Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

Introduction

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing meal. Combining tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on soft slider buns, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or casual gathering.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try using cranberry chutney or a spicy cranberry relish instead of whole berry cranberry sauce.
• Swap Swiss or provolone with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
• Add thin slices of leftover stuffing or sautéed mushrooms between the turkey and cheese for more texture.
• Brush tops with melted butter mixture generously to achieve beautifully golden and flavorful buns.
• If you don’t have poppy seeds or parsley, simply omit them without affecting the overall taste much.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through.

Can I use other meats besides turkey?

Absolutely! These sliders work well with leftover chicken, ham, or even roast beef. Adjust the toppings to complement the meat choice.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to repurpose leftover turkey into a flavorful party snack or quick meal. Featuring layers of tender turkey, savory cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a buttery seasoned topping on soft slider buns, these sliders combine classic holiday flavors in a fun, handheld format. The sliders are baked until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or casual snacking.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sliders

• 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

Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Topping

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
2. Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally, keeping each set of rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bottom rolls to add flavor and moisture.
4. Add Turkey and Cranberry: Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the coated bottom rolls. Spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
5. Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers. Then place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese, enclosing the fillings.
6. Prepare and Apply Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds (if using), and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Brush this savory butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls for a flavorful, golden crust.
7. Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
8. Finish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool briefly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut between the rolls to separate the individual sliders. Serve warm as a satisfying snack or meal.

Notes

• Leftover turkey can be shredded or thinly sliced depending on your preference.
• Swiss cheese can be substituted with provolone or any mild melting cheese.
• Poppy seeds and parsley in the topping are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture and flavor; smooth cranberry sauce can be used if preferred.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter topping.
• The sliders can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated covered, and baked just before serving.

Keywords: Thanksgiving leftover recipe, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce sliders, holiday snack, easy party food, baked sliders, leftover turkey recipe