These leftover turkey cranberry sliders turn Thanksgiving extras into a warm, cheesy meal that’s easy to share. Tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and soft rolls make a cozy bite for holiday dinners, casual lunches, or game day.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
They’re quick to assemble, make good use of cooked turkey, and bring sweet, savory, and tangy flavors together in every bite. Baking the rolls as one batch keeps the cheese gooey and the tops buttery, so they’re easy to serve to a group.
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients & Substitutions
- 12 soft dinner rolls, kept connected if possible
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Use sliced turkey breast or dark meat, whichever you have on hand. Whole-berry or smooth cranberry sauce both work well. Cheddar or mozzarella can stand in for Swiss or provolone, and you can leave out the poppy seeds if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
1. Prepare the rolls and pan
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Slice the rolls horizontally as one slab, keeping the tops and bottoms together, then place the bottom half in the dish.
2. Layer the filling
Spread the cranberry sauce over the roll bottoms. Arrange the turkey evenly on top, then add the cheese. Place the roll tops over the filling.
3. Add the buttery topping
Stir the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and garlic powder together. Brush the mixture over the roll tops. Sprinkle with parsley if using.
4. Bake until warm and melty
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 has melted. Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then separate and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Shred or slice the turkey into bite-size pieces so the sliders are easy to eat.
- If the turkey is cold from the refrigerator, spread it in an even layer and allow enough baking time for the center to heat through.
- Keep the foil on for the first part of baking to help warm the filling without browning the tops too quickly.
- Use cranberry sauce sparingly if yours is especially loose, so the rolls don’t become soggy.
Variations of Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Add a handful of baby spinach for a fresh touch, or tuck in thin slices of apple for a crisp, sweet contrast. For a richer flavor, spread a little mayonnaise on the rolls before layering. You can also swap in a favorite cheese, such as sharp cheddar, and adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Serve the sliders with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup for an easy dinner. For a holiday spread, pair them with leftover stuffing, green beans, or a fresh fruit platter. They’re also a handy centerpiece for a relaxed lunch with chips or a crunchy slaw on the side.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot throughout, or warm individual portions in the microwave. For best texture, keep any extra cranberry sauce separate until serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
I love how a tray of these sliders makes the day after Thanksgiving feel like its own little celebration. Everyone can grab one while we gather around the table, and the familiar turkey and cranberry flavors bring back the warmth of the holiday meal without making another full dinner.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. For the best texture, brush on the butter mixture just before they go into the oven.
Can I use fresh or frozen turkey?
Use cooked turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator if frozen. Slice or shred it, then layer it into the rolls. Bake until the filling is hot throughout.
What cranberry sauce works best?
Both whole-berry and smooth cranberry sauce work well. If the sauce is very runny, drain off excess liquid or use a thinner layer to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
How do I keep the tops from getting too brown?
Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking. Remove the foil only for the final few minutes, and check the tops as they turn golden.
Final Thoughts
These turkey cranberry sliders are a simple way to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, shareable meal. Keep the ingredient list flexible, serve them fresh from the oven, and enjoy one more round of those holiday flavors.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish lightly greased
Ingredients
- 12 soft dinner rolls kept connected if possible
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or thinly sliced
- 0.75 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds optional
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Slice the rolls horizontally as one slab, keeping the tops and bottoms together, then place the bottom half in the dish.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the roll bottoms. Arrange the turkey evenly on top, then add the cheese. Place the roll tops over the filling.
- Stir the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and garlic powder together. Brush the mixture over the roll tops. Sprinkle with parsley 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 has melted. Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then separate and serve warm.