Go Back
Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These turkey cranberry sliders combine leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, Swiss cheese, Hawaiian sweet rolls, and a buttery mustard glaze in one 9x13 baking dish. You bake the sliders covered at 325°F for 15 minutes, then uncover them for 3 minutes to brown the tops. Make these turkey cranberry sliders for a holiday party, game day, or an easy thanksgiving leftovers slider recipe when you need a warm meal without extra work.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 197
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12-count)
  • 3 cups cooked turkey (diced sliced or pulled)
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Serrated knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with nonstick aluminum foil or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
    Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms, keeping the rolls connected as one large slab. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cut side facing up.
  3. Layer the Filling
    Arrange the turkey evenly over the bottom rolls, followed by the cranberry sauce and Swiss cheese. Spread the cranberry sauce across the filling so each slider gets a balanced amount. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, aligning it with the bottom layer.
  4. Prepare the Butter Glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and poppy seeds until well combined. Whisk just before pouring to redistribute the seasonings evenly.
  5. Coat the Sliders
    Pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface, making sure to coat the edges as well.
  6. Bake Covered
    Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Covering the sliders helps retain moisture while the cheese melts and the filling warms through.
  7. Bake Uncovered
    Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for another 3 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is melted. Watch closely during this final stage, as the sweet rolls can brown quickly.
  8. Serve Warm
    Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for about 2 minutes so the melted cheese can settle slightly. Separate the individual rolls and serve immediately while warm.

Recipe Notes

Cranberry BBQ Sauce Variation

For a flavorful twist, try replacing the plain cranberry sauce with homemade cranberry BBQ sauce. The sweet, tangy flavor pairs deliciously with the turkey and Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
  • ⅔ cup cranberry sauce
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
  1. Combine the cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble.
  3. Spoon the cranberry BBQ sauce over the turkey layer before adding the top rolls and baking as directed.

Poppy Seed Substitutions

If you don't have poppy seeds, simply leave them out of the butter mixture. Alternatively, use Everything Bagel seasoning for an extra savory flavor.