Cranberry Turkey Sliders for Thanksgiving — Easy Leftovers Slider Recipe
I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Turkey Sliders for Thanksgiving: I had just hosted a small family dinner and didn’t want the turkey to go to waste. I layered warm, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls with thick-cut deli turkey, gooey Swiss cheese and a bright sweep of leftover cranberry sauce — everyone loved them. They quickly became my go-to cozy, no-fuss dish for holiday mornings, casual gatherings, and after-party snacks. These sliders are a wonderful example of comforting American holiday traditions meeting simple weeknight convenience; turning Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, celebrated meal feels a little like honoring the holiday all over again. If you love cozy, handheld comfort food, you’ll understand why these are a staple in my kitchen. For more cozy comfort ideas, check out this collection of creamy and comforting recipes.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is perfect for busy parents, home cooks who want a quick crowd-pleaser, college students learning to use an oven, and anyone who enjoys turning Thanksgiving leftovers into something fresh and delicious.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish brings together thick-cut deli turkey or ham, melty Swiss or Provolone cheese, and bright cranberry sauce on soft Hawaiian dinner rolls. A buttery garlic-mustard glaze with Worcestershire and poppy seeds finishes the top for flavor and texture.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush (or spoon)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and measuring cups
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Ingredients (with benefits):
- 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or ham – Lean protein and a great way to use leftovers.
- 6 large slices Swiss or Provolone cheese – Melts beautifully to add creamy richness.
- 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce – Adds bright sweetness and classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- 1 12-pack Hawaiian Dinner Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted) – Helps brown the tops and adds buttery flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami depth and savory balance.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard – Provides tang and cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds – Offer a light crunch and attractive finish.
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced) – Boosts flavor and gives a savory aromatic punch.
(If you’re looking for more comforting sides to pair with these sliders, browse a few ideas in this cozy recipes collection.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay the turkey or ham in an even layer over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey or ham.
- Top the cranberry layer with the Swiss or Provolone cheese slices.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese, covering the sliders.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, and poppy seeds; mix until uniform.
- Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty.
- Let the sliders cool for 2–3 minutes, then cut between the rolls to separate them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: You can freeze assembled sliders before baking — wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?
A: Soft dinner rolls, slider buns, or even split small brioche buns work well. Choose something slightly sweet and soft for the best balance.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes — replace the turkey with sliced roasted vegetables (like eggplant or portobello), a plant-based deli slice, or extra cheese. You can also use a savory spread (such as herbed cream cheese) instead of turkey.
Q: Can I assemble ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking and follow the same bake times.
Tips & Tricks
- Use thick-cut deli slices or leftover roasted turkey sliced about 1/8-inch thick to avoid dry layers — thin, even slices reheat and remain moist.
- Don’t skip the glaze: the butter-mustard-garlic mix is small but crucial — it keeps the tops glossy and flavorful.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle an additional 1–2 teaspoons of poppy seeds or some coarse sea salt on top just before baking.
- For easier cutting, refrigerate for 5 minutes after baking; the cheese will settle and the sliders will slice cleaner.
For more comforting weeknight ideas, take a look at this cozy recipe collection for inspiration.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders for Thanksgiving are a simple, delicious way to reinvent leftovers and feed a crowd with minimal effort. If you want variations and step-by-step ideas, see this Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe for another take on the concept. For more photographed instructions and tips, check out Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating. If you prefer a version with Hawaiian rolls and handy tips for holiday prep, try Easy Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls – Healthy Little … Enjoy this warm, shareable meal — and don’t forget to pass the platter around!
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut deli turkey or ham A great way to use leftovers.
- 6 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese Melts beautifully for creamy richness.
- 1 1/4 cup cranberry sauce Adds bright sweetness and classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- 1 pack Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12-pack) Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter (melted) Helps brown the tops and adds buttery flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami depth and savory balance.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Provides tang and cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds Offers a light crunch and attractive finish.
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced) Boosts flavor with a savory aromatic punch.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay the turkey or ham in an even layer over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey or ham.
- Top the cranberry layer with the Swiss or Provolone cheese slices.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese, covering the sliders.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, and poppy seeds; mix until uniform.
- Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–12 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty.
- Let the sliders cool for 2–3 minutes, then cut between the rolls to separate them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
