Turkey Cranberry Sliders – Quick Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe
Thanksgiving leftovers are a tradition all on their own, and what better way to celebrate the day after than with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders? These small but mighty sandwiches turn your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into something extraordinary. They’re warm, cheesy, buttery, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor in every bite.
These sliders are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd after the big feast or as an easy snack while decorating for the holidays. Ready in under 30 minutes, they require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor. With melted Swiss cheese, a layer of cranberry sauce, and tender turkey nestled inside golden, buttery rolls, this recipe might just make you look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers more than the main event.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes just 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Uses up turkey, cranberry sauce, and even leftover dinner rolls.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Great for parties, game days, or lazy post-holiday lunches.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: The tart cranberry perfectly complements the melted cheese and roasted turkey.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian or brioche work best)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. - Prepare the Rolls:
Slice the entire batch of slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom layer in the baking dish. - Layer the Ingredients:
Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Add a generous layer of turkey slices on top. Place cheese slices over the turkey, making sure they cover the entire surface. - Add the Tops:
Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer. - Make the Butter Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. - Bake the Sliders:
Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce or a side of gravy for dipping.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking dish with parchment or grease lightly.
- Slice rolls in half horizontally and place bottom halves in dish.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over roll bottoms, then layer with turkey and cheese.
- Place roll tops on and set aside.
- Whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and poppy seeds together. Brush over tops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until tops are golden and cheese melted.
- Cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Sliders
- Use Soft Rolls: Hawaiian or brioche rolls stay moist and buttery, ideal for slider recipes.
- Add a Cheese Barrier: The melted cheese helps hold everything together while preventing sogginess from the cranberry sauce.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Try Swiss for mild flavor, or use sharp white cheddar for a tangy kick.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Topping: It creates that signature golden, crisp top and adds tons of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a layer of pickled jalapeños or spread a little chipotle mayo under the turkey for a smoky twist.
Variations
- Turkey Bacon Sliders: Add a strip of cooked bacon to each slider for extra crunch and flavor.
- Brie and Cranberry Sliders: Swap Swiss cheese for creamy brie to create an upscale, melt-in-your-mouth version.
- Stuffing Layer: Spread a thin layer of leftover stuffing between the turkey and cheese for an all-in-one Thanksgiving bite.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute turkey with slices of roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders as:
- A quick next-day Thanksgiving lunch.
- Party appetizers for holiday gatherings.
- Game-day snacks during football season.
- A make-ahead meal for busy weeknights — they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Pair with sides like sweet potato fries, green salad, or leftover cranberry relish.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through and cheese melts again.
Fun Fact: The Origins of Sliders
“Sliders” were originally coined by U.S. Navy sailors who described mini burgers that would “slide down easily.” Today, they’ve evolved beyond beef — becoming a fun, versatile way to repurpose leftovers. This Thanksgiving twist combines the comforting flavors of turkey, cranberry, and buttery rolls in one delicious bite-sized form.
Nutrition (Per Slider)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Cranberry Sliders are proof that leftovers can taste just as amazing — if not better — than the original meal. Between the soft, buttery rolls, the tangy cranberry sauce, and the juicy turkey, every bite feels like Thanksgiving all over again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving an easy meal the next day, these sliders will become your new favorite post-holiday tradition.
