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Cranberry Turkey Sliders (Festive, Flavor-Packed Leftovers)

ByFoodarshia

So you’ve got leftover turkey staring at you from the fridge, silently judging you every time you open the door? Same. Instead of pretending you’ll “totally make soup later,” turn it into these Cranberry Turkey Sliders — the festive, cheesy, buttery little sandwiches that taste like the holidays threw a party in your mouth. Best part? They take almost zero effort. We love that.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

These sliders are sweet, savory, melty, and absolutely irresistible. They’re the perfect way to repurpose leftovers without feeling like you’re eating leftovers. And honestly? It’s idiot-proof — even I didn’t mess it up. They’re great for holiday parties, game nights, or feeding the family when everyone is still recovering from the feast.

Course: Appetizer / Main
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 12 sliders
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Calories: ~260 per slider
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12-count)
  • 2–3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned — no judgment)
  • 8–10 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional but cute)
  • Fresh thyme (optional, for holiday flair)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line a baking dish.
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally — keep them attached like one giant sandwich.
  3. Place the bottom half in the dish and layer turkey evenly over the rolls.
  4. Spread cranberry sauce on top (a generous layer — live your truth).
  5. Add Swiss cheese slices to create that dreamy melty moment.
  6. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
  7. In a bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
  8. Brush the mixture all over the tops of the rolls — yes, all of it.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and melty.
  10. Slice, serve, and watch them disappear faster than your holiday patience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using cold turkey straight from the fridge: It won’t heat evenly. Let it warm slightly.
  • Not brushing generously with butter: The topping is everything. Don’t be shy.
  • Overbaking: These babies go from golden to burnt real quick.
  • Using dry turkey: Add an extra smear of cranberry sauce to fix it.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Swap Swiss for provolone, mozzarella, or white cheddar.
  • Add stuffing to the layers if you want true holiday chaos (IMO, delicious).
  • Use rotisserie chicken if turkey mysteriously “disappeared.”
  • Replace cranberry with raspberry jam for a sweeter twist.
  • Add sliced pickles for tangy balance — trust me, it slaps.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the butter topping. Add it right before baking.

Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely — ham + cranberry = underrated combo.

Can I make this without cranberry sauce?
You can, but then it’s just turkey sliders. Don’t skip the festive magic.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered at the end to crisp the tops.

Can I freeze these?
You can freeze assembled sliders before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

What if my turkey is dry?
Add extra cranberry sauce or a smear of mayo under the turkey layer.

Can I double the recipe for parties?
Yes — they scale perfectly and disappear just as fast.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the holiday leftover glow-up you didn’t know you needed. They’re buttery, melty, sweet, savory, and dangerously easy to inhale. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just avoiding another boring leftover plate, these sliders deliver every time. Now go transform that turkey into something magical — you’ve earned it!

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