Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a fantastic way to transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious meal. Instead of letting leftover turkey sit in the fridge, you can create a tasty and satisfying dish that everyone will love. These sliders are simple to make, and they combine classic flavors that remind you of Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, they are perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping individual rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Distribute the turkey evenly over the prepared buns. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Layer halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove from oven, cool briefly, then separate the sliders using a sharp knife. Serve warm.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These sliders are best served warm. You can place them on a platter for guests at a gathering or serve them as a quick snack during the week. They pair well with a side of chips, a fresh salad, or even more cranberry sauce for dipping.
How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
If you have leftovers, you can store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat them, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cranberry sauce and cheese to suit your taste.
- You can add other toppings like sliced avocado or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Make sure not to over-bake them to keep the buns soft and moist.
Variation
You can swap out the turkey for ham or roast beef to create different slider options. Additionally, try using different types of cheese or adding a bit of spinach for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked turkey for these sliders. Just ensure it is well seasoned and heated through.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sliders and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
What can I serve with these sliders?
They go well with a variety of sides, including sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a light soup.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled sliders before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping individual rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Distribute the turkey evenly over the prepared buns. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Layer halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove from oven, cool briefly, then separate the sliders using a sharp knife. Serve warm.