Introduction

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious way to transform your holiday turkey into a flavorful, easy-to-make snack or meal. Combining tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on soft slider rolls, they are perfect for a cozy gathering or quick lunch.

A round white plate holds ten small sandwiches arranged close together, each made with a shiny golden-brown bun topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a sprinkle of green parsley. Inside each sandwich, shredded pale turkey meat layered with melted white cheese partially covers small red cranberry bits, creating a mix of textures and colors. The buns are split horizontally, showing the filling clearly, and the parsley garnish adds a fresh touch on top. The plate rests on a white marble textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together. Spread this mixture over the cut sides of the bottom rolls.
Step 4: Evenly distribute the cooked turkey over the prepared rolls, then spoon cranberry sauce evenly on top of the turkey layer.
Step 5: Layer the halved cheese slices over the turkey and cranberry sauce. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese to form sliders.
Step 6: In another small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders, then serve them warm.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover turkey breast for a leaner option or add cooked stuffing inside the sliders for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute cranberry sauce with chutney or a fruit jam like apricot for a different twist.
For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mayo-mustard spread.
Brush tops with melted butter mixed with sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds for a nutty flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individually in a microwave or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the bread soft and cheese melty. Avoid storing assembled sliders for longer than 24 hours to preserve freshness.

How to Serve

Four small sandwiches are shown on a white plate against a white marbled background. Each sandwich has three layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light golden brown bread roll with a slightly toasted edge; the middle layer consists of shredded turkey mixed with dark red cranberry sauce that drips slightly off the edges; on top of the turkey and cranberry sauce is a melted slice of creamy white cheese. The top layer is a shiny, golden brown bread roll sprinkled with coarse salt, black pepper, and small green herb pieces. The image is close up, showing texture and fresh details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders in the baking dish and cover them, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What cheese works best for these sliders?

Swiss or provolone cheese melts well and pairs nicely with turkey and cranberry sauce, but you can also try mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.