These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders turn yesterday’s feast into an easy, crave-worthy lunch or game-day snack. Soft rolls, savory turkey, melty cheese, and bright cranberry sauce make them a comfort-food win I keep coming back to. If you want quick inspiration for leftover turkey, check this handy slider idea I used during testing: leftover slider inspiration.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast to assemble — ready in about 25–30 minutes, great for busy post-holiday days.
- Balanced flavors — salty, sweet, and tangy layers that satisfy most palates.
- Uses leftovers smartly to reduce food waste and stretch your holiday budget.
- Kid-friendly and transportable, perfect for potlucks or packed lunches.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because the warm, slightly toasted rolls bring the cranberry sauce to life and make the turkey feel fresh again. See another variation I liked while testing: more slider ideas.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 12–15 minutes (oven) or 6–8 minutes (stovetop).
Total time: 25 minutes.
Servings: 8 sliders.
Difficulty: Easy.
Method: Assembly plus short bake under foil to melt cheese and warm through — a simple pan-bake or sheet-pan method.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested these sliders using both Hawaiian sweet rolls and classic dinner rolls; the sweet rolls gave the best balance with cranberry. The main challenge was avoiding soggy bottoms — brushing rolls with melted butter and toasting briefly fixed that every time.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
You’ll layer sliced rolls with a thin smear of mayo or mustard, turkey, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a slice of provolone or Swiss. Brush the tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of poppy seeds or thyme, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts. For a stovetop method, assemble and cover in a large skillet over low heat for 6–8 minutes.
Expert Tips for Success
- Toast the cut sides of the rolls in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before assembling to reduce sogginess.
- Keep turkey slices thin and even to warm quickly; if cold, briefly toss in a skillet with 1 tsp olive oil to reheat evenly.
- Use a low-moisture cheese like provolone or Swiss to avoid watery sliders; shred if necessary for faster melting.
- Brush the outside of the rolls with melted butter (about 2 tbsp for 8 sliders) so they turn golden — an egg wash makes a richer shine. Also try this savory pairing idea: cranberry and stuffing twist.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a 9×13 baking dish for even heating and easy cleanup.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Serve warm as a main with a crisp green salad and roasted root vegetables for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Cut into individual sliders for party platters alongside pickles and chips.
- Offer dips: warm gravy for dipping and extra cranberry sauce on the side.
- For a brunch twist, pair with scrambled eggs and a light fruit salad — try pairing ideas here: side dish suggestions.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store assembled but unbaked sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; bake right from chilled, adding 3–4 minutes to the baking time. Cooked sliders keep well refrigerated for 3 days; freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated sliders in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes covered with foil, then uncover for 2 minutes to re-crisp the tops. For frozen sliders, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free slider buns or roll halves and check condiments for hidden gluten.
- Dairy-free: swap cheese for dairy-free slices and use olive oil or vegan butter on the tops.
- Add stuffing: spread a thin layer of warmed stuffing on the roll base for a classic holiday mashup.
- Spicy-sweet: stir a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo into the mayo for a smoky kick.
Nutritional Highlights
These sliders offer a good source of lean protein from turkey and a hit of vitamin C from cranberry sauce if made from real cranberries. Be mindful of sodium in deli turkey and packaged rolls — choose low-sodium turkey and whole-grain rolls to boost fiber. Allergy note: contains gluten and dairy unless adapted; modify as noted for common allergies. Portion guidance: one to two sliders per person is a reasonable serving as part of a meal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy bottoms: pre-toast cut sides and avoid over-saucing; use a thin smear of cranberry to control moisture.
- Cheese not melting: cover tightly with foil during baking or reduce oven to 325°F and allow an extra 3–5 minutes for gentle melting.
- Rolls too dry: brush cut sides with a little melted butter or a light slather of mayo to add moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use shredded turkey instead of sliced?
A: Yes — shredded turkey warms faster and distributes more evenly. Toss shredded meat with a tablespoon of warm gravy or pan juices to keep it moist before assembling.
Q: Can these be made ahead for a party?
A: Assemble them on the baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving; add 3–4 minutes if baking straight from cold.
Q: What’s the best cheese for melting without overpowering cranberry?
A: Provolone or Swiss are mild, melt well, and complement cranberry sweetness. Avoid strong blues unless you want a bold flavor contrast.
Q: How do I keep sliders from falling apart when serving?
A: Use a serrated knife to cut in straight motions if slicing a tray, or secure each slider with a toothpick. Let them rest 2 minutes after baking so fillings settle.
Conclusion
For a tested, crowd-pleasing take on leftovers, this approach to Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders never fails to impress. If you want to compare another home-cook’s version for extra ideas, see this Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe.
Print
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free options available
Description
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into these quick and delicious turkey cranberry sliders, perfect for lunches or game day.
Ingredients
- 8 Hawaiian sweet rolls or classic dinner rolls
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or mustard
- 2 cups sliced turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the rolls in half and layer the bottom halves with mayo or mustard, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
- Brush the top halves with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds or thyme if desired.
- Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts.
- For stovetop, assemble in a skillet and cover, cooking over low heat for 6–8 minutes.
Notes
For a crispier texture, toast the cut sides of the rolls before assembling. You can also use low-sodium turkey and whole-grain rolls for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg