Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders

If you are staring down a fridge packed with Thanksgiving leftovers these turkey cranberry sliders are a brilliant solution They turn bits of turkey and cranberry sauce into something new and partyworthy making them perfect for lowkey entertaining or an easy weeknight meal when you are tired of big plates of leftovers

Last year everyone polished these off before I could blink I made them during a cozy Thanksgiving weekend and now my family insists on a tray every year

Ingredients

• Cooked turkey: This is the main event Use either light or dark meat Shred or slice but aim for bitesized pieces so the sliders hold together well
• Swiss or provolone cheese: Adds richness and helps everything meld when melted Look for a cheese with good melting qualities
• Slider rolls or mini brioche buns: The soft texture soaks up the sauce Choose fresh rolls that will not crumble
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Gives a sweet tart punch Opt for whole berry for texture storebought or homemade
• Mayonnaise: Helps keep the filling moist Use goodquality mayo for the richest flavor
• Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle zing and depth to the sauce Select a classic Dijon for best results
• Unsalted butter: For brushing the tops and making them shine Choose fresh butter for flavor
• Poppy seeds: Bonus for crunch and look Can skip if needed
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the topping Use flatleaf for best flavor
• Garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes Make sure it is fresh for best effect
• Onion powder: Rounds everything out Go for a finely milled variety

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Heat your oven to 350°F For easier cleanup lightly grease a 9x13inch baking dish

Prepare the Rolls:

With a serrated knife slice all the rolls in half horizontally Keep the bottom and top halves together so the sliders bake as a pullapart loaf Lay the bottom halves in your baking dish

Make the Spread:

Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth Slather this all over the cut side of the bottom rolls Make sure you get sauce across the entire surface so nothing is dry

Layer the Turkey and Cranberry:

Pile the turkey evenly over the sauced buns Distribute so every section has plenty of turkey Spoon cranberry sauce in dollops over the turkey Then gently spread it so you get some in every bite

Add the Cheese and Close:

Top the turkey and cranberry with slices of cheese overlapping a bit for even coverage Put the upper rolls on top gently pressing down so the filling stays together

Mix and Brush the Topping:

Combine melted butter garlic powder onion powder poppy seeds and chopped parsley in a bowl Mix until the seeds and seasonings are evenly distributed Brush generously over the tops of the rolls so the butter seeps into the bread

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil so the sliders warm through and the cheese melts Bake for about 15 minutes

Finish Baking:

Take off the foil and continue baking for five minutes more This lets the tops brown up and turn glossy

Serve:

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before using a sharp knife to cut between each one Serve warm while the cheese is stretchy and the tops are fragrant and soft

The best part for me is always the butterherb topping which smells incredible as it bakes I once caught my sister sneaking the rolls straight from the pan before they even hit the table and she still claims they are the best part of Thanksgiving leftovers

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before storing Keep sliders tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge They will stay fresh up to three days and reheat beautifully in the oven for ten minutes at 350°F If making ahead assemble everything but wait to brush with butter until just before baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotisserie chicken in place of turkey if that is what you have Brie or gouda work beautifully instead of swiss Try a different jam if you are out of cranberry but go for something tart Dinner rolls or Hawaiian buns work well instead of brioche

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad leftover stuffing or a bowl of fall soup Sprinkle a bit of extra parsley over the sliders right before serving If you like a spice kick add thinly sliced jalapeño before baking

Cultural Historical Context

Sliders have roots in American diner culture but this twist truly speaks to the Thanksgiving tradition of never letting leftovers go to waste It is the spirit of abundance turned practical turning one feast into several small celebrations after the big day

Seasonal Adaptations

Use leftover roast chicken for spring or summer sliders Substitute cherry preserves and roast pork for a winter party Add extra fresh herbs like sage or thyme if your holiday meal featured them

Success Stories

Friends often beg for the recipe after trying these last year I prepped four trays for our neighborhood gettogether and there was not a crumb left everyone loved the sweet savory combo They say it is the only leftover dish their kids ask for again and again

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the sliders right up to the butter topping layer Wrap the entire pan tightly and freeze Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual adding a couple extra minutes to account for the chill Make sure to use cheese and rolls that freeze well

These sliders turn leftovers into something everyone looks forward to Enjoy the cozy flavor and easy cleanup—they might just become your favorite postholiday tradition

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings a similar texture and flavor, making it a great substitute for turkey in these sliders.

→ What cheese works best for these sliders?

Swiss and provolone both melt smoothly and pair well with turkey and cranberry, but cheddar or mozzarella also create a delicious result.

→ How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Spread the mayo-mustard mixture all the way to the edges and avoid excess cranberry sauce to help keep the buns from getting soggy.

→ Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders and refrigerate covered. Add the butter topping and bake just before serving for the best texture.

→ Is it necessary to use poppy seeds and parsley on top?

No, both are optional, but they add extra flavor and a beautiful finished look to the slider tops.