These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a fun way to use up any leftover turkey meat you may have from the holidays. The layers of turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese are one of my favorite post-holiday meals.
Sliders are a favorite for parties and football tailgating two favorites are my: Shredded Pork Sliders and my Buffalo Chicken Sliders in Crock Pot.
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Why this Turkey Cranberry Slider Recipe is a Keeper
Turkey cranberry sliders are a keeper because they transform simple leftovers into something irresistibly fresh and festive. The tender turkey pairs perfectly with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all tucked into soft slider rolls that make them ideal for parties, game days, or quick family dinners.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A delicious way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet rolls, melty cheese, and buttery topping make these irresistible for parties or casual dinners.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, short bake time, and no fancy techniques. Just flavor.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, tangy on a hawaiian roll and creamy all in one bite.
What Kind of Cranberry Sauce Works Best Jellied or Whole Berry?
The choice really depends on the vibe you want: whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and freshness, jellied for smoothness and nostalgia. Some cooks even mix the two for the best of both worlds.
Pro Tip: Assemble the Sliders
Assemble Ahead of Time: Assemble sliders up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate.
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Ingredient Notes for Cranberry Turkey Sliders
This recipe uses a few simple ingredients. If you don’t already have them, you can grab them in one quick trip to the store.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Slider Rolls: I like to use Hawaiian sweet rolls to make these sliders.
- Turkey: This is a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. My family likes turkey breast meat best.
- Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Use leftover cranberry sauce. This works with both leftover homemade cranberry sauce or you and also use canned cranberry sauce.
Variations for Delicious Turkey Slider Recipe
This recipe is so easy to change up. I like to experiment with ingredients to make different varieties, depending on what leftovers I have.
- Protein: Use ham, chicken, or roast beef instead of turkey. Try shredded turkey for a more rustic texture, or deli turkey if you don’t have any sliced turkey leftovers.
- Cheese: Swap Monterrey Jack for Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, cheddar, Havarti cheese or brie.
- Sauce: Instead of homemade cranberry sauce, try fig jam, apple butter, or pepper jelly for a twist.
- Topping: Replace the everything bagel seasoning with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or dried herbs. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Butter Mix: To add some more flavor to the outer glaze, add some Worcestershire sauce.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
This recipe comes together in 4 easy to follow steps. These leftover sliders are so good, it’s a go-to after the holidays. Use hawaiian rolls and add the turkey and you are ready,
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep Dinner Rolls: Slice the sweet Hawaiian rolls in half so that you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the halves on a baking sheet so that the top cut-side is down and the bottom cut-side is up.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the Dijon mustard, melted butter and everything bagel seasoning together. Brush it over the top of the buns.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread mayo over the bottom halves of the rolls. Layer the turkey and cheese on top of the mayo. Then, spread the cranberry sauce over the cheese, followed by the tops of the rolls.
- Bake the Sliders: Brush the rest of the butter mixture over the sliders and bake in a preheated oven. Then broil for 1 minute to make them golden brown
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Preparing steps in a recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go to be able to make it and enjoy it whenever.
- Butter Sauce: Mix butter topping in advance and store covered at room temp.
- Slice Rolls: Slice rolls and prep fillings earlier in the day to streamline assembly.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
Take this recipe one step further and prepare is recipe in the air fryer, toaster oven or on the stove.
- Air Fryer: Bake in batches at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Great for small portions. Watch closely during broil.
- Griddle Press: Cook covered on low heat until warmed through and lightly crisped.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
- Storing: Store leftover roasted turkey sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual sliders for 30 seconds.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: Slice and serve cold as mini sandwich bites. Chop and toss into a stuffing-style casserole or grain bowl.
Common Questions About This Turkey Sandwich Recipe
The best way to keep rolls from getting soggy is to bake them for a couple minutes first. This toasts them so that they don’t suck up too much moisture.
Absolutely! This is another great chance to use leftovers, so use what you have or whatever sounds good.
Expert Tips for Making Cranberry Turkey Sliders
I have made these turkey sliders so many different ways here are some tips for making this turkey recipe.
- Broil: Don’t skip the broil, it adds golden color and crisp texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients for even melting and better assembly.
- Press: Press gently before baking to help layers stick and slice cleanly.
- Parchment Paper: Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Sourdough Stuffing or Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies.
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Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Equipment
- Serrated bread knife
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Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, 1 12-count package
- ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
- 8 ounces Sliced turkey
- 8 ounces Sliced Monterrey Jack cheese
- ½ cup Cranberry sauce
Topping
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Slice the slider rolls in half, lengthwise. Arrange both halves of the Hawaiian slider rolls on a large baking pan. The bottom half should be cut side up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard and bagel seasoning. Brush the mixture evenly over the top half of the rolls.
- Spread Mayonnaise evenly across the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer the turkey and cheese on top of the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the cheese.
- Top with the top half of the rolls. Evenly brush the butter mixture all over the top of the sliders.
- Bake in the oven for about 7 minutes. Then, turn the oven to broil and broil for 1 minute longer.
- Slice and serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Don’t Forget to Broil: It adds golden color and crisp texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This makes for even melting and better assembly.
- Press: Gently press the sliders together before baking to help layers stick and slice cleanly.
- Easy Clean Up: Line your pan with parchment paper.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.