If you ever find yourself staring at your holiday leftovers wondering how to turn them into something exciting, these Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe) will swoop in like a tasty superhero. Imagine sweet cranberry sauce paired with savory turkey, melted cheese, and a buttery, golden bun all in a perfect mini sandwich. These sliders are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a casual night in or a festive gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but packs a flavor punch by combining classic holiday staples with a few pantry favorites. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the tender turkey to the bright cranberry sauce and the rich, toasty buns—all coming together to create that irresistible sweet and savory bite.
- Slider buns (12): Soft and small, perfect for mini sandwiches that are easy to handle and share.
- Cooked turkey, sliced or shredded (2–3 cups): Leftover roasted turkey works beautifully for hearty and juicy filling.
- Cranberry sauce (½–¾ cup): Adds a sweet-tart zing that makes every bite pop with holiday cheer.
- Sliced cheese (Swiss or cheddar) (6 slices): Melts elegantly and adds a creamy, savory layer.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Creates that golden crust and adds richness to the sliders.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): A subtle kick that balances the sweetness and elevates all flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Poppy seeds (optional) (1 tsp): A traditional topping that adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe)
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and assemble the sliders
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C / 350°F, giving it enough time to reach that perfect baking temperature. Place the bottom halves of your slider buns neatly in a baking dish. This base holds all the delicious layers in place as they bake. Next, layer a generous amount of turkey—either sliced or shredded—making sure every slider is packed with savory goodness. Spoon on some vibrant cranberry sauce for that essential pop of sweetness, then top each with half a slice of cheese. Finally, crown your creation with the top buns, sealing in all the flavors.
Step 2: Add the buttery topping for glossy, flavorful buns
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds if you’re using them. This mixture is the secret to those irresistible golden tops bursting with flavor. Brush this mixture evenly over the top buns to ensure they brown beautifully and develop a wonderful aroma as they bake.
Step 3: Bake the sliders to melty, golden perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to trap the heat and let the cheese melt without drying out the buns. Bake for 10 minutes before uncovering to bake for another 5 to 8 minutes until the tops are shiny, golden brown, and just the right amount of toasted. This step transforms the sliders into warm, gooey little wonders you’ll want to devour immediately.
Step 4: Let them rest and serve warmly
Once out of the oven, give your sliders 5 minutes to rest. This waiting time helps everything settle, so the layers don’t slide apart when you cut into them. Serve these delightful bites warm, and don’t forget a little extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping or extra sweetness—the perfect way to enjoy your Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe).
How to Serve Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh pop of green and a hint of brightness that complements the rich turkey and cheese. For an extra zing, a few thin slices of pickles or a dollop of grainy mustard on each slider brings added texture and a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet cranberry sauce.
Side Dishes
These sliders stand out as the main event, but pairing them with a crisp side salad or a bowl of homemade soup turns your meal into a cozy feast. Consider something light and refreshing, like a baby arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, to balance the sliders’ richness. For a heartier option, simple roasted vegetables bring warmth and color to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Arrange your Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe) on a rustic wooden platter or slate board, sprinkled with poppy seeds and fresh herbs for a festive touch. Offer small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce, mustard, and pickles on the side for guests to customize their sliders. Mini toothpicks or festive cocktail picks not only keep the layers together but add a charming detail that makes these sliders feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delightful sliders left after the first go, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a convenient snack or quick meal option the next day. Just keep in mind that the buns might soften a bit, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Use within a month for best flavor. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through and perfectly melty.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend to preserve the delightful texture of the buns and melted cheese. Cover the sliders with foil and warm at 180°C / 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the buns soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe)?
Absolutely! While Swiss and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a touch of spice. Choose whatever melts well and complements the turkey and cranberry flavors.
What if I don’t have slider buns? Can I use regular buns?
If slider buns aren’t on hand, small dinner rolls or mini sandwich buns work just as well. You can also slice larger sandwich rolls into smaller portions to mimic the slider size.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the turkey for a hearty roasted vegetable patty or grilled mushroom slices. The cranberry sauce and cheese will still provide that sweet and savory combination, making a delicious vegetarian version of these tasty sliders.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders, add the butter mixture on top, cover tightly, and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance when hosting gatherings.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard or honey mustard can be used as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile. For a milder taste, you might simply omit the mustard but keep the butter and garlic powder for richness and aroma.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about turning holiday leftovers into a whole new experience, and these Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe) do just that with effortless charm. They bring warmth, comfort, and festive joy to any table and are perfect to enjoy long after the holiday feast has ended. Trust me, once you try these sliders, you’ll find yourself looking forward to leftover turkey nights in a whole new way!
PrintLeftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe)
Sweet and savory mini sandwiches made with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, layered with melted cheese and brushed with a flavorful butter mixture. These sliders are perfect for holiday parties or effortless weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Slider
- 12 slider buns
- 2–3 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- ½–¾ cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sliders: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish. Layer each bun with sliced or shredded turkey, dollop cranberry sauce over the turkey, then place a slice of cheese on top. Finally, cover each with the top halve of the buns.
- Make the butter mixture: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds if using. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the top buns to create a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil to allow the cheese to melt evenly. Bake for 10 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the tops are shiny and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Take the sliders out of the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to help keep the layers intact when cut. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using leftover turkey makes this recipe quick and easy, but freshly cooked turkey works well too.
- You can substitute Swiss or cheddar cheese with your preferred melty cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella.
- The poppy seeds in the butter mixture add a nice crunch and visual appeal but are optional.
- These sliders can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.