Turkey Cranberry Sliders

When the holidays roll around, I find myself craving dishes that are cozy, fun, and just a little playful to share with friends and family. One of my absolute favorites to make is turkey cranberry sliders. They’re bite-sized, packed with flavor, and perfect for serving at a holiday party—or sneaking a few before anyone notices. These little sandwiches are like a festive twist on a classic turkey cranberry sandwich, but in slider form that’s way more fun to eat.

The beauty of these turkey sliders is how versatile they are. You can make them fresh for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, and they work beautifully as appetizers with turkey from a roast or even leftover turkey from your fridge. There’s something about the soft Hawaiian rolls hugging a juicy slice of turkey, a dollop of cranberry sauce, and a touch of melted cheese that just hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

I love making these simple Thanksgiving food recipes because they’re quick to throw together but feel so special. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a tray full of Thanksgiving Hawaiian roll sliders that look like they took hours to prepare. And the best part? They taste even better the next day, which makes them ideal for leftover turkey cranberry sliders if you have any turkey lingering after the big feast.

These sliders also double as Christmas appetizers or a festive snack any time you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re perfect for buffet tables, cozy nights in with family, or even a holiday potluck where everyone will be asking for the recipe. Honestly, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every year—and maybe even outside of the holidays too.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 12 soft Hawaiian rolls
• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh arugula or spinach
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Dijon mustard or mayonnaise

Ingredient Notes

• I always use soft Hawaiian rolls—they’re sweet, pillowy, and make these sliders feel extra festive.
• Don’t skip the cranberry sauce! It’s the star that brings the holiday flavor and a little zing to every bite.
• Provolone or Swiss cheese melts beautifully and balances the sweet cranberry with creamy goodness.
• Butter with garlic powder and thyme brushed on top gives the sliders that golden, aromatic finish—it makes them irresistible.
• If you have leftover turkey, go for it! Shredded or sliced works perfectly, and it makes these leftover turkey cranberry sliders even easier to assemble.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (9×13-inch) – Perfect for holding all the sliders together while baking; I love using a glass one so you can see the golden tops.
• Small bowl – For mixing butter, garlic powder, and thyme; makes brushing easy.
• Pastry brush – To coat the tops of the rolls evenly with butter (a silicone brush is my favorite).
• Knife – For slicing rolls and turkey if needed; a serrated knife works best for clean cuts.
• Cutting board – Keeps everything organized and makes slicing simple.
• Aluminum foil – Optional, for covering sliders while baking so they stay soft and melty.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together as a whole sheet if possible—this makes assembly much easier.
  Pro tip: Leaving the rolls in one piece while layering keeps your sliders neat and prevents the turkey from falling out.

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Step 2: Layer the Turkey

• Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls in your prepared baking dish.
• Evenly distribute the turkey over the bottom layer.
• If you have leftover turkey, shredded works perfectly; sliced turkey is great too.
  Pro tip: Press down gently on the turkey to make sure it’s snug between the rolls, so every bite has turkey in it.

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Step 3: Add Cheese and Cranberry Sauce

• Lay slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the turkey. You can overlap slightly to cover the entire layer.
• Spoon cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese.
  Pro tip: Don’t overload the cranberry sauce—it should complement the turkey, not make the rolls soggy.

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Step 4: Top and Butter

• Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered turkey, cheese, and cranberry.
• In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and thyme.
• Use a pastry brush to coat the top of the rolls with the butter mixture.
  Pro tip: Brushing the butter evenly ensures a golden, flavorful top and makes the sliders smell irresistible as they bake.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden

• Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
• Let the sliders cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing into individual portions.
  Pro tip: Give the sliders a short rest after baking; it helps the layers set, so they don’t fall apart when you cut them.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t skip the butter brush – That garlic-thyme butter on top makes a huge difference in flavor and presentation.
• Keep the rolls together – Slicing them as a full sheet rather than individually helps keep everything neat.
• Use room temperature turkey – It melts better with the cheese and avoids cooling down the sliders too much.
• Even layering is key – Spread turkey, cheese, and cranberry evenly so every bite tastes balanced.
• Serve warm – These sliders are best straight out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the rolls are soft.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese – Swap provolone or Swiss for cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
• Cranberry sauce – Homemade, store-bought, or even a spiced cranberry chutney works beautifully.
• Rolls – Hawaiian rolls are classic, but dinner rolls or slider buns are fine too.
• Turkey – Perfect for leftover turkey, rotisserie turkey, or even turkey breast slices from the deli.
• Add-ons – Try adding a layer of spinach, arugula, thinly sliced apples, or a smear of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
• Make it vegetarian – Use roasted vegetables or a plant-based turkey substitute for a meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these turkey cranberry sliders alongside a crisp green salad—it balances the richness perfectly and adds a fresh crunch.
• Pair them with sweet potato fries or roasted veggies for a heartier holiday appetizer spread.
• They make a fun addition to a holiday buffet table, perfect next to mini meatballs or deviled eggs for Christmas appetizers.
• Serve them with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or Dijon mustard on the side for dipping—it makes every bite extra festive.
• For casual snacking, I enjoy having them with a warm cup of soup, like butternut squash or creamy tomato, for a cozy winter treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate – Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat in oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave option – Heat single servings for 30–60 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel to keep rolls soft.
• Pro tip – Reheat covered with foil for the first few minutes to keep the tops from drying out while the cheese melts perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and cover them until you’re ready to bake. They’re great for holiday prep.

Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes! Leftover turkey works perfectly for these sliders, making them a delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.

Can I freeze the sliders?

Definitely. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make them vegetarian?

For a meat-free version, try roasted vegetables, a turkey substitute, or even hearty mushrooms instead of turkey—it’s just as tasty.

What cheese works best?

Provolone or Swiss is classic, but cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack are all great options depending on your flavor preference.

How do I keep the rolls soft when reheating?

Cover the sliders with foil while reheating in the oven, or place a damp paper towel over them in the microwave to keep them soft and melty.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—I love hearing your twists and holiday serving ideas!