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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders - Easy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Split the buns: Use a serrated knife to slice the buns horizontally as one slab. Keep the bottoms and tops intact to assemble easily.
  3. Mix the spread: In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Spread evenly over the cut side of the bottom buns.
  4. Layer the cheese: Lay half of the cheese slices over the bottom buns. Cover the surface corner to corner.
  5. Add the turkey: Arrange the turkey evenly over the cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If using stuffing, sprinkle it over the turkey.
  6. 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.
  7. Top with more cheese: Add the remaining cheese slices. This helps the sliders hold together when you pull them apart.
  8. Cap the sliders: Place the top bun slab over the filling.
  9. 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.
  10. Brush generously: Brush the butter mixture over the tops, letting it drip down the sides. Use all of it for maximum flavor.
  11. Bake covered: Tent loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
  12. Finish uncovered: Remove the foil and bake 5–7 more minutes until the tops are lightly golden and slightly crisp.
  13. 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.