Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Introduction

Turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a party-ready snack with these warm, melty cranberry sliders. They come together in minutes and make the most of tangy cranberry sauce and creamy cheese tucked into soft slider buns. If you love simple holiday mashups, try pairing them with a bright salad like cranberry apple coleslaw for a contrast of crisp textures. They are perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or an indulgent lunch the day after the big meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe takes familiar Thanksgiving flavors and turns them into handheld comfort food that everyone will reach for. It is quick to assemble, uses common pantry ingredients, and makes a large batch at once in a single baking dish. The mayo and Dijon layer adds a gentle tang that balances sweet cranberry sauce while the cheese melts into gooey ribbons for maximum satisfaction. Because the sliders bake covered and then uncovered briefly, the tops get glossy and golden without drying out the turkey. If you want a more elegant holiday appetizer to serve alongside these sliders, consider a savory tart like cranberry brie tart for variety on the table.

Flavor and Texture

These sliders are a delightful play of contrasts blossom­ing in every bite. Cold, lightly dressed turkey meets warm, jammy whole berry cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory interplay. Melted Swiss or provolone wraps the filling in a creamy, slightly nutty blanket while the buttery poppy seed topping gives a subtle seeded crunch and shine. The soft slider rolls soak up juices but still hold their shape, giving you an easy-to-eat sandwich rather than a messy plate. Overall the result is balanced, comforting, and bold enough to satisfy leftover fatigue.

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

Step by Step 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.

Tips for Best Results

Letting the turkey be slightly warm helps the cheese melt faster and melds flavors more quickly. If your rolls are very soft, give them a minute under the broiler after removing the foil to crisp the tops without overbrowning the cheese. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a pleasant texture, but smooth cranberry sauce will work if you prefer a uniform spread. Use a light hand with the mayo and mustard so the sliders stay balanced rather than overly creamy. For a brighter finish, sprinkle a touch of fresh parsley just before serving.

Storage and Make Ahead

These sliders keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual sliders for a quick bite. You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate them uncooked, then brush with butter and bake when ready to serve. If freezing, wrap portions tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Final Thought

Leftover turkey deserves a second act, and these cranberry sliders deliver comfort and ease in one tray. They are customizable, forgiving, and built for sharing, turning the ordinary into something special. Keep the components simple and the flavors familiar for the most crowd pleasing result.

Conclusion

For a classic take on this idea and additional inspiration, see the original Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe which helped popularize this cozy favorite.

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