If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender slow-cooked turkey bathed in a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheddar, and finished under a buttery, seasoned topping that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or craving a comforting, hands-off meal, these sliders promise a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two main parts on a white marbled surface: a large piece of raw meat wrapped in netting, placed inside a black slow cooker pot, and a clear glass measuring cup in front filled with a thick, reddish-brown sauce with a shiny texture. The meat is light pink with white fat visible underneath the netting, and the sauce has a rich color with small lumps that show its thickness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients ready for this recipe is super straightforward, and each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make these sliders so special. From the succulent turkey to the vibrant cranberry BBQ sauce, everything comes together beautifully.

2-3 pound boneless turkey breast: The star of the show, providing tender, shreddable meat perfect for slow cooking.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy base that complements the turkey perfectly.
1 cup cranberry sauce: Brings a bright, sweet twist that makes the BBQ flavor unique and festive.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances sour and smoky notes with a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory foundation.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a punch of garlicky seasoning and salty goodness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a rich, smoky warmth throughout the sauce and topping.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle heat that lifts the flavors.
12 slider rolls: Soft, pillowy buns that cradle all the delicious fillings.
6 slices cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets, adding creaminess.
Topping ingredients (butter, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, dried parsley): This flavorful butter mixture creates that irresistible golden crust on top.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Slow Cook the Turkey

Start by placing the turkey breast straight into your slow cooker—no fuss, no prep needed. In a separate bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This sauce blends the smoky and sweet notes that will seep deep into the turkey as it cooks. Pour the majority of this sauce over the turkey, setting aside about half a cup for later. Seal the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 4, until your turkey is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 2: Shred the Turkey

Once your turkey is perfectly cooked, shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all those amazing juices, or transfer it to a board if you prefer. This step transforms the meat into a juicy, flavorful filling that’s easy to pile high on the buns.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice your slider rolls horizontally and lay the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer cheddar cheese slices evenly over the rolls before heaping on the shredded turkey. Drizzle with the reserved cranberry BBQ sauce to keep things extra juicy and flavorful. Top with the other half of the slider rolls, creating little savory sandwiches ready for their final touch.

Step 4: Add the Buttery Topping and Bake

Mix melted butter with smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley to make a savory, aromatic topping. Pour this all over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for a golden, flavorful crust. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the tops are perfectly golden and the cheese inside is irresistibly melty.

How to Serve Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe

A glass baking dish holds twelve soft dinner rolls arranged in a 4 by 3 grid, each roll topped with a bright orange layer of seasoning and melted butter, giving them a shiny and slightly textured surface. The rolls are tightly packed, showing faint grill marks and sprinkled with small black and red spices. Below the rolls, there is a visible layer of shredded cheese and a reddish sauce, giving a glimpse of a layered savory filling beneath them. The dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh contrast to the rich sliders, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. If you like a little zing, a drizzle of tangy BBQ or a smear of spicy mayo can elevate the flavor even more. These little details turn your sliders into party showstoppers.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders with crispy sweet potato fries, a bright coleslaw, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. These sides add crispness and balance the warm, saucy sliders, making the entire meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the baking dish! Arrange your sliders on a wooden serving board garnished with fresh herbs and little bowls of extra cranberry BBQ sauce for dipping. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, wrap each slider in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a charming, grab-and-go presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sliders intact or store the meat and rolls separately to preserve freshness and texture. The sauce keeps everything moist, so don’t skip that step.

Freezing

You can freeze the shredded turkey with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s best to freeze the assembled sliders without the buttery topping to keep the rolls from becoming soggy, then add the topping fresh before baking.

Reheating

Reheat your Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to stay moist. Remove foil for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the buttery topping. This method keeps everything warm and melty without drying out the juicy filling.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully for this Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe. Just warm the meat with the sauce in a pan before assembling your sliders to maintain that deliciously saucy texture.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Go for a smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce to complement the tartness of the cranberry sauce. Avoid overly spicy or vinegar-heavy sauces so the flavors stay balanced and festive.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

While this recipe centers on turkey, you can adapt it using shredded jackfruit or a plant-based meat substitute combined with the cranberry BBQ sauce for a tasty vegetarian twist.

Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the slider rolls for gluten-free buns or mini gluten-free rolls. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to accommodate dietary needs.

How far in advance can I prepare the topping?

You can mix the buttery topping ingredients and keep them refrigerated in a small container for up to a day before baking. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it over the rolls.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe is such a gem to have in your recipe arsenal, especially when you want comfort food that feels both special and effortless. The mix of tangy cranberry, smoky BBQ, and melty cheese packed into soft slider rolls is simply irresistible. Next time you want a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, give this one a try. I promise it will become a favorite fast!

Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders Recipe