Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders — Easy Leftover Turkey Recipes for Holiday Comfort

I have a soft spot for these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders. The first time I made them was the day after a boisterous family Thanksgiving when the table still smelled like roasted herbs and pumpkin pie. Instead of letting the turkey and cranberry sauce sit in the fridge, I tucked them into soft slider buns with a swipe of tangy mayo-Dijon and melted cheese. In ten minutes, the leftovers became a warm, comforting meal that felt both nostalgic and fresh. These sliders are the kind of small, joyful bites that make leftovers feel like a celebration all over again — and they nod to a long cultural tradition of reinventing Thanksgiving remnants into new, delicious meals.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is perfect for busy parents, holiday hosts looking to repurpose leftovers, college students, and anyone who loves quick, comforting finger food.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish combines 2 cups cooked turkey, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, whole berry cranberry sauce, melty Swiss or provolone cheese, and buttery, seasoned slider tops — producing sweet-savory sliders that are fast, economical, and crowd-pleasing.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools (you will need)

• 9×13-inch baking dish — for assembling and baking the sliders.
• Small mixing bowls — for preparing the mayo-Dijon and butter glaze.
• Pastry brush or spoon — to spread sauces and brush the butter.
• Sharp knife — to slice and separate the sliders after baking.
• Cutting board — for preparing rolls and turkey.
• Aluminum foil — to cover the dish while baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accurate seasoning.

Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced — lean protein and a delicious way to use leftovers.
• 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved — adds creamy, melty richness and helps bind flavors.
• 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns — soft, slightly sweet base that holds the fillings.
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce — provides bright, fruity sweetness and classic Thanksgiving flavor.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise — adds creaminess and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard — brings tang and depth to balance sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted — promotes golden, flavorful tops and crisp edges.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, optional — adds visual contrast and a subtle nutty crunch.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional — fresh herb brightness and color.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — savory warmth without the raw bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder — enhances savory, rounded flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached so they form a single sheet of tops and bottoms.
3. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
5. Distribute 2 cups of cooked turkey evenly over the prepared buns.
6. Spoon 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading gently.
7. Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers.
8. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
9. In another small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (if using), and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (if using).
10. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls so they brown nicely while baking.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
13. Remove the dish from the oven and allow the sliders to cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders into individual servings.
14. Serve the sliders warm and enjoy.

FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and then follow steps 11–13, adding a few extra minutes to bake if still cool.

Q: What can I use instead of whole berry cranberry sauce?
A: You can use jellied cranberry sauce, a cranberry chutney, or a thin layer of cranberry jam. If you prefer less sweet, toss fresh cranberries with a little sugar and orange zest and simmer to create a quick compote.

Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Replace the turkey with roasted mushrooms, seasoned tempeh, or thinly sliced seitan and follow the same assembly for a tasty vegetarian slider.

Q: How can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Prepare the sliders up to step 10, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to serve, bake covered for 15 minutes and uncovered for 5–7 minutes until heated through and golden.

Tips & Tricks

• Use day-old rolls or lightly toast the cut sides before assembling if you want extra structure and less sogginess.
• Warm the cranberry sauce slightly before spreading if it’s very firm; it will spread more evenly over the turkey.
• If you prefer extra crisp tops, remove the foil for the last 8–10 minutes and switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Slice cleanly with a large serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion to keep sliders intact.

Conclusion

If you want additional inspiration or variations, check out similar takes like Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe, the creative spin at Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating, or another easy version at Turkey Sliders – Yellow Bliss Road.

Enjoy these sliders with friends and family — and don’t forget to share your leftover magic! Always add

tag after Directions.