Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the cozy, crowd-pleasing little sandwiches that turn Thanksgiving leftovers into handheld magic. They balance savory turkey, bright cranberry, melty cheese, and soft rolls in a bite-sized package I reach for again and again. I’ve tested versions with Hawaiian rolls, everything-bagel tops, and richer butter-brush finishes to find what works best.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast party food: assembly takes 10–15 minutes, and baking finishes them in under 20.
- Great use of leftovers: stretches turkey while keeping flavors fresh.
- Crowd-friendly texture: soft rolls and melty cheese please kids and adults alike.
- Versatile for occasions: perfect for holiday appetizers, game-day bites, or casual dinners.
- Personal insight: I love these because they’re forgiving — a slightly dry turkey becomes juicy with a smear of mayo or gravy, and cranberry adds instant brightness.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes (shredding turkey, spreading condiments).
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes (bake at 350°F / 175°C).
- Total time: 25–30 minutes.
- Servings: 12 sliders (using a 12-count slider pack).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Method: Assemble sliders on a rimmed baking dish and bake covered, then uncover to brown tops.
My Experience Making This Recipe
On my first trial I used cold turkey straight from the fridge and found the sliders cooled quickly, so I switched to warming the turkey slightly in a skillet with a splash of stock. I also learned that brushing the roll tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of seasoning gives an almost toasted, bakery-quality finish.
How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Start by shredding or thinly slicing 2 cups of cooked turkey and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 3 tablespoons of mayo (or herbed mayo) on the bottom halves of 12 slider rolls, top with turkey, a tablespoon of cranberry sauce per slider, and a slice of cheese (cheddar or Swiss). Assemble in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, bake 12 minutes until cheese melts, then remove foil and bake 2–3 minutes to brown the tops. For a saucier bite, I sometimes fold in a tablespoon of warmed gravy with the turkey — it keeps everything juicy. If you want a cranberry glaze idea for a different format, see this cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs link I experimented with: cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs.
Expert Tips for Success
- Warm the turkey: gently heat shredded turkey in a skillet with 1–2 tablespoons of chicken stock to prevent cold pockets and dry bites.
- Control moisture: use a slightly reduced cranberry sauce (simmer 2–3 minutes) if it’s very runny to avoid soggy bottoms.
- Toast the bottoms: briefly toast roll bottoms under the broiler or in a pan for 1–2 minutes before assembly to add structure.
- Even browning: brush roll tops with 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning; finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you like a caramelized top.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure reheated turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) when serving leftovers.
How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Party platter: arrange sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks and a bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Side pairings: serve with a simple arugula salad, coleslaw, or oven-roasted sweet potato wedges.
- Holiday spread: pair with leftover stuffing and roasted Brussels sprouts for a buffet-style meal.
- Presentation tip: line the baking dish with parchment to lift the whole tray out for easy serving and prettier presentation.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerator: store cooled sliders in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with foil for 3–4 days.
- Freezing baked sliders: freeze in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Freezing unbaked: assemble in a foil pan, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months; bake from thawed at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 18–22 minutes).
- Reheating: reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 10–15 minutes from chilled). For a quick option, microwave individual sliders for 45–60 seconds, then crisp under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: swap slider buns for gluten-free rolls or small gluten-free ciabatta; watch moisture as GF bread can be more fragile.
- Dairy-free: omit cheese or use a dairy-free sliced cheese and brush tops with olive oil instead of butter.
- Vegetarian: replace turkey with seasoned roasted mushrooms, tempeh slices, or mashed chickpea patties and use vegetarian gravy.
- Flavor twist: swap cheddar for brie and add fresh arugula for a slightly gourmet slider, or use everything-bagel seasoning on top for a savory punch.
Nutritional Highlights
- Lean protein: turkey provides a low-fat source of protein to keep sliders satisfying.
- Antioxidants: cranberries offer vitamin C and plant compounds, though store-bought sauce can be high in sugar.
- Allergens: contains gluten (unless using GF rolls), dairy if cheese or butter is used, and eggs if mayo contains them. Adjust portions — one slider per person is common for appetizers, two or three for a light meal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy bottoms: pre-toast the roll bottoms or reduce excess liquid in your cranberry sauce.
- Dry turkey bites: mix in a tablespoon of warmed gravy or a smear of mayo to add moisture and mouthfeel.
- Uneven heating: cover with foil for most of the bake time to warm through, then uncover to brown the tops; consider slicing the slider batch in half if your oven has hot spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these entirely from leftovers?
A1: Yes — use 2 cups shredded cooked turkey, leftover cranberry sauce, and any sliced cheese. Warm the turkey in a skillet with a splash (1–2 tbsp) of stock to prevent cold spots, then assemble and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Q2: How long can I assemble sliders ahead of time?
A2: You can assemble sliders up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. If assembling earlier, toast the bottoms first to prevent sogginess and wait to brush tops with butter until just before baking.
Q3: Can I bake sliders frozen?
A3: If frozen fully assembled, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results and then bake at 350°F until 165°F internal temperature. If baking from frozen, add 10–15 minutes to the bake time and keep covered with foil to avoid over-browning.
Q4: What cheese melts best for these sliders?
A4: Mild cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone melt well and balance the cranberry sweetness. For a creamier option, thin slices of brie melt into a very luxurious filling.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration or alternate approaches to turkey-cranberry sliders, check these tested recipes: Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe, Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating, Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls – Healthy Little …, Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Recipe, and Cheesy Everything Bagel Turkey-Cranberry Sliders | Caroline …. These articles offer alternate techniques, bun ideas, and flavor variations I referenced while refining this recipe.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cozy, crowd-pleasing sandwiches that transform Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious, bite-sized magic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or herbed mayo)
- 12 slider rolls
- 12 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons chicken stock (optional for warming turkey)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the slider rolls.
- Top with shredded turkey, a tablespoon of cranberry sauce per slider, and a slice of cheese.
- Assemble in a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 12 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the tops.
Notes
For a saucier bite, mix in some warmed gravy with the turkey. Experiment with different toppings and sauces for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American