These leftover turkey cranberry sliders turn Thanksgiving extras into warm, cheesy sandwiches with very little effort. I love serving them as an easy dinner the day after the holiday, or as a shareable snack when friends are still gathered around the table.
Why You’ll Love These Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Soft rolls, savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melted cheese make every bite satisfying. The sliders are quick to assemble, easy to customize, and a practical way to enjoy holiday leftovers. They also fit right in with simple Thanksgiving dinner ideas when you want a cozy meal without starting from scratch.
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients & Substitutions
- 12 soft dinner rolls, kept connected if they come in a sheet
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan, optional
Use sliced cheddar or mozzarella in place of Swiss or provolone. If your cranberry sauce is especially firm, stir it briefly before spreading. A little extra turkey gravy can be served on the side for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
1. Prepare the oven and rolls
Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the rolls. Slice the connected rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact, then place the bottom half in the dish.
2. Add the fillings
Spread the cranberry sauce over the bottom rolls. Arrange the turkey evenly on top, then layer on the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
3. Brush with seasoned butter
Stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
4. Bake until warm and golden
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted. Rest for a few minutes, then separate the sliders and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Warm the turkey briefly before assembling if it is cold from the refrigerator. This helps the filling heat evenly.
- Spread cranberry sauce in a thin, even layer so the rolls stay easy to pick up.
- Keep the foil on for the first part of baking to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking. The cheese will settle, making them easier to serve.
Variations of Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Add a handful of baby spinach or a few thin slices of red onion for freshness and crunch. For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar or add a little Dijon directly to the cranberry sauce. You can also swap the turkey for leftover roast chicken, or use a mix of white and dark turkey meat.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Serve the sliders with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of warm soup for an easy meal. They are also delicious alongside sweet potato fries, a simple slaw, or extra cranberry sauce for dipping. For a casual gathering, cut each slider in half and arrange them on a platter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. For a single slider, use the microwave in short intervals, though the roll will be softer than when reheated in the oven. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, since the cranberry sauce can gradually soften the bread.
Memories Made Around the Table
I often make these when the holiday table has been cleared but there is still plenty of turkey waiting in the fridge. The smell of buttery rolls warming in the oven brings everyone back to the kitchen, and I like setting out a few extra toppings so each person can make a slider their own. It is a relaxed, delicious way to stretch the celebration one more day.
FAQs
Can I make leftover turkey cranberry sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with the seasoned butter just before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time if the dish is cold.
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely. Cook turkey breast or thighs until fully cooked, then shred or slice the meat before assembling the sliders.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
Both whole-berry and smooth cranberry sauce work well. Whole-berry sauce adds texture, while smooth sauce spreads easily across the rolls.
How do I keep the bottom rolls from getting soggy?
Use a moderate layer of cranberry sauce, avoid overfilling the sliders, and serve them soon after baking. You can also lightly toast the cut sides of the rolls before adding the fillings.
Final Thoughts
These leftover turkey cranberry sliders are an easy, comforting way to give holiday extras a fresh start. Keep the ingredients simple, bake until the cheese is melty, and bring the warm tray straight to the table.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 12 soft dinner rolls kept connected if they come in a sheet
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan finely grated; optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the rolls. Slice the connected rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact, then place the bottom half in the dish.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the bottom rolls. Arrange the turkey evenly on top, then layer on the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted. Rest for a few minutes, then separate the sliders and serve warm.