These baked sliders bring together tender turkey, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss or provolone cheese nestled in soft slider rolls or mini brioche buns. A creamy blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard adds depth and moistness beneath the layers. The tops are brushed generously with a buttery mix infused with garlic and onion powders, poppy seeds, and fresh parsley, then baked until golden and bubbly. Ideal as party snacks or quick bites, these sliders balance sweet and savory notes with a comforting, melty texture that’s easy to share.
Thanksgiving leftover turkey cranberry sliders turn your holiday extras into crowd-pleasing bites full of savory and tangy flavors. These sliders are perfect for parties or whenever you want a quick, satisfying snack with that festive touch. The combination of tender turkey, rich cheese, and bright cranberry sauce all nestled in soft rolls makes for a delightful treat that’s ready in just over half an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
Quick to make with prep and bake time under 40 minutes
Perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey in a new way
Everyone loves the mix of melty cheese and sweet cranberry sauce
I first made these sliders after Thanksgiving when I was overwhelmed with leftovers. They quickly became a family favorite, requested every time we had turkey hanging around.
Ingredients
Two cups cooked turkey shredded or sliced: use fresh leftovers for tenderness
Six slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese halved: these melt beautifully and provide a creamy texture
Twelve slider rolls or mini brioche buns: soft buns hold everything together without overpowering the flavors; brioche adds a subtle sweetness
Half a cup whole berry cranberry sauce: adds a festive and slightly tart punch
Half a cup mayonnaise: balances the tartness and adds richness
One tablespoon Dijon mustard: helps brighten the sauce mix with a touch of zing
Four tablespoons unsalted butter melted: for brushing to create a golden, flavorful crust
One tablespoon poppy seeds optional: adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal
One tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional: freshens the topping
Half a teaspoon garlic powder: infuses the buttery topping with subtle warmth
Half a teaspoon onion powder: deepens the savory notes
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Giving your oven time to reach the right temperature helps ensure even baking.
Prepare Rolls:
Slice your slider rolls horizontally but keep the buns connected at the edges so they form a solid base. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and arrange the bottom halves carefully inside.
Mix and Spread Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until combined. This sauce is a creamy, tangy base that complements the turkey and cranberry beautifully. Spread it evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Add Turkey and Cranberry:
Evenly distribute the turkey over the sauce-covered rolls. Then spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey to add bursts of sweet and tart flavor with every bite.
Add Cheese and Top Rolls:
Layer the halved slices of cheese over the cranberry sauce. Finally place the top halves of the rolls gently on the cheese to form neat sandwiches.
Prepare and Apply Topping:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. The butter and seasonings create a deliciously golden and fragrant crust.
Bake Covered, Then Uncovered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the turkey to heat through and the cheese to melt. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to brown the tops and crisp the edges.
Finish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and allow sliders to cool for a couple minutes. Use a sharp knife to carefully separate the individual sliders. Serve warm and enjoy their melty, savory goodness.
