These Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders turn Thanksgiving extras into a cozy meal with juicy turkey, tart cranberry, melted cheese, and buttery rolls. I love serving them warm for an easy dinner, a game-day snack, or a relaxed gathering the day after the holiday.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Cranberry Sliders
They make leftover turkey feel like a fresh, special meal without much effort. The soft rolls soak up a savory butter topping, while cranberry sauce and melty cheese bring a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Assemble the sliders in one pan, bake them together, and bring the warm dish straight to the table.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients & Substitutions
- 12 slider rolls, kept attached if they come in a sheet
- 2 cups cooked turkey, thinly sliced or shredded
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, optional
Use any cooked turkey you have, sliced or pulled into bite-size pieces. Swiss and provolone both melt nicely, but mozzarella or mild cheddar also work. If you prefer a less tangy sandwich, use yellow mustard or leave out the mustard. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture, while jellied sauce spreads smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
1. Prepare the rolls
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Slice the rolls horizontally as one sheet, keeping the tops and bottoms together, then place the bottom half in the dish.
2. Add the fillings
Spread the Dijon mustard over the bottom rolls. Layer on the turkey, followed by the cheese. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese, then place the tops of the rolls back on.
3. Brush with seasoned butter
Stir the melted butter and garlic powder together. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
4. Bake until warm and golden
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then separate and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Keep the rolls connected while slicing so the sliders are easy to assemble and bake evenly.
- Pat very moist turkey dry before layering to help prevent soggy rolls.
- Spread cranberry sauce in an even layer so every slider gets a little in each bite.
- Cover the pan for the first part of baking to warm the filling without browning the tops too quickly.
- Let the sliders rest briefly before cutting so the filling stays in place.
Variations of Turkey Cranberry Sliders
For a little extra savory flavor, add thinly sliced red onion or a handful of baby spinach beneath the turkey. Try sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor, or use mozzarella for a mild, stretchy filling. You can also swap the Dijon for a thin layer of mayonnaise, or add a pinch of dried rosemary to the butter for a holiday-inspired aroma.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Turkey Cranberry Sliders
For a complete Thanksgiving dinner, pair the sliders with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a bowl of warm soup. They are also easy to serve with sweet potato fries, a simple slaw, or leftover stuffing. Set out extra cranberry sauce on the side for anyone who wants an extra spoonful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. For one or two sliders, use the microwave in short intervals, though the rolls will be softer. If making ahead, assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered, then brush with butter just before baking.
Memories Made Around the Table
I always enjoy finding a second life for Thanksgiving leftovers. These sliders bring the familiar flavors of the holiday to the table in a fun, casual way, and they are easy to pass around while everyone catches up. I like to set out a platter while the rolls are still warm, along with a little extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
FAQs
Can I make turkey cranberry sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for several hours. Brush the tops with the butter mixture just before baking. If they are cold from the refrigerator, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover turkey?
Yes, sliced deli turkey works well. Layer it evenly over the rolls and use enough to make a generous filling without packing it too tightly.
How do I keep the slider bottoms from getting soggy?
Use turkey that is not overly wet, and avoid adding too much cranberry sauce. A moderate layer of mustard and cheese also helps keep the rolls from soaking up excess moisture.
Can I freeze these sliders?
For the best texture, enjoy them fresh or refrigerate leftovers. You can freeze baked sliders in an airtight container, but the rolls may soften after thawing. Reheat them covered in the oven until hot.
Final Thoughts
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a simple, comforting way to make the most of Thanksgiving dinner. With tender turkey, bright cranberry, gooey cheese, and golden rolls, they are just as welcome at a casual family meal as they are on a holiday leftovers platter.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Equipment
- 1 9-by-13-inch baking dish
- 1 Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls kept attached if they come in a sheet
- 2 cups cooked turkey thinly sliced or shredded
- 3 /4 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 /2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Slice the rolls horizontally as one sheet, keeping the tops and bottoms together, then place the bottom half in the dish.
- Spread the Dijon mustard over the bottom rolls. Layer on the turkey, followed by the cheese. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese, then place the tops of the rolls back on.
- Stir the melted butter and garlic powder together. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then separate and serve warm.