Delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders

This turkey cranberry slider recipe transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into something extraordinary that everyone will crave long after the holiday has passed. The sweet Hawaiian rolls perfectly complement the savory turkey, while the cranberry sauce adds that perfect tangy sweetness that brings it all together.

I first made these sliders the day after Thanksgiving when we had family staying for the weekend. They disappeared so quickly that I now make a double batch and have turned this into our official Black Friday tradition.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 12 count provides the perfect sweet base for these savory sliders
• Diced turkey: leftover from your holiday meal gives these sliders their protein and flavor
• Cranberry sauce: adds a sweet tart flavor that perfectly complements the turkey
• Swiss cheese: melts beautifully and has a mild nutty flavor that works with the other ingredients
• Butter: creates a rich savory topping that seeps into the rolls
• Yellow mustard: adds a subtle tangy kick to balance the sweetness
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami depth and complexity
• Dried minced onion: provides flavor without the harsh bite of fresh onion
• Salt and pepper: season everything perfectly
• Parmesan cheese (optional): adds a salty finish to the tops
• Dried parsley (optional): gives a pop of color and fresh herb flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your sliders are assembled and ready to bake.

Prepare Your Pan:

Cover a 9x13 baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier later.

Slice The Rolls:

Remove the Hawaiian sweet rolls from the package keeping them connected in one piece. Using a large serrated knife, cut the entire slab horizontally through the middle to create a top and bottom portion.

Build The Base:

Place the bottom slab of rolls into your prepared baking pan. This creates the foundation for your sliders.

Layer The Fillings:

Start by spreading your diced turkey evenly across the bottom slab. Follow with an even layer of cranberry sauce warm it slightly in the microwave if it is too thick to spread. Top with overlapping slices of Swiss cheese to ensure every bite has cheesy goodness.

Complete The Assembly:

Place the top slab of rolls over the layered fillings, creating a giant sandwich that will be cut into individual sliders after baking.

Create The Butter Sauce:

Melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, salt and pepper until well combined. This sauce will infuse the rolls with incredible flavor as they bake.

Add The Sauce:

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the assembled rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. The rolls will absorb this flavorful sauce as they bake.

Allow To Soak:

Cover the pan with foil and let the sliders sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the butter sauce time to begin soaking into the rolls before baking.

Initial Baking:

Bake the covered sliders for 20 minutes. The foil prevents the tops from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt completely.

Final Baking:

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Finishing Touch:

If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Serve Warm:

Cut along the lines of the original rolls to create individual sliders and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Save

My family loves when I add a thin layer of leftover stuffing between the turkey and cranberry sauce. Something magical happens when all those Thanksgiving flavors come together between warm, buttery rolls. The first time I made these, my teenage son who normally avoids leftovers ate four in one sitting!

Make Ahead Tips

These sliders are perfect for meal prep and can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything up to the butter sauce step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pour the butter mixture over the top and allow 5 extra minutes of baking time since they'll be starting cold.

Variations For Every Palate

Don't limit yourself to just turkey and cranberry! Try using leftover ham with a honey mustard spread, or roast beef with horseradish sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a breakfast version, use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair beautifully with a simple green salad to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside leftover Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. They also make an excellent game day snack during post-Thanksgiving football games and can be cut into quarters for appetizer portions.

Storage And Reheating

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, wrap individual sliders in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This prevents the tops from burning while ensuring the centers warm through. You can also microwave them for 30 seconds but the rolls won't stay as crisp.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other meats besides turkey in these sliders?

Absolutely! While turkey creates that classic Thanksgiving flavor profile, you can substitute with ham, chicken, or even roast beef. Each meat will create a different flavor combination with the cranberry sauce, so feel free to experiment based on what you have available.

→ How can I prevent the bottom of my sliders from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy bottoms, you can lightly toast the bottom slab of rolls before assembling. Another technique is to create a barrier by spreading a thin layer of butter or mayo on the bottom rolls before adding the turkey. You could also reduce the amount of butter sauce poured over the top.

→ Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

→ What sides pair well with these turkey cranberry sliders?

These sliders pair beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a cup of soup. If serving as part of a spread, consider adding other finger foods like deviled eggs, vegetable platters, or chips with dip.

→ What's the best type of cranberry sauce to use?

Both homemade and canned cranberry sauce work well in this recipe. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds nice texture, while jellied cranberry sauce creates a smoother consistency. Cranberry relish with orange zest adds a citrusy brightness. Choose based on your preference for sweetness and texture.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze well. Assemble completely, then freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For best results, add the butter topping just before baking.