Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders – Savory, Sweet & Perfectly Comforting!

After the turkey has been carved, the pies have been sliced, and the guests have gone home, one delicious question remains: what do you do with all that leftover turkey? Enter Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders—the ultimate post-holiday comfort food.

These warm, buttery sliders bring together everything we love about Thanksgiving in one irresistible bite. Tender sliced turkey, tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and soft slider rolls are baked together under a brushed-on buttery topping that turns golden and fragrant in the oven. The result is a savory-sweet, crowd-pleasing dish that feels cozy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Perfect for the day after Thanksgiving, casual gatherings, game day, or an easy family dinner, these sliders transform leftovers into something exciting. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

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Why These Turkey Cranberry Sliders Work So Well

This recipe succeeds because it layers complementary flavors and textures:

• Savory turkey provides hearty protein
• Cranberry sauce adds brightness and sweetness
• Melted cheese ties everything together
• Buttery slider tops create a crisp, golden finish

Every bite is nostalgic, comforting, and perfectly balanced—never dry, never boring.

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A New Life for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers are a gift, but repeating the same plate over and over can get old fast. These sliders reimagine classic holiday flavors in a format that feels fresh and fun while still honoring tradition.

They’re also incredibly forgiving. Use what you have on hand, swap cheeses, or add extra fillings—it all works beautifully.

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Ingredients

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian or dinner rolls)
• 2 ½ cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
• ¾ cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
• 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary

Simple ingredients, big leftover magic.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Rolls
   Slice slider rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls. Place bottom halves in the baking dish.
3. Layer the Fillings
   Evenly layer turkey over the rolls, followed by cranberry sauce and cheese slices.
4. Add the Tops
   Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling.
5. Make the Butter Topping
   In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
6. Brush and Bake
   Brush butter mixture generously over the rolls. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and melty.
7. Serve
   Let cool slightly, slice into sliders, and serve warm.

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Tips for the Best Turkey Sliders

• Warm the turkey slightly: Prevents dryness
• Don’t overfill: Keeps sliders neat and easy to serve
• Cover first, then uncover: Ensures melty cheese without burning
• Use soft rolls: They soak up butter beautifully

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Easy Variations

Make these sliders your own:

• Stuffing Sliders: Add leftover stuffing for extra holiday flavor
• Brie & Cranberry Sliders: Swap cheese for brie
• Gravy Drizzle: Add warm gravy before serving
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of horseradish or chili flakes
• Ham Swap: Use leftover ham instead of turkey

Each variation keeps the comforting core intact.

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What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders pair perfectly with:

• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Potato chips or fries
• Soup for a cozy combo
• Pickles or slaw for contrast

They’re satisfying enough to stand alone but easy to round out into a full meal.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 6 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheating: Warm in oven for best texture

They reheat beautifully without drying out.

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Comfort Food with Holiday Soul

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders capture everything we love about the holiday—warmth, generosity, and comfort—while giving leftovers a fresh new purpose. They’re familiar, cozy, and endlessly shareable.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best way to use up leftover turkey, this recipe is it. Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are savory, sweet, buttery, and deeply comforting—everything a post-holiday meal should be.

One bite, and leftovers suddenly feel like a treat.