Name: Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders (Easy Holiday Leftover Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 slider buns; 2–3 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded; ½–¾ cup cranberry sauce; 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese; 4 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These leftover turkey and cranberry sliders transform your holiday remnants into a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Combining tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on soft slider buns, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or casual gathering.

A white rectangular plate holds six small sandwiches arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a glossy golden-brown top bun sprinkled with black poppy seeds, slightly uneven in shape, with fresh green herbs scattered on top. Below the bun is a layer of pulled shredded chicken mixed with some deep red cranberry sauce that slightly oozes out from the sides. The bottom bun is soft and light golden, matching the top. On the side of the plate is a small white bowl filled with more dark red cranberry sauce, and a sprig of green herb lies next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 slider buns
2–3 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded

½–¾ cup cranberry sauce
6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese

4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.

Step 2: Layer each bun with sliced or shredded turkey, then add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top. Place a slice of Swiss or cheddar cheese over the cranberry sauce, and cover each with the top half of the buns.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds if using. Brush this butter mixture generously over the top buns to ensure a flavorful, crispy finish.
Step 4: Cover the baking dish with foil to allow the cheese to melt evenly. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 8 minutes, until the tops are shiny and golden brown.
Step 6: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the layers intact. Serve warm, optionally with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, add a thin spread of mayonnaise or herb cream cheese under the turkey.

Substitute turkey with leftover chicken or ham if preferred.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss or cheddar for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle a pinch of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, on top before baking for extra aroma.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep buns from getting soggy, avoid storing with cranberry sauce inside; keep it separate and add when serving.

How to Serve

The image shows six small sandwiches arranged in two rows on a long white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a glossy golden-brown top bun sprinkled with black poppy seeds. Below the top bun, there is a layer of shredded light brown pulled meat mixed with a deep red sauce, layered over a bottom white bun. Small fresh green herb sprigs, likely thyme, are scattered on and around the sandwiches for decoration. To the side, there is a small white bowl filled with the same deep red sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, but you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds for a similar texture and appearance.