Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Transform your leftover turkey into something extraordinary with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders. They’re sweet, savory, cheesy, and easy to make.

Looking for ways to use up Thanksgiving leftovers or a cost-effective protein any time of the year? This is a delicious, quick go-to meal.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Let’s be honest: turkey sometimes gets the shaft throughout the year. Cooking a whole turkey and freezing in meal-size portions for your family can stretch your grocery budget while providing quick, delicious meals during busy times. This is a meat that is easy to portion and freeze for recipes just like this one.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 12-count package of Kings Hawaiian Rolls; dealers choice on flavor, most people choose the original sweet rolls, but my family prefers the savory butter for this recipe.
• 1 ¹/₂-2 cups cooked turkey; shredded or sliced leftover turkey works best, but deli turkey is an acceptable substitute.
• 6 slices Havarti cheese; you can substitute Swiss or Mozzarella cheese.
• 1 cup cranberry sauce; use jellied, whole berry, purchased, homemade. We love using Cranberry Celebration from the deli section at Kroger.
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

1. Prep Your Oven and Dish
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray with non-stick spray or line a 9×13 baking dish for easy clean-up.
2. Slice the Rolls
   Keep the Hawaiian rolls attached as a single block and slice them horizontally into two layers (tops and bottoms). Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
   
3. Add Turkey
   Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced turkey on the bottom layer of rolls.
   
4. Spread Cranberry Sauce
   Generously spread your choice of cranberry sauce over the turkey evenly.
   
5. Top with Cheese
   Lay slices of Havarti cheese over the cranberry sauce so this it covers all the sandwiches.
   
6. Place the Top Layer of Rolls on
   Carefully place the top half of the rolls onto the sandwiches.
7. Butter Topping
   In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Dijon mustard. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the rolls evenly and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
   
8. Bake
   Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the tops of your sandwiches from over-browning. First, bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes, and slice the sandwiches along the individual roll lines. Serve warm!

FAQ’s

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and brush with the butter topping, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill from the fridge.

What can I serve with my sliders to complete the meal?

These sliders pair well with a crisp green salad or sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal. For something warm consider a creamy soup, like my Moms Potato Soup, get all the flavors of that Thanksgiving dinner in an easy to make lighter meal!

How do we reheat leftovers?

If you end up with leftovers, reheat the sliders in the oven at 350^o for about 10 minutes. Cover them with foil to keep the rolls soft while reheating.

Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?

Honestly, cranberry sauce isn’t for everyone, so switching it out might be better. Try apricot jam or raspberry preserves. Using something your family likes makes this your own unique recipe.

Can I freeze these as a meal prep option?

Yes! Assemble the sliders (without baking), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Turkey is often more affordable than other proteins, especially when purchased whole during sales. To maximize its value, cook a whole turkey and portion it into meal-sized serving for the freezer. Wrap the turkey tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date and store it for up to three months.

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are more than just a recipe- they’re a way to make the most of your leftovers while serving a different take on the same meal.

Try this recipe for:

• Post-holiday meals and get-togethers: A fresh way to enjoy that Thanksgiving turkey without feeling like you are eating the same meal over and over.
• Quick weeknight dinners: Minimal prep and cooking time make these a time saver on busy weeknights.
• Potlucks and Parties: Bite-sized and easy to eat, this recipe doubles and triples quickly for a crowd and sharing.