Hawaiian rolls, leftover Thanksgiving turkey, cranberry sauce, and provolone cheese come together in these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders. They are perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, offering a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that will impress your guests. These sliders are not only easy to prepare but also comforting and satisfying, making them an ideal choice for any occasion from family dinners to holiday parties.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sliders
- For the Glaze
- How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
- Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Step 4: Add Glaze and Seasoning
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Casual Family Dinner
- Holiday Parties
- Game Day Snacks
- Lunch Box Treats
- How to Perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Best Side Dishes for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Reheating Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
- Can I use leftover turkey?
- How do I customize my Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
- Are there any alternatives for the cheese?
- What sides pair well with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these sliders fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Great for Leftovers: Utilize leftover turkey from your holiday meals without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Crowd Pleaser: These sliders are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools ready can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired golden brown finish on your sliders.
- Pastry brush: This tool is essential for applying the glaze evenly over the rolls, enhancing flavor and presentation.

Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
For the Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded turkey (12 ounces)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 ounces provolone cheese (6 slices)
For the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. This sets the stage for perfectly melted cheese and golden-brown tops on your sliders.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and dijon mustard until combined. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Cut the sweet Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer the shredded turkey evenly over the bottom of each roll.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey in an even layer.
- Top with sliced provolone cheese.
Step 4: Add Glaze and Seasoning
- Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the glaze over the top and sides of each roll.
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders!
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these sliders are sure to impress your guests.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve with simple side salads for a light meal.
- Include chips or veggie sticks for a fun finger-food experience.
Holiday Parties
- Present on a large platter for easy serving and sharing.
- Add decorative toothpicks to each slider for an elegant touch.
Game Day Snacks
- Pair with your favorite dips, like ranch or guacamole.
- Offer a variety of beverages, such as sparkling water or fruit juices, to complement the flavors.
Lunch Box Treats
- Cut into smaller pieces for kid-friendly portions.
- Pack alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.
How to Perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Making the best Turkey Cranberry Sliders requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rolls and quality cheese will greatly enhance the flavor of your sliders.
- Layer Carefully: Make sure each layer is evenly spread to ensure every bite has a mix of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
- Don’t Rush Baking: Allow enough time in the oven for the cheese to melt and the tops to become golden brown, ensuring perfect texture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for varied flavors and textures.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Pairing side dishes with Turkey Cranberry Sliders can create a well-rounded meal that delights everyone. Here are some great options:
- Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing adds crunch and color.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet fries offer a delicious contrast to the savory sliders; bake them for healthier prep.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the sliders; make it tangy with vinegar.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add great flavor; toss with olive oil and herbs before baking.
- Homemade Potato Chips: Thinly sliced potatoes baked until crispy give a satisfying crunch; season them lightly with salt.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers sweetness and freshness; use citrus juice as a light dressing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing your Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Glaze: Not using the glaze can lead to dry sliders. Make sure to brush it generously for added moisture and flavor.
- Overstuffing the Rolls: Adding too much turkey or sauce can make the sliders messy. Aim for an even layer to ensure they hold together while baking.
- Neglecting Cheese: Forgetting the cheese can result in a less satisfying taste. Always layer cheese on top of the cranberry sauce for that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your oven to 350˚F before placing the sliders inside.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Overbaking can lead to tough rolls. Keep an eye on them, and remove them once they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep sliders fresh.
Freezing Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350˚F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are delicious sandwiches made with Hawaiian rolls, shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese, perfect for parties or quick dinners.
Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes! Leftover turkey from holiday meals works perfectly in these sliders, making them a great way to reduce food waste.
How do I customize my Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach or different cheeses for added flavor and nutrition.
Are there any alternatives for the cheese?
If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can substitute vegan cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version of Turkey Cranberry Sliders.
What sides pair well with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
These sliders go well with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients based on your preference. Whether it’s for dinner or a festive gathering, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 sliders 1x
Description
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the delicious flavors of leftover turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for casual dinners, holiday gatherings, or game day snacks, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. The combination of sweet and savory ensures that each bite is satisfying and flavorful. With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded turkey (approximately 12 ounces)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 ounces provolone cheese (6 slices)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, and dijon mustard; set aside.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer shredded turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by cranberry sauce and slices of provolone cheese.
- Place the top halves back on the rolls and brush with the glaze mixture. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





