Turkey Cranberry Sliders – Quick Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe

Thanksgiving is all about abundance — the turkey, the stuffing, the cranberry sauce — and, of course, the leftovers. Instead of reheating the same plate for days, why not transform your leftovers into something irresistibly delicious and easy?

Enter the Turkey Cranberry Sliders, a quick, melty, and crowd-pleasing recipe that turns yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast into today’s ultimate comfort food. These mini sandwiches combine juicy roast turkey, tart cranberry sauce, gooey melted cheese, and buttery golden rolls for the perfect bite-sized meal. They’re ideal for game day, potlucks, or casual post-holiday dinners.

🧡 Why You’ll Love These Turkey Cranberry Sliders

• Uses Leftovers Creatively: A brilliant way to reinvent leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.
• Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in about 30 minutes — minimal prep, maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Friendly: Easy to make in batches for parties or family lunches.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The tart cranberry pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and melty cheese.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian or brioche style work best)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone, Havarti, or mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy layer)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)

For the Butter Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon poppy or sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Slider Base:
   Slice the entire pack of slider rolls horizontally (keeping them attached). Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
3. Add the Sauces:
   Spread Dijon mustard and mayonnaise (if using) evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
4. Layer the Turkey:
   Arrange sliced or shredded turkey evenly across the rolls.
5. Add Cranberry Sauce:
   Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the turkey for a sweet and tangy contrast.
6. Add Cheese:
   Lay the Swiss cheese slices over the cranberry layer, covering all the rolls.
7. Top It Off:
   Place the top half of the rolls on top.
8. Make the Butter Glaze:
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, brown sugar, and seeds. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
9. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10. Serve:
    Let the sliders cool slightly, then cut into individual sandwiches. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

A delicious way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into sweet and savory sliders with turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on buttery rolls.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 sliders

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Sliders

• 12 slider rolls Hawaiian or brioche
• 2 cups cooked turkey sliced or shredded
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard optional
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional

Butter Glaze

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
• 1 tsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds
• 1 tsp fresh parsley optional garnish

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Brush
• Mixing bowl
• Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice rolls horizontally and place bottom halves in dish.
3. Spread Dijon and mayonnaise (optional) over the rolls.
4. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese evenly.
5. Top with remaining rolls.
6. Mix butter glaze ingredients and brush over rolls.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, uncover, and bake 5–8 more minutes until golden.
8. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use any leftover cranberry sauce or turkey. Add stuffing for extra flavor.

🌟 Tips for Perfect Sliders

• Use soft rolls: Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweet flavor and fluffy texture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them after removing the foil — they can brown quickly.
• Add stuffing: Want an extra Thanksgiving punch? Add a layer of stuffing between the turkey and cranberry sauce.
• Make it melty: If your turkey is cold from the fridge, warm it slightly before assembling to ensure even melting.
• Prep ahead: Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

These sliders are perfect as:

• Game Day Snacks: Serve alongside chips or veggie sticks.
• Casual Lunches: Pair with soup or salad for a cozy meal.
• Holiday Parties: Cut smaller and serve as finger food appetizers.
• Weekend Brunch: Combine with mimosas or spiced cider for a festive touch.

💡 Variations to Try

• Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders: Replace Swiss with creamy Brie for a luxurious flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Turkey Sliders: Swap cranberry sauce for BBQ sauce and top with cheddar.
• Stuffing-Loaded Sliders: Add a thin layer of stuffing for a true Thanksgiving remix.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a bit of sriracha or chipotle mayo into the sauce layer for a bold twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute turkey with roasted vegetables or plant-based turkey slices.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Wrap sliders in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes until the cheese melts again.
• Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake — freeze for up to a month, then bake from frozen for an easy make-ahead meal.

🕰 Make-Ahead Instructions

Hosting family or guests for the weekend?

• Assemble the sliders the night before.
• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate.
• Bake the next day as directed, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

Pair these sliders with:

• Cranberry Mule: A festive take on the Moscow Mule with cranberry juice.
• Apple Cider Sangria: Light, fruity, and seasonal.
• Herbed Potato Soup: Comforting and creamy.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun, colorful side.

🦃 Fun Fact: The Rise of the Slider Craze

“Sliders” were originally small hamburgers served at diners in the 1940s. The term “slider” came from the way the burger slid easily down the throat! Over time, the concept evolved to mean any small sandwich served on soft rolls — perfect for parties and potlucks. Today, leftover-inspired sliders like this one are among the most popular post-holiday dishes shared across America.

💭 Final Thoughts

This Turkey Cranberry Slider recipe is more than just a leftovers hack — it’s a celebration of everything we love about Thanksgiving. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce, buttery rolls, savory turkey, and melted cheese come together for the ultimate comfort food bite.

Serve them for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, and watch them disappear in seconds. Once you try these, you’ll look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers just as much as the main event!