Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Introduction

If you’ve ever stared down a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers and wondered how to reinvent them into something fresh and fun, these turkey cranberry sliders are your answer. Think soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls loaded with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese — then brushed with a buttery, savory topping that crisps up in the oven. It’s a warm, nostalgic bite of the holiday, transformed into finger food that’s perfect for lunch, game day, or a relaxed weeknight meal.

Every slider brings together the comforting familiarity of turkey and cranberry, but with a playful twist. The sweetness of the rolls and cranberries, combined with rich cheese and a hint of mustard or Worcestershire in the butter, makes each bite both familiar and delightfully new. And because they bake together, the flavors meld into something even more delicious — the cheese melts just right, the buns soak up savory butter, and the whole thing finishes with a golden, pull-apart crust.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just jazzing up leftovers, these sliders feel festive without being fussy. They’re cozy, satisfying, and a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of Thanksgiving — all in a neat, handheld package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect use for leftover turkey and cranberry sauce
• Sweet and savory balance — Hawaiian rolls + tangy cranberry
• Melty cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer
• Buttery topping makes the buns golden and irresistible
• Easy to assemble and bake in one dish
• Crowd-pleasing — great for parties, leftovers, or family dinners
• Customizable: you can change the cheese, sauce, or greens to suit your taste

Ingredients

• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls (slider buns)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded (leftover or deli turkey)
• ¾ to 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or jellied)
• 6–12 slices cheese, such as Havarti, Provolone, or Swiss
• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare
   • Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or prepare a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
2. Slice the Rolls
   • Without separating individual buns, carefully slice the Hawaiian roll sheet in half horizontally to create a top layer and bottom layer.
3. Layer the Sliders
   • Place the bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish.
   • Evenly spread the turkey over this layer.
   • Spoon the cranberry sauce on top of the turkey in a thin, even layer. (Too much can make the buns soggy.)
   • Lay the cheese slices over the cranberry sauce, covering as evenly as possible.
   • Place the top half of the rolls on top, pressing gently to keep everything together.
4. Make the Butter Glaze
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried minced onion.
   • Use a pastry brush to brush this mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns.
   • If you’re using poppy seeds, sprinkle them over the buttered top now for a classic touch.
5. Bake
   • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the buns are slightly crisp.
6. Serve
   • Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes after baking, then slice between the buns to separate into individual sandwiches.
   • Serve warm — they’re best fresh, but still tasty the next day.

You Must Know (Helpful Tips)

• Don’t overdo the cranberry sauce: A thinner layer prevents soggy buns.
• Use soft but hearty rolls: Hawaiian rolls are ideal because they’re sweet and pillowy, but strong enough to hold fillings.
• Brush butter evenly: The butter mixture is key to getting a golden, flavorful crust — make sure to cover all the tops.
• Let rest before cutting: Waiting a few minutes after baking helps the cheese settle, so the sliders don’t fall apart when you slice.
• Use room-temp turkey: If the turkey is very cold, bring it closer to room temperature so the sliders heat evenly.

Storage Tips

• In the fridge: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325 °F (about 160 °C) for 8–10 minutes (covered with foil) to retain moisture, or microwave individual sliders for 30–45 seconds.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders (wrapped tightly) for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap Havarti or Provolone for Swiss, mozzarella, Gouda, or cheddar — whatever melts well.
• Turkey: Use shredded leftover turkey, sliced deli turkey, or even rotisserie chicken for a twist.
• Cranberry sauce: Whole-berry gives texture; jellied is smoother. You can also use cranberry chutney or jam.
• Butter topping: Instead of Dijon + Worcestershire, try a combo of melted butter + honey + a pinch of salt for a sweeter twist.
• Rolls: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, use mini brioche buns or soft dinner rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or buttered green beans for a holiday-style spread.
• Offer a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or gravy on the side for dipping.
• Add a dash of grainy mustard or mayonnaise to each slider when serving for extra creaminess.

Pro Tips

• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) on top after baking for a bright finish.
• Try layering a bit of stuffing inside the sliders for a fuller Thanksgiving sandwich.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the sandwich slab — it’ll help you get clean, even cuts.
• For a crunchy twist, broil the tops of the sliders for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully, to crisp up the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking, cover them, and refrigerate. Then, bake shortly before serving.

Can I make these without cranberry sauce?
You could swap cranberry sauce for cranberry chutney, fig jam, or even apricot preserves for a different sweet-savory flavor.

Is it okay to use leftover cold turkey?
Absolutely — just layer it cold, and the baking process will warm it through.

Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian ones?
Yes, but Hawaiian rolls are ideal because of their soft, slightly sweet character. If you use plain dinner rolls, you might miss that touch of sweetness.

What if I don’t like poppy seeds?
You can skip the poppy seeds entirely or use sesame seeds instead, or just brush with butter without seeds.

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These turkey cranberry sliders are a joyous, nostalgic bite of Thanksgiving reinvented — sweet, savory, melty, and wonderfully portable. Enjoy them as a snack, a leftover hack, or a festive shareable treat.