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Cozy Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders – Best Holiday Appetizer

Turkey cranberry brie sliders - featured image

These turkey cranberry brie sliders are the ultimate holiday appetizer—crispy buttery buns, gooey melted brie, tender turkey, and a pop of tart cranberry sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas parties, or any winter gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (King’s Hawaiian rolls preferred)
  • 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and sliced into thin pieces
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned jellied)
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (for finishing)
  • Fresh arugula or spinach (optional)
  • Caramelized onions (optional)
  • Apple slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients. Take the brie out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you start. Remove the rind and cut the cheese into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Shred or slice your turkey into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the butter spread. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, Dijon mustard (if using), chopped rosemary, and garlic powder until well combined.
  3. Slice the buns. If using connected rolls, slice through the entire sheet horizontally. If using individual buns, slice each in half. Spread the butter mixture on the cut sides of all the buns (both top and bottom).
  4. Heat your pan. Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until hot.
  5. Toast the bottom buns. Place the bottom halves of the buns (butter-side down) in the hot skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate or baking sheet, toasted side up.
  6. Toast the top buns. Repeat with the top halves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Set aside with the bottoms.
  7. Warm the turkey. In the same skillet, add the shredded turkey. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a tiny splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter if the pan seems dry.
  8. Assemble the sliders. On each toasted bottom bun, layer a slice of brie, a generous spoonful of warm turkey, and about a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Add optional arugula or apple slices if desired. Top with the toasted top bun.
  9. Optional final toast. Place assembled sliders back in the skillet and cover with a lid for about 30 seconds to fully melt the cheese. Alternatively, place on a baking sheet under the broiler for 30 seconds.
  10. Serve immediately. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve with extra cranberry sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

For best results, let brie come to room temperature before slicing. Toast buns separately to avoid sogginess. Serve immediately for crispiest texture. To keep warm, place cooked sliders on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 15-20 minutes. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cranberry brie sliders, holiday appetizer, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy sliders, party food, Christmas appetizer