Introduction

These Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Turkey Sliders are a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Slow-cooked turkey is shredded and smothered in a unique BBQ cranberry sauce, then baked with melted cheese on soft slider rolls. They make a delicious and easy meal for gatherings or family dinners.

The image shows a close-up of four barbecue chicken sliders stacked in a white tray on a white marbled surface. Each slider has two soft, golden brown buns with a slightly shiny and textured top sprinkled with green herbs. Inside, layers of shredded chicken coated in a glossy, rich dark reddish-brown barbecue sauce are visible, with one slider lifted to reveal the moist chicken and sauce inside. The buns have an airy texture, and small bits of parsley garnish add a fresh touch. In the background, there are two stacked green glasses, slightly out of focus, enhancing the vibrant colors of the sliders. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2-3 pound boneless turkey breast
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
12 slider rolls
6 slices cheddar cheese
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Add the turkey breast straight into your slow cooker.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Scoop out about ½ cup of the sauce and set it aside for later.
Step 4: Pour the remaining sauce over the turkey. Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, until the turkey is fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Once cooked, shred the turkey directly in the slow cooker or transfer it to a cutting board to shred with two forks.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Step 8: Lay down the slices of cheddar cheese onto the bottom halves, then pile on the shredded turkey evenly.
Step 9: Drizzle the reserved sauce over the turkey, then place the top halves of the rolls on.
Step 10: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley.
Step 11: Pour the butter mixture all over the tops of the rolls, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 12: Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted nicely.
Step 13: Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful sliders as a satisfying meal or appetizer.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use Hawaiian slider rolls for a slightly sweet and soft texture.
Prepare the turkey a day ahead to let the flavors meld and save time on serving day.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.

How to Serve

A tray filled with six small sandwiches stacked closely together is shown. Each sandwich has a soft, golden brown top bun with herbs sprinkled on top, giving a slightly crispy texture. Inside, there are layers of tender, shredded chicken coated in a rich, dark reddish-brown sauce that looks sticky and moist. The bottom bun is slightly soaked by the sauce, which causes it to look soft and juicy. The tray is placed on a red and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface, with some green glasses and blurred kitchen items in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of turkey?

Yes, you can use turkey thighs or even a whole turkey breast, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure the meat becomes tender enough to shred easily.

Is it necessary to set aside some sauce before cooking?

Yes, reserving part of the sauce allows you to drizzle it over the shredded turkey in the sliders, enhancing flavor and moisture right before baking.