These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering snack or easy meal. With tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy Dijon-mayo spread, and gooey melted cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls, they’re an irresistible combination of savory and sweet. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A fantastic way to use leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.
Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
Great for feeding a crowd at parties or potlucks.
Can be customized with different cheeses and sauces.
Kid-friendly yet elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 package of Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
500 g leftover turkey or deli turkey slices
½ cup cranberry sauce
1 cup grated white cheddar cheese or 6–8 slices Havarti cheese
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
3 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon Everything But the Bagel seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
Mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl, then spread evenly on the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Layer the turkey over the spread, followed by cranberry sauce and cheese.
Place the top layer of rolls back on.
Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 sliders (about 6 people if served as a main dish, more as an appetizer)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap turkey for chicken, ham, or roast beef.
Use Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella instead of cheddar or Havarti.
Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Try a honey mustard spread instead of Dijon for a sweeter twist.
Use seeded dinner rolls or brioche if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving, as the rolls can become soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze turkey sliders?

Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F until hot.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely, chicken works just as well in this recipe.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, or provolone all melt beautifully and pair well with cranberry sauce.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

It’s best to use cranberry sauce since it adds sweetness and moisture, but you can make a quick fresh cranberry compote as an alternative.

How do I prevent soggy sliders?

Make sure not to overload with too much cranberry sauce, and bake uncovered for the last few minutes to crisp the rolls.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or sheet pan.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft dinner rolls, slider buns, or brioche will work.

Can I make these without mayo?

Yes, you can skip the mayo or replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Are these good for parties?

They’re perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings since they’re easy to serve and share.

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey and turn it into something exciting and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients, you get the perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and cheesy in every bite. Whether for a holiday gathering or a quick family dinner, these sliders will quickly become a favorite.