If you’re looking for the ultimate way to upgrade leftover turkey, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders deliver everything you love about holiday flavors in one irresistible, pull-apart bite. Warm, buttery Hawaiian rolls cradle layers of savory turkey, gooey cheese, and bright cranberry sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast. Gatherings, game days, weeknights these sliders always shine.
Table of Contents
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Quick Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Calories: ~245 per slider
Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb cooked turkey, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 8 oz sliced Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried minced onion (or onion powder)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the sheet intact. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Layer the turkey evenly across the rolls. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading edge to edge for even sweetness.
- Add the cheese slices in a full layer to ensure the sliders pull apart cleanly.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Make the buttery glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Brush the glaze generously over the rolls, letting it drip into the creases.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes for a golden, crisp top.
- Let rest 3 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
One of the best things about these Turkey Cranberry Sliders is how adaptable they are. If you’re missing an ingredient or serving guests with dietary needs, here are easy swaps:
- Turkey alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken, sliced deli turkey, or leftover roasted chicken.
- Cheese options: Swap Swiss for provolone, cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free sliced cheese.
- Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free rolls, making sure they’re soft-style to mimic Hawaiian texture.
- Low-sugar: Replace cranberry sauce with no-sugar-added cranberry preserves.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Warm the turkey slightly so the sliders heat evenly.
- Don’t overdo the cranberry sauce 1 cup is perfect for balanced sweetness.
- Press lightly on the assembled rolls to help them fuse for clean slicing.
- Use parchment so the bottoms don’t become soggy.
- Brush extra butter on top after baking for a glossy finish.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
These sliders are ideal for prepping in advance or reheating when you’re feeding a crowd.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours early. Refrigerate tightly covered and bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 20–30 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Soggy bottoms? Use parchment and avoid excess cranberry sauce.
- Cheese not fully melted? Extend covered baking by 3–4 minutes.
- Dry turkey? Add a thin smear of Dijon or mayo beneath the turkey layer.
- Tops burning? Tent with foil once golden.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Turkey Cranberry Sliders pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides:
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the cooked turkey evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey and spread it from edge to edge so each slider gets some sauce.
- Layer the sliced cheese evenly over the cranberry-topped turkey.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on to form a full sheet of sliders.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, letting it drip into the creases between them.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- Let the sliders rest for about 3 minutes, then slice along the roll lines and serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Absolutely! this recipe is designed for it. Both white and dark meat work great.
Are these sliders good served cold?
They’re best warm, but they’re still tasty chilled for quick lunches.
Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Freeze unbaked sliders tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes.
What cheese melts best?
Swiss and provolone melt evenly and complement the cranberry flavor beautifully.
How do I avoid soggy rolls?
Use parchment, avoid excess cranberry sauce, and bake uncovered at the end.
Can I add stuffing?
Yes! add a thin layer beneath the turkey for a full Thanksgiving twist.
Conclusion
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are everything you want in a comforting, sweet-savory bite simple, satisfying, and perfect for using up leftovers. If you love recipes like this, explore more of our hearty and seasonal dishes to keep the flavor going all year long!