I love how simple Cranberry Turkey Sliders turn Thanksgiving leftovers into something fresh and fun. These small sandwiches balance savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing bite. I’ve tested this version several times with store-bought Hawaiian rolls and leftover roast turkey, and it always disappears fast.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast and convenient: assembly takes about 10–15 minutes and a short bake warms everything through.
- Great flavor contrast: sweet-tart cranberry pairs with savory turkey and melted cheese for an easy flavor win.
- Crowd-friendly: sliders serve well at parties, casual dinners, or as game-day snacks.
- Uses leftovers: a tasty, low-waste way to transform leftover turkey into an exciting meal.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because brushing the buttery Dijon glaze on the rolls creates a golden, savory top that makes simple ingredients feel special.
(For another take on sliders and presentation ideas, check this recipe.)
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes (plus 2–3 minutes broil if you like extra browning)
- Total time: ~25–30 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 sliders (one standard 12-count Hawaiian roll pack)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking method: Assembly and quick bake in oven (9×13-inch pan), optional broil finish for crisp tops.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe with leftover roasted turkey and with thin deli turkey to find the best texture. I discovered that a thin layer of cranberry sauce and a quick bake at 350°F keeps the rolls from getting soggy while melting the cheese perfectly.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Start by slicing a 12-count pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally; keep the rolls attached to each other for easier handling. Layer 1 lb thinly sliced turkey and 6–8 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese, then spread about 3/4 cup cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom half. Mix 4 tablespoons melted butter with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion; brush on the top half of the rolls. Bake uncovered at 350°F in a 9×13-inch pan for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted. Finish under the broiler 1–2 minutes if you want a golden top.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature leftovers or slice refrigerated turkey thinly; cold thick slices slow melting and can make the bake uneven.
- Brush the top rolls generously with the butter-Dijon mixture to promote even browning and add flavor—use a silicone pastry brush for control.
- Bake in a 9×13 baking dish covered loosely with foil for the first 8 minutes if your oven runs hot, then uncover to finish.
- For evenly melted cheese, choose slices that overlap slightly but don’t over-stuff; too much filling makes the sliders hard to heat through.
- If you want a crispier top, move the pan to the top rack and broil 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Serve warm from the oven on a platter with toothpicks for easy party pickup.
- Offer sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple mixed green salad to round out the meal.
- For a brunch spread, pair with deviled eggs and a light fruit salad; the sweet cranberry complements brunch flavors.
- To dress them up, add a smear of herb mayo or a thin layer of herbed cream cheese under the turkey for extra richness.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerator: Store cooled, assembled sliders in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for 3–4 days.
- Freezing (assembled, unbaked): Assemble in the baking dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating (from refrigerated): Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes covered with foil, uncovered for last 2 minutes to refresh the top.
- Reheating (individual/quick): Microwave a single slider 30–45 seconds with a damp paper towel to keep rolls moist, then briefly toast in a toaster oven for texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free slider buns or small gluten-free rolls and check that Worcestershire sauce is GF if you include it.
- Dairy-free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free melting slice; swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter in the glaze.
- Vegetarian: Replace turkey with roasted portobello slices, tempeh, or seasoned seitan and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- Flavor twist: Swap Hawaiian rolls for everything bagel-style slider buns and add thin apple slices or arugula for a peppery bite.
Nutritional Highlights
- Lean protein: Turkey provides a good source of lean protein, which helps keep you full.
- Watch added sugar: Commercial cranberry sauce can be high in sugar—use homemade or low-sugar preserves to reduce added sugars.
- Allergens: Contains wheat (rolls) and dairy if cheese/butter used; adapt as noted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Consider portioning to 1–2 sliders per person depending on accompaniments.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy rolls: Avoid over-applying cranberry sauce; spread a thin layer and keep baking time to 10–12 minutes at 350°F to evaporate excess moisture.
- Cheese not melting: Use thinly sliced cheese and let the assembled sliders sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking, or tent loosely with foil during the first part of baking.
- Top browns too fast: Move the pan to a lower rack or tent with foil for the first 8 minutes, then remove foil to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes—assemble the sliders and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before baking and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes. This preserves texture and keeps the rolls from becoming overly soggy.
Q: What cheeses melt best for these sliders?
A: Swiss, provolone, cheddar, and Monterey Jack all melt well. Swiss gives a classic slightly nutty flavor while cheddar adds sharper taste. Use thin slices for even melting.
Q: Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover roast turkey?
A: Absolutely—thin-sliced deli turkey works great and speeds prep. If using thicker roast slices, shave them thinner or warm slightly so fillings heat evenly in the short bake.
Q: How do I keep the sliders from falling apart when serving?
A: Keep the bottom and top halves attached while cutting and use a serrated knife to slice the entire block into individual sliders. Toothpicks help secure layers for party service.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration and variations, check these helpful recipes and ideas: Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe, Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating, Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls – Healthy Little …, Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Recipe, and Cheesy Everything Bagel Turkey-Cranberry Sliders | Caroline ….
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into these delicious cranberry turkey sliders, featuring savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb thinly sliced turkey
- 6–8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally while keeping them attached.
- Layer turkey and cheese on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly across the turkey and cheese.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and minced onion.
- Brush the mixture generously on the top half of the rolls.
- Place the assembled sliders in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until warmed through and cheese is melted.
- If desired, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
Notes
For the best results, use room-temperature leftovers and ensure the cheese is thinly sliced for even melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg