Turkey Cranberry Sliders: Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe
These turkey cranberry sliders are a quick and delicious way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a crowd-pleasing snack or meal. Savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese are layered between soft slider buns and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 soft dinner rolls or slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 2 to 2.5 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (or about 1.5 cups shredded cheese)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: leftover stuffing, mayonnaise or Dijon mustard, thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. Place bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread turkey evenly over the buns. If turkey is dry, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
- Layer Swiss cheese slices over the cranberry sauce.
- Place top halves of buns over the fillings and press down gently.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush butter glaze over the tops of the buns.
- Cover dish lightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let sliders cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve using a spatula or tongs.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and butter. Assemble sliders ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil. For crispier bottoms, bake uncovered for last 5 minutes. Add leftover stuffing or gravy for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: turkey cranberry sliders, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy sliders, holiday appetizer, party food, comfort food, leftover turkey recipe