Can I use pre-cooked turkey for these sliders?

Absolutely! You can use leftover roasted turkey or even deli turkey slices. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What's a good substitute for turkey in this recipe?

For a vegetarian option, try using grilled halloumi cheese or thick slices of roasted butternut squash instead of turkey.

Can I make the cranberry brie topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry brie topping ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and warm it up before assembling the sliders.

How do I store leftover turkey sliders?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Can I substitute arugula with another leafy green?

Absolutely! Swap the arugula with spinach or kale for a different flavor profile and added nutrients. You could also use mixed greens.

Sliders

Name: Tailgate Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Brie and Arugula
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Game-Day
Ingredients: 6 Slider Buns; 1 lb Cooked Turkey Slices; 8 oz Brie Cheese (rind removed, cubed); 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce; 2 cups Arugula; 1/2 cup Shallots (finely chopped); 2 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; To taste Salt and Pepper

tailgate turkey sliders with cranberry brie and arugula

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

19 Aug 2025

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I have a confession: I'm not the biggest football fan. But tailgating? Now that's an activity I can get behind! The camaraderie, the energy, and, most importantly, the food! But let's be honest, how many more burgers and hot dogs can one person eat? So, I decided to shake things up a bit. These Tailgate Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Brie and Arugula are my answer to boring tailgate fare. They're savory, sweet, tangy, and just a little bit fancy – perfect for impressing your friends (even if you don't know the difference between a touchdown and a field goal). It's a Thanksgiving twist on game day grub.

Think about it: warm, toasted slider buns, piled high with juicy turkey, smothered in creamy, melted brie, and topped with the sweet-tartness of cranberry sauce. Then, a burst of peppery arugula to cut through the richness. Honestly, just writing about it makes my mouth water. It's a flavor explosion that will have everyone cheering... even if their team is losing. And let me tell you something else; I was at one of my friend's houses last fall when she served this, and my taste buds went bonkers. I asked for the recipe right then, and I got it. Of course, I made some adjustments to my own taste.

Required Equipments

Baking Sheet
Mixing Bowls
Skillet
Spatula
Slider Buns

Tailgate Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Brie and Arugula: Frequently Asked Questions

Tailgate Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Brie and Arugula

These Tailgate Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Brie and Arugula are the perfect elevated game-day snack. Juicy turkey, creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and peppery arugula combine for a flavor explosion in every bite!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps melt the brie evenly and warm the turkey.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. A good skillet ensures the butter doesn’t burn and spreads evenly.
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped shallots to the melted butter. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning; nobody wants burnt shallots!
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of brie cheese (rind removed and cubed) with the sautéed shallots. Ensure the shallots are slightly cooled before mixing, so they don't melt the brie immediately.
Add 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce to the brie mixture. Gently fold it in until well combined. This might seem a little clumpy, but don't worry, it will melt beautifully in the oven. (I like using Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce).
Spread the cranberry brie mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns. This creates a delicious, gooey base for the turkey.
Top the brie-covered buns with 1 pound of sliced cooked turkey. Make sure the turkey is evenly distributed across all the sliders.
Place the slider buns (bottom halves with turkey and brie) on a baking sheet. Arrange them neatly to ensure even heating.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly and the turkey is warmed through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The brie should be perfectly melted but not overly browned.
While the sliders are baking, prepare the arugula. Lightly toss 2 cups of arugula with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Tossing the arugula ensures it doesn’t get soggy.
Remove the sliders from the oven. Place a generous handful of the seasoned arugula on top of the turkey.
Cover with the top halves of the slider buns. Press down gently to secure.
Serve immediately and enjoy these tailgate turkey sliders warm! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated if needed.
Optional: For an extra touch, brush the tops of the slider buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking. This adds a lovely golden color and a nutty flavor. My grandma's secret touch? A dash of garlic powder to the melted butter!