Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry

There is no better way to give new life to Thanksgiving leftovers than by turning turkey and cranberry sauce into melty handheld sliders. This easy recipe makes for a crowd-pleasing lunch or casual gathering meal just a day or two after the big holiday feast. The sliders have a beautiful balance of sweet and savory along with buttery crispy tops that might just make them your most-requested leftover dish every year.

I baked a batch for my family the day after Thanksgiving and they disappeared in minutes. Now every year these little sandwiches are a favorite post-holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• Cooked turkey: juicy and flavorful leftovers are perfect here, slice or shred to your taste
• Swiss cheese or provolone: mild and creamy for great melt, go with good quality deli slices if possible
• Slider rolls or brioche buns: soft and slightly sweet, bakery fresh buns hold together best
• Cranberry sauce: whole berry kind adds tangy fruitiness, homemade or store-bought works fine
• Mayonnaise: gives moisture and rich flavor, choose a creamy full-fat version for best texture
• Dijon mustard: adds a touch of zing, use a traditional French-style Dijon for smooth heat
• Unsalted butter: lets you control the saltiness, melt it fully for even brushing
• Poppy seeds or fresh parsley: add crunch and color, both are optional but make beautiful tops
• Garlic powder and onion powder: boost the savory flavor, choose fresh or recently purchased spices for the brightest taste

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set aside, you want a nonstick surface for easy serving

Split and Arrange the Rolls:

Use a large serrated knife to carefully slice all the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls, then place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish

Mix and Spread Sauces:

In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until fully combined, spread this sauce mixture over the cut side of the bottom buns making sure each one gets coated for flavor and moisture

Add the Turkey Layer:

Spread turkey in an even layer over the sauced rolls, try to distribute meat evenly so every slider gets plenty

Spoon on Cranberry:

Gently dollop whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, use the back of a spoon to lightly spread it toward the edges so each bite gets both sweet and savory

Layer Cheese and Top Buns:

Place halved cheese slices over the turkey and cranberry layer, then top with the upper halves of buns, press gently to settle everything in place

Mix and Brush Topping:

Combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds and chopped parsley in a small bowl, stir well then brush generously over the tops of the rolls so every surface gets a bit of buttery flavor

Bake Covered and Then Uncovered:

Cover baking dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to heat through, then uncover and bake 5 minutes more until cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown

Cool and Serve:

Remove from oven and let sit just a couple of minutes for easier slicing, run a sharp knife between sliders to separate and serve them warm while cheese is still gooey

Swiss cheese is my favorite ingredient here because of how it melts into every nook and cranny and balances the sweet cranberry. My youngest son always asks for extra cheese on his sliders and watching his excitement is a Thanksgiving memory I look forward to every year.

Storage Tips

Once cooled store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat cover with foil and warm in a low oven until the cheese is melty again. The buns keep their structure best if you avoid microwaving. If you want to freeze make and bake as directed let cool completely then wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ham or roast chicken both work well if you are short on turkey. Use whatever cheese you love best cheddar mozzarella or pepper jack all melt beautifully. For sauces try spicy brown mustard or a spoonful of leftover gravy for an extra savory note. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls bring sweetness while potato buns keep things pillowy soft.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend pairing sliders with a crisp green salad or a cup of leftover holiday soup for a comforting meal. These sliders are also perfect handed out at holiday brunch with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. They work well as game day finger food since everyone can grab and go.

Cultural Historical Context

Turning leftovers into craveable new dishes is something of a Thanksgiving tradition in many families. Remaking turkey and cranberry into sliders is a modern invention that bridges holiday nostalgia and contemporary comfort food. Sharing these treats often brings everyone back to the table a second time to reminisce and savor the holiday weekend just a little longer.

Seasonal Adaptations

Turkey can be swapped for roast chicken if you have another bird on hand. Fresh rosemary or sage can be added to the butter topping for autumn flavor. Try a scoop of stuffing in the sliders for a truly Thanksgiving bite.

Success Stories

I first made these sliders years ago when my family had unexpected guests the day after Thanksgiving. They have turned into a requested classic that gets more popular each year. Leftovers rarely last long but when they do these sliders disappear even faster than the main event dinner.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze assemble and bake the sliders fully then cool them completely before wrapping tightly. When ready to serve thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a covered baking dish at 300 degrees. The flavor stays fresh and the buns stay soft. Great for planning ahead for busy December nights.

Nothing feels more festive than turning the best flavors of Thanksgiving into shareable new bites. These sliders save you time and make the most of every leftover in your fridge while giving family and friends a reason to gather around the table one more time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, Swiss or provolone are classic, but cheddar or mozzarella also work well for a melty texture and balanced flavor.

→ What’s the best bread for these sliders?

Brioche slider rolls offer a soft, buttery base, but Hawaiian rolls or mini dinner rolls are tasty alternatives.

→ Do I need to use whole berry cranberry sauce?

Whole berry adds texture, but smooth cranberry sauce or even leftover chutney can be used for sweetness.

→ How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the bottom rolls before assembly helps prevent sogginess, especially if preparing ahead of time.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate covered, then bake fresh before serving for best results.