January 30, 2026

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

why make this recipe

This slider recipe uses leftover turkey and simple pantry items. It is fast, warm, and fills you up. You can make many sliders at once for a family or party. They taste like Thanksgiving in a small sandwich.

introduction

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders turn extra turkey into a quick, tasty meal. You spread mayo and mustard, add turkey and cranberry sauce, top with cheese, and bake until warm and melty. If you like cranberry desserts, try cranberry custard pie as a sweet follow-up after the sliders.

how to make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Make the mayo-mustard mix and spread it on the bottom rolls. Add the turkey, then spoon cranberry sauce on top. Put cheese slices over the turkey and close the rolls. Brush the tops with butter mixed with spices and herbs. Cover and bake until the cheese melts and the tops are golden. Cool a bit, then cut into sliders and serve warm.

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

Directions :

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

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

how to serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Serve these sliders warm on a platter. They go well with simple sides like a green salad or chips. For a sweet end, pair with tart treats such as cranberry lemon bars. These sliders also work as party food or a quick family meal.

how to store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Cool the sliders to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warm, about 10–15 minutes. You can freeze whole sliders wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

  • Use good-quality rolls so they hold up when baked.
  • Warm the turkey slightly so the sliders heat evenly.
  • If you like more sauce, add extra cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of gravy.
  • Cut the sliders with a sharp knife to keep them neat.
  • Toast the tops a little longer if you want a crisp finish.

variation (if any)

  • Swap Swiss or provolone for cheddar for a sharper taste.
  • Add cooked bacon for extra crunch.
  • Mix some chopped celery into the mayo-mustard for texture.
  • Use leftover roast beef instead of turkey for a different sandwich.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie turkey?
A: Yes. Rotisserie turkey works well and saves time.

Q: Can I make these without mayonnaise?
A: Yes. You can use butter or a light cream cheese spread instead.

Q: How many sliders does this recipe make?
A: This makes about 12 sliders using 12 small rolls.

Q: Can I assemble ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Print
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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders


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  • Author: desserts
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Quick and tasty sliders made with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, perfect for a family meal or party.


Ingredients

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

Notes

Serve these sliders with a simple green salad or chips. They can also be made ahead of time and baked later.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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Chef Olivia

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