These leftover turkey sliders are a great way to give new life to leftover turkey or use deli turkey! Sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese combine for the best sliders. These sliders are guaranteed to be the star of your leftovers lineup—no one will believe they started with leftover holiday turkey! 🦃
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They’re a creative way to use holiday leftovers without repeating the same Thanksgiving dinner plate.
These sliders are perfect for:
- Potlucks or Quick Meals: If you’re hosting or attending a potluck, they’re easy to make and transport.
- Post-Holiday Gatherings: Serve this easy recipe at casual family lunches or parties when entertaining after the big feast.
- Game Days: They’re a crowd favorite while watching football, especially during Thanksgiving weekend.
The combination of layers of turkey, cranberry, and melted cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls screams cozy, festive comfort food—perfect for the cooler months and holiday vibes
If you love this, then you need to check out other game day food: Sticky Wings, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, and Air Fryer Steak Bites.
Why you will love this!
- Easy to make.
- It uses leftover turkey from the holidays or deli meat.
- Family approved!
Jump to:
Here’s what you need to make
- soft Hawaiian rolls
- leftover turkey (or substitute with deli turkey)
- cranberry sauce (leftover cranberry sauce)
- white cheddar cheese (or 6-8 slices Havarti)
- Dijon mustard
- mayonnaise
- butter - for the tops of the buns
- Everything But the Bagel seasoning
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These Hawaiian roll turkey sliders are so easy to make. They are the perfect size and perfect party food, my boys will eat the entire slab of rolls. The best part is you can use either leftover turkey or deli meat. There are so many creative ways to make these. You will love it.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally as a single layer. Place the bottom layer on a baking dish or sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer the turkey over the mustard-mayo mixture, followed by the cranberry sauce, and then sprinkle on the grated cheese (or lay Havarti slices evenly).
- Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.
- Brush the melted butter generously over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey deliciousness!
Substitutions
- Hawaiian Rolls - any soft dinner rolls, brioche buns, slider buns, or even sliced French bread for a slightly less sweet option.
- Leftover Turkey - turkey from the deli, rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken
- Cranberry Sauce - lingonberry jam, red currant jelly, raspberry preserves, or a quick homemade cranberry relish (cranberries + sugar + orange juice)
- White Cheddar Cheese - Havarti, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Gouda, Monterey Jack, provolone cheese, or any mild, meltable cheese you enjoy.
- Dijon Mustard - whole-grain mustard, spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard, or a mix of horseradish and mayo for a tangy twist. I sometimes put Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Mayonnaise - greek yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, or a vegan mayo alternative.
- Butter - olive oil, melted margarine, ghee, or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning - sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, or just a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Knife
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Pastry brush
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9 Kitchen Essentials
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How to store and reheat
Storing:
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds. Avoid overcooking to keep the rolls soft and the cheese melty!
Top tips for success
- Use fresh cheese: Grate cheese yourself for the best melt and creaminess—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents.
- Butter evenly: Brush the butter mixture generously for golden, flavorful tops, and sprinkle the seasoning just before baking for maximum flavor.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders - FAQ
Cranberries complement turkey with their tartness, balancing the richness of the meat. This pairing dates back to early American settlers, who used cranberries as a seasonal, local ingredient. The bright, tangy flavor adds contrast and enhances the overall taste of traditional holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
No, sliders don’t have to be served hot! While hot sliders are delicious with melty cheese and warm fillings, they can also be served cold or at room temperature, especially if the ingredients (like turkey and cranberry sauce) are pre-cooked. Cold sliders work well for picnics, parties, or make-ahead meals.
Toast the Bottom Layer: Lightly toast the bottom buns before assembling to create a barrier against moisture.
Layer Strategically: Place drier ingredients (like meat) directly on the bread and wetter ones (like cranberry sauce) in the middle.
Serve Fresh: Assemble just before baking or serving to maintain freshness.
Why do people eat cranberries with turkey?
Do sliders have to be served hot?
How to keep sliders from getting soggy?
Toast the Bottom Layer: Lightly toast the bottom buns before assembling to create a barrier against moisture.
Layer Strategically: Place drier ingredients (like meat) directly on the bread and wetter ones (like cranberry sauce) in the middle.
Serve Fresh: Assemble just before baking or serving to maintain freshness.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
What to serve with turkey sliders?
Serve turkey sliders with:
- Potato Chips or Fries – Classic, crispy sides.
- Green Salad – Light and refreshing, like a mixed greens or spinach salad.
- Soup – Tomato, butternut squash, or creamy mushroom soup pairs perfectly.
- Roasted Veggies – Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
- Coleslaw – Tangy, crunchy, and complements the sliders.
Don't miss out!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These leftover turkey sliders are a great way to give new life to leftover turkey or use deli turkey! Sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese combine for the best sliders. These sliders are guaranteed to be the star of your leftovers lineup—no one will believe they started with leftover holiday turkey!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 package of Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
500g leftover turkey (or substitute with deli turkey)
½ cup cranberry sauce
1 cup grated white cheddar cheese (or 6-8 slices Havarti)
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
3 tablespoon melted butter
1 tsp Everything But the Bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally as a single layer. Place the bottom layer on a baking dish or sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer the turkey over the mustard-mayo mixture, followed by the cranberry sauce, and then sprinkle on the grated cheese (or lay Havarti slices evenly).
- Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.
- Brush the melted butter generously over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey deliciousness!
Notes
- Use fresh cheese: Grate cheese yourself for the best melt and creaminess—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents.
- Butter evenly: Brush the butter mixture generously for golden, flavorful tops, and sprinkle the seasoning just before baking for maximum flavor.
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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