Pin It Sweet, spicy, and creamy cranberry jalapeño dip is sandwiched between mini waffles and savory turkey for a festive and irresistible slider. These little bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or party appetizers and pack layers of flavor in every bite.
The first time I made these cranberry jalapeño dip waffle sliders was for a family holiday party, and everyone raved about the fun combination of sweet and spicy dip with warm, buttery waffles. They disappeared within minutes and quickly became one of my go-to recipes for sharing during festive occasions.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup, chopped
- Jalapeño: 1 medium, seeds removed, finely diced
- Green onions: ¼ cup, finely sliced
- Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Sour cream: ½ cup
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Mini waffles: 24, frozen or homemade
- Deli turkey: 12 slices (or cooked turkey breast)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, melted
Instructions
- Make the cranberry jalapeño mixture:
- In a food processor, pulse cranberries, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, and sugar until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the creamy dip:
- Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and salt until smooth and fluffy in a separate bowl. Gently fold the cranberry jalapeño mixture into the cream cheese blend. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Toast the waffles:
- Toast mini waffles according to package or recipe instructions. Brush lightly with melted butter while warm.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry jalapeño dip onto half the mini waffles. Top each with a slice of turkey, then cover with the remaining waffles to form sliders.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or secure with toothpicks for easy handling.
Pin It These sliders have become a family favorite, especially when served as a holiday breakfast or fun appetizer at Thanksgiving. Everyone loves how creative yet simple they are to make, and they bring people together for a bite and a laugh.
Required Tools
You will need a food processor (or sharp knife), mixing bowls, toaster or waffle iron, spatula, and a pastry brush if you want to brush the waffles with butter.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese, sour cream, butter) and wheat (waffles). May contain eggs depending on the waffle brand or recipe. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each slider contains about 185 calories, 9 g total fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Pin It Serve these festive sliders on a beautiful platter for instant holiday cheer. They make every gathering feel extra special and are sure to be the first thing gone at your next party.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the cranberry jalapeño filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Assemble sliders just before serving for freshness.
- → What’s a good vegetarian substitute for turkey?
Roasted butternut squash slices or thick-cut roasted vegetables make a great substitute for turkey.
- → Can I use homemade waffles instead of frozen?
Absolutely, homemade mini waffles provide extra flavor and texture. Ensure they are cool enough to handle when assembling.
- → Is it possible to add cheese to these sliders?
Add a slice of brie or sharp cheddar for more richness and a layered taste in every bite.
- → Are these sliders best served hot or cold?
Serving them warm keeps the waffles crisp and the filling creamy, but they’re delicious at room temperature as well.
- → What drinks pair well with these sliders?
A crisp Riesling or sparkling water with lime complements the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.