Turn those holiday leftovers into the best mini sandwiches you’ll look forward to all year. These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are warm, buttery, and perfectly balanced with savory turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese. They’re quick to assemble, great for a hungry crowd, and taste like a second round of Thanksgiving without all the work.

Serve them for lunch the day after, during a football game, or as a casual dinner everyone will devour.

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What Makes This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders So Good

Fast and fuss-free: Uses ready-to-go leftovers and bakery slider buns for minimal prep.
Balanced flavors: Savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese create a perfect bite.
Feeds a crowd: Baked as pull-apart sliders on a single sheet, ideal for family or guests.
Customizable: Add stuffing, gravy, or greens whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Great texture: Soft buns, melted cheese, and a buttery topping with a hint of spice and crunch.

Ingredients For Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
2 to 2 1/2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole-berry)
8–10 slices Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup prepared stuffing (optional, for layering)
1/2 cup turkey gravy (optional, for drizzling or dipping)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (optional): 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
Split the buns: Use a serrated knife to slice the buns horizontally as one slab. Keep the bottoms and tops intact to assemble easily.
Mix the spread: In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise.
Spread evenly over the cut side of the bottom buns.
Layer the cheese: Lay half of the cheese slices over the bottom buns. Cover the surface corner to corner.
Add the turkey: Arrange the turkey evenly over the cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
If using stuffing, sprinkle it over the turkey.
Cranberry layer: Spread the cranberry sauce in a thin, even layer over the turkey. If it’s very thick, loosen with a teaspoon of water so it spreads easily.
Top with more cheese: Add the remaining cheese slices. This helps the sliders hold together when you pull them apart.
Cap the sliders: Place the top bun slab over the filling.
Make the butter topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Brush generously: Brush the butter mixture over the tops, letting it drip down the sides.
Use all of it for maximum flavor.
Bake covered: Tent loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
Finish uncovered: Remove the foil and bake 5–7 more minutes until the tops are lightly golden and slightly crisp.
Slice and serve: Let rest 3–5 minutes. Cut along the bun lines and serve with warmed gravy on the side for dipping, if desired.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven, covered, for 10–12 minutes, then uncover 3–5 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap individual sliders tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 20–25 minutes, foil on, then 5 minutes uncovered.
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Brush with butter topping just before baking.

Why This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Good for You

Protein-packed: Turkey provides lean protein that keeps you full and energized.
Portion control built in: Sliders are naturally smaller, so it’s easier to enjoy just one or two.
Balanced flavors reduce overeating: The sweet-tart cranberry with savory turkey satisfies cravings without feeling heavy.
Better than waste: Using leftovers saves money and reduces food waste—good for you and the planet.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Soggy bottoms: If your cranberry sauce is very loose, spread a cheese layer on the buns first to create a barrier.
Toasting the bottom buns for 3 minutes also helps.
Dry turkey: If your turkey is lean or overcooked, drizzle a little warm gravy over it before adding cranberry sauce.
Overfilling: Too much stuffing or sauce makes the sliders slide apart. Keep layers even and moderate.
Burnt tops: Watch the final uncovered bake. If your oven runs hot, shorten the time or move the pan to a lower rack.

Recipe Variations

Stuffing crunch: Add a thin layer of stuffing and a few fried onions for texture.
Greens and sharp bite: Add baby arugula or spinach and switch to sharp white cheddar.
Sweet heat: Stir a teaspoon of hot honey or chipotle paste into the cranberry sauce.
Herby butter: Swap poppy seeds for everything bagel seasoning and add fresh chopped sage.
Gravy melt: Spread a very thin layer of thickened gravy under the turkey instead of mayo.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free slider buns and confirm your Worcestershire and gravy are GF.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese slices and plant-based butter.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?

Yes.

Rotisserie chicken works great and keeps the same flavors. Shred it and follow the recipe as written.

What cheese is best for these sliders?

Swiss is classic and melts beautifully. Provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar also work.

For more punch, try sharp white cheddar or Gruyère.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Add a cheese layer directly on the bottom buns, keep cranberry sauce to a thin spread, and bake uncovered at the end to crisp the tops. Toasting the bottom buns for a few minutes before assembling helps too.

Can I assemble these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate.

Brush with the butter mixture and bake just before serving.

Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?

No. Any soft slider bun works. Potato rolls or brioche slider buns are great alternatives and hold up well.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

Use a quick mix of raspberry jam and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

It gives a similar sweet-tart note.

How do I reheat without drying the turkey?

Reheat covered with foil at a lower temperature (300–325°F) to keep moisture in, then uncover briefly for texture. A small dish of water on the oven rack can help maintain humidity.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely. A few crisp bacon pieces add smoky crunch and pair nicely with the cranberry and turkey.

Is there a good vegetarian version?

Swap turkey for roasted mushrooms, sliced roasted sweet potatoes, or a plant-based deli slice.

Keep the cranberry and cheese, and add stuffing for heft.

Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are simple, comforting, and smart. They bring your holiday flavors back to life in a way that feels fresh, not repetitive. With a buttery top, gooey cheese, and that signature sweet-savory combo, they disappear fast.

Thanks for stopping by! Before you head to the kitchen, let’s make sure your table is full. I’m Chef Luna, and I highly recommend pairing this dish with my crowd-favorite Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs. And if you’re still finalizing your menu, check out these 5 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas that are guaranteed to win over your guests. Happy cooking!

Keep this recipe handy once you make them, they might become the best part of your Thanksgiving tradition.