Cranberry Turkey Sliders is exactly what your leftover turkey has been waiting for.
These little sandwiches pack sweet cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and tender turkey between soft Hawaiian rolls, then bake until the tops turn golden and sticky.
I first made a batch of these the weekend after Thanksgiving, when my fridge was stuffed with turkey and nobody wanted another plate of the same old dinner.
One tray of these sliders disappeared before I even finished making the second batch.
This recipe turns basic turkey and cranberry sauce into a genuine party favorite.
It works just as well as a way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers as it does for a game day spread built from plain deli turkey any time of year.
If you love turning holiday extras into brand new meals, you will also want to try my Turkey Gravy from Drippings the next time you roast a bird.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 22 minutes |
| Total Time | 37 minutes |
| Servings | 12 sliders |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
You will love this recipe because it takes ordinary leftovers and turns them into a hot, cheesy party bite in under 40 minutes.
Every slider is sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy in one bite.
- Ready in well under an hour, start to finish
- Uses up Thanksgiving leftovers without repeating the same dinner twice
- Feeds a crowd from a single pan, perfect for game day or holiday parties
- Freezer friendly, so you can build a batch ahead of time
- Kid approved, thanks to the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls
You might also enjoy: Cranberry Goat Cheese Bites
Ingredients
This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and mostly pantry friendly.
Odds are good that most of what you need is already sitting in your fridge from the holiday spread.
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced deli turkey, or leftover roasted turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, optional
Read Also: Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything fancy to pull this recipe together. A few basics from your kitchen will get the job done.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Sharp bread knife
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
I use the same slicing method from my Buttery Dinner Rolls when I need to cut a whole tray of rolls at once, and it works perfectly here too.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally reach for when I make this recipe.
None of them are required, but they make the process easier and the results a little better.
1. King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
These are the rolls I always use for this recipe.
They hold together as one slab, so slicing the whole tray in half is quick, and the slight sweetness plays perfectly against the salty turkey and tangy cranberry sauce.
2. Ceramic 9×13 Baking Dish
A heavy ceramic dish heats evenly, so the bottoms of the sliders bake through without the edges burning before the middle is warm.
It also goes straight from oven to table, which makes cleanup and serving much simpler.
3. Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Whole berry cranberry sauce spreads more evenly than the jellied version and adds a little texture to each bite.
It also holds up better once baked, so you get actual cranberry flavor instead of a thin, syrupy layer.
4. Serrated Bread Knife
A proper serrated knife slices through the soft rolls in one clean pass instead of squashing them flat.
It makes a real difference when you are trying to keep that connected slab of rolls intact for assembly.
Another favorite: Baked Brie Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Set the dish aside while you prepare the rolls.
2. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls in Half
- Leave the rolls connected as one slab, do not separate them into individual rolls.
- Using a sharp bread knife, slice horizontally through the entire slab so you end up with one top layer and one bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half, cut side up, into the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the Bottom Rolls with Cheese and Turkey
- Lay 3 slices of Swiss or provolone cheese evenly across the bottom rolls.
- Layer the sliced deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey on top of the cheese, spreading it out so every slider gets an even amount.
- Top the turkey with the remaining 3 slices of cheese.
4. Spoon on the Cranberry Sauce
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top layer of cheese.
- Spread it into a thin, even layer using the back of a spoon so it reaches every corner of the pan.
- Avoid piling it on too thick in one spot, since this can make the sliders soggy once baked.
5. Top with the Roll Tops
- Place the top half of the roll slab over the cranberry sauce layer, cut side down.
- Press down gently with your palm so the whole tray settles together as one unit.
6. Mix the Butter Glaze
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth.
- Stir in the poppy seeds and the dried minced onion, if using.
7. Brush the Glaze and Bake
- Using a pastry brush, brush the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover every slider.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Rest, Slice, and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
- Using a sharp knife, slice along the natural seams of the rolls into 12 individual sliders.
- Serve warm, straight from the pan.
Read Also: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Tips for The Best Cranberry Turkey Sliders
A few small details make a real difference with this recipe.
- Do not skip the foil for the first part of baking, it keeps the tops from browning too fast before the middle heats through
- Let the roll slab sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing, so the halves hold together instead of tearing
- Use full fat cheese rather than reduced fat for the best, gooiest melt
- Press down gently on the whole tray right after assembling so the layers stay put during baking
I use the same trick in my Turkey and Ham Pie to keep the top from over browning while the filling finishes cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are filling enough to serve as a light dinner, but they also work beautifully as an appetizer for a crowd.
- Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping
- Pair with a light green salad to round out a full meal
- Set out a small bowl of warm gravy alongside for extra holiday flavor
- Add a bag of kettle chips or a pickle spear for a casual lunch plate
Another favorite: Cranberry Pecan Salad
Variations of Cranberry Turkey Sliders
This recipe is easy to switch up depending on what you already have in the fridge.
- Swap the turkey for sliced ham for a different holiday flavor
- Use brie instead of Swiss for a richer, creamier bite
- Add a spoonful of leftover stuffing underneath the cheese layer
- Try spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon for a little extra kick
- Make a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon in place of the cranberry sauce
Read Also: Breakfast Sliders Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Leftover sliders keep well and reheat easily, which makes this recipe great for meal prep too.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat covered in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through
- Warm in the air fryer at 325F for 5 minutes for a slightly crispier top
- Freeze unbaked, assembled sliders for up to 2 months, then bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes covered
The reheating method here is nearly identical to what I use for Air Fryer Turkey Breast, so your air fryer will get plenty of use this season.
Nutritional Facts
Here is a general nutritional breakdown per slider. These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on the exact brands and portion sizes you use.
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
You might also enjoy: Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Beyond being delicious, a few of the ingredients in this recipe bring some real nutritional value to the table.
- Turkey is a lean source of protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Cheese provides calcium along with additional protein
- Whole berry cranberry sauce retains more fiber than the smooth jellied version
Read Also: Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
FAQs About Cranberry Turkey Sliders
1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate the tray, covered, before adding the butter glaze.
Add the glaze right before baking so the rolls do not turn soggy while they sit.
2. Can I use fresh turkey instead of deli turkey?
Absolutely, leftover roasted turkey works even better than deli meat in this recipe.
Just shred or slice it thinly before layering it onto the rolls.
3. What cheese works best for turkey sliders?
Swiss, provolone, havarti, and gouda all melt beautifully here.
Pick whichever one you already have on hand, since the results are similar with each.
4. Can I make this recipe without Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, any soft dinner roll will work, though Hawaiian rolls add a nice hint of sweetness.
Just make sure the rolls come as a connected slab, so the tray stays together as one unit.
5. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Do not overload each slider with cranberry sauce, a thin, even layer is plenty.
Also let the rolls cool for a few minutes after baking so everything sets before you slice them.
If you are cooking a whole bird this year, my Thanksgiving Recipes roundup has everything else you will need for the table.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 count
- 1 pound sliced deli turkey 455g, or leftover roasted turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce 240g, whole berry or jellied
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 56g, melted
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion optional
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
- Leave the rolls connected as one slab. Using a sharp bread knife, slice horizontally through the entire slab to create one top layer and one bottom layer. Place the bottom half, cut side up, into the prepared baking dish.
- Lay 3 slices of cheese evenly across the bottom rolls. Layer the turkey on top, spreading it out so every slider gets an even amount. Top with the remaining 3 slices of cheese.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top layer of cheese and spread it into a thin, even layer using the back of a spoon. Avoid piling it too thick in one spot to prevent sogginess.
- Place the top half of the roll slab over the cranberry sauce layer, cut side down. Press down gently with your palm so the whole tray settles together as one unit.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Stir in poppy seeds and dried minced onion, if using.
- Brush the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls, covering every slider. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 to 7 minutes, until tops are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from oven and let the sliders rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting. Slice along the natural seams of the rolls into 12 individual sliders. Serve warm, straight from the pan.
Nutrition
Notes
- Do not skip the foil for the first part of baking; it keeps the tops from browning too fast before the middle heats through.
- Let the roll slab sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing so the halves hold together instead of tearing.
- Use full fat cheese rather than reduced fat for the best, gooiest melt.
- Press down gently on the whole tray right after assembling so the layers stay put during baking.
- Make ahead: assemble sliders a day ahead and refrigerate covered before adding the butter glaze. Add glaze right before baking so the rolls do not turn soggy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325F for 5 minutes for a crispier top.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked, assembled sliders for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes covered.
- Variations: Swap turkey for sliced ham, use brie instead of Swiss, add leftover stuffing under the cheese layer, try spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon, or make a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon.
- Cheese options: Swiss, provolone, havarti, and gouda all melt beautifully. Pick whichever you have on hand.
- To prevent sogginess: Do not overload with cranberry sauce; a thin, even layer is plenty. Let rolls cool a few minutes after baking so everything sets before slicing.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe turns a fridge full of holiday leftovers into something everyone reaches for twice.
They are sweet, cheesy, and ready faster than most weeknight dinners.
Give this one a try the next time you have extra turkey sitting around.
I would love to hear how yours turned out, so drop a comment below or share a photo if you make a batch.
Recommended:
- Holiday Pie Recipes
- Turkey Chili Recipe
- Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe
- How to Make Bread Stuffing Balls
- Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
