These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect solution for using up leftover holiday turkey, but they’re so good you’ll want to make them year-round. Loaded with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese all nestled between soft, buttery rolls topped with sesame seeds, these sliders are warm, savory, and slightly sweet—ready in just 20 minutes for a quick and crowd-pleasing snack or meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are quick to assemble and incredibly satisfying. The contrast between the tart cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and creamy melted cheese makes each bite flavorful and comforting. Ideal for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or game day snacks, they also bake in one pan and pull apart easily—making them perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6–8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey or Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (white and/or black)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Assemble the bottom layer: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
- Layer the fillings: Evenly spread the turkey over the buns, followed by spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Layer the cheese slices on top.
- Top it off: Place the top half of the buns over the fillings.
- Brush and sprinkle: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with honey or mustard if using. Brush over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and cut into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 240 kcal per slider
Variations
- Ham & Cranberry: Substitute turkey with sliced ham for a slightly saltier twist.
- Brie Cheese Swap: Use brie instead of Swiss for an extra creamy and rich flavor.
- Stuffing Layer: Add a thin layer of leftover stuffing for an all-in-one holiday bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a spicy mustard to the butter glaze for heat.
- Herbed Butter: Mix herbs like thyme or rosemary into the melted butter for a seasonal aroma.
storage/reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. For a quick option, microwave individual sliders for 30–45 seconds, though the bread may be softer.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What cheese works best?
Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or brie all melt well and pair nicely with turkey and cranberry.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Canned or homemade sauce both work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze the sliders?
Freeze after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven from frozen.
Are these good for a party?
Yes, they’re easy to prep in bulk, serve warm, and pull apart for casual sharing.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, shredded chicken is a great alternative when turkey isn’t available.
What bread is best for sliders?
Soft rolls like Hawaiian rolls or potato slider buns work best for their texture and flavor.
Do I need to cover them with foil?
Covering prevents over-browning and ensures even heating. Remove foil to crisp the tops.
Can I serve them cold?
They’re best warm, but can be served cold as well—especially for packed lunches or potlucks.
What side dishes go well with these?
Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a warm, festive, and easy-to-make treat that transforms leftovers into something extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy evening in, these melty, flavor-packed sandwiches deliver comfort and convenience in just 20 minutes. Keep them in your recipe rotation for post-holiday meals and casual entertaining alike.
PrintTurkey Cranberry Sliders
Savory, sweet, and cheesy, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the ultimate quick comfort food—perfect for using up holiday leftovers or serving as party appetizers, all ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 8 oz Swiss or mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
- Layer turkey evenly over the bottom buns.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Place cheese slices over the cranberry layer.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Dijon mustard and garlic powder.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and tops are golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Great use for Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers.
- Swap cheese type based on preference—brie and provolone also work well.
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet touch.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg