I love turning Thanksgiving leftovers into something that feels new, and these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are one of my go-to fixes. They’re quick to assemble, piled with savory turkey and bright cranberry, and always vanish at family meals — I first tested a batch for a busy post-holiday brunch with great results. For a visual refresher while you read, check this Cranberry Turkey Sliders example I often reference.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast and convenient: you can assemble these in 10–15 minutes and finish in the oven in about 10 minutes.
- Flavor balance: the salty turkey, tangy cranberry, and melty cheese create a classic sweet-salty combo that’s comforting and familiar.
- Uses leftovers wisely: stretches roasted turkey and leftover sides into a crowd-pleasing sandwich.
- Kid-friendly and customizable: swap cheeses or add a smear of gravy for picky eaters.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because it transforms plain leftovers into a party-ready tray everyone recognizes as Thanksgiving, but served in handheld form — perfect after a long day of hosting and cleanup; pair it with a slice of cranberry pecan pumpkin bread for a cozy spread.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes.
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes (to melt cheese and warm through).
- Total time: 25–30 minutes (including resting/assembly).
- Servings: 8 sliders (using a 12-count slider roll tray can yield 12 small sliders).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Cooking method: oven-baked assembly: layer on split rolls, brush with butter, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and cheese is melted.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested variations with shredded turkey, sliced turkey, and even chopped turkey mixed with a touch of mayo to bind. The biggest discovery was that warming the turkey slightly before assembly (microwave 30–45 seconds or warm in a skillet at medium for 2 minutes) prevents the sliders from cooling the rolls too much and keeps the texture juicy.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Begin by splitting 12 slider rolls horizontally and laying the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Layer about 2 cups of shredded turkey evenly across the rolls, dot with 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (or more to taste), and top with 6 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese (tear slices to fit). Spread a thin layer of 2 tablespoons softened butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme over the cut sides of the tops, place them on, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted. Let rest 2 minutes, then cut into sliders and serve.
Expert Tips for Success
- Warm the turkey first: briefly heat leftover turkey to 140°F internally so the assembled sliders reach serving temp without overcooking — use an instant-read thermometer. See a related twist on flavor in this cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs.
- Prevent sogginess: toast the cut sides of the rolls in a 350°F oven for 4–5 minutes before assembly to create a moisture barrier.
- Even cheese melt: place a sheet of foil directly on top of the sliders when baking to trap heat and melt cheese evenly.
- Butter seasoning: mix softened butter with a pinch of garlic powder and fresh thyme to add depth; brush tops for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Equipment tip: use a 9×13-inch baking dish for even heating; a rimmed baking sheet works if you prefer crispier bottoms.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Appetizer tray: arrange sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
- Side pairings: serve with a crisp green salad or sweet potato fries for a casual meal, or pair with a simple slaw to cut richness. Check a festive dessert pairing like these chocolate turkeys and strawberries to finish the meal.
- Occasion ideas: perfect for post-Thanksgiving brunches, game-day gatherings, or potlucks where handheld food is preferred.
- Presentation tip: sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the cut sliders for color and freshness, and serve on warm platters.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Refrigerator: store leftover assembled sliders (cooled completely) in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: you can freeze individual slider portions (wrapped in plastic wrap + foil) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: for best texture, reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes until warm; uncover for the last 3 minutes to refresh the tops. Avoid microwaving whole assembled sliders — it can make rolls soggy; instead, reheat turkey separately and re-toast rolls briefly.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free slider buns or mini GF rolls and ensure any gravy or stuffing used is GF.
- Dairy-free: swap regular cheese for a 4 oz dairy-free melting cheese or omit cheese and use a zesty aioli made from olive oil mayo.
- Mini meatball twist: replace sliced turkey with small cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs for portable cocktail sliders — inspired by this cranberry sauce meatball slider.
- Flavor boost: mix 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage into a softened 2 tbsp butter spread for the tops, or add a smear of leftover gravy to the bottom rolls for an ultra-Holiday feel.
Nutritional Highlights
- Lean protein: turkey is a high-protein, low-fat option that supports satiety.
- Fruit component: cranberries add vitamin C and antioxidants, though store-bought sauce can be high in sugar — opt for reduced-sugar or homemade when possible.
- Allergens: contains gluten and dairy in the classic version; adapt with GF rolls and dairy-free cheese for dietary restrictions. For portion control, plan on 1–2 sliders per person as an appetizer or 3–4 as a light meal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy bottoms: toast roll cut sides first and don’t overload with wet fillings; place a thin layer of cheese directly on the bottom rolls to act as a barrier.
- Dry turkey: toss shredded turkey with a tablespoon of warmed gravy or a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt before assembling to restore moisture.
- Uneven heating: arrange pieces in a single layer and cover with foil while baking; rotate the pan once if your oven has hot spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes — assemble, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking at 350°F for 12–14 minutes to ensure even heating.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great substitute; shred about 2 cups and follow the same steps. You may want to reduce added salt if the rotisserie meat is seasoned.
Q: How do I keep sliders from falling apart when serving?
A: Use sturdy slider rolls and insert a toothpick through each slider right after baking. Let them rest 2 minutes to set so fillings don’t slide when cut.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes — replace turkey with a hearty roasted mushroom mix or seasoned chickpea mixture and use dairy-free cheese if needed; the cranberry-cheese combo still works beautifully.
Conclusion
If you want a step-by-step inspiration close to this approach, check the original post for a tested take on these sandwiches: Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe.
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Diet: None
Description
Quick and delicious sliders made from Thanksgiving leftovers, featuring savory turkey, bright cranberry sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls
- 2 cups shredded turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Split the slider rolls horizontally and lay the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Layer the shredded turkey evenly across the rolls.
- Dot with cranberry sauce and top with cheese slices.
- Mix the butter with dried thyme and spread over the cut sides of the top rolls.
- Place the tops on the sliders, cover with foil, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Let rest for 2 minutes, then cut into sliders and serve.
Notes
For best results, warm the turkey beforehand to retain moisture. Toast roll cut sides to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American