of elegance. Another fun idea is to line mini baskets with parchment and serve sliders with dipping sauces like extra BBQ or a herby mayo on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the turkey and buns separate, if possible, to avoid sogginess, and reassemble fresh when serving again.

Freezing

The shredded turkey freezes very well on its own. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently with some sauce to bring back its moist tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat sliders wrapped in foil in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also reheat the turkey portion in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep it juicy. Then toast or warm the slider rolls separately for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! While turkey breast works beautifully for these sliders, you can substitute chicken breast or even pulled pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on your slow cooker settings and meat choice.

Is the cranberry sauce essential in Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders?

The cranberry sauce is key to giving these sliders their signature sweet and tangy twist that stands out from your usual BBQ sliders. It balances the smokiness and adds complexity, so I highly recommend keeping it in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! For a little heat, try adding some cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle chopped jalapenos on the sliders before baking. It’s an easy way to customize the spice level to your liking.

Can I use regular sandwich rolls instead of slider buns?

For sure. Regular sandwich rolls or dinner rolls can work if you don’t have slider buns, just keep in mind they might be larger, so you may want to adjust the amount of turkey per sandwich accordingly.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

To keep your sliders from turning soggy, I recommend assembling them right before serving. If preparing ahead, store the turkey and rolls separately and add the sauce just before baking. The butter topping also helps create a slight barrier to moisture, giving you that perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders is such a joyful experience that brings together a delicious comfort meal with a fun twist. Whether for a laid-back weeknight dinner, a game day spread, or casual entertaining, these sliders hit all the right notes with juicy turkey, rich BBQ, and a burst of cranberry goodness. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delighted smiles when people take that first bite. I promise this will be a new favorite to come back to again and again!

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