Description
These Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Sliders are a quick and delicious way to transform holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Featuring tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss or cheddar cheese on soft slider buns, these baked sliders are topped with a flavorful butter mixture that creates a golden, crispy finish. Perfect for a festive gathering or easy weeknight dinner, this recipe serves 12 and takes just 28 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider buns
- 2–3 cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded
- ½–¾ cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
Butter Mixture
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sliders: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish. Layer each bun with sliced or shredded turkey, then add a dollop of cranberry sauce over the turkey. Next, place a slice of cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. Finish by covering each with the top halves of the buns.
- Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds if you are using them. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the top buns to ensure a golden, crispy finish during baking.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil to allow the cheese to melt evenly. Bake for 10 minutes while covered. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the tops are shiny and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the layers set and keep intact when cut. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can use either Swiss or cheddar cheese based on your preference.
- Shredded turkey works well for even layering and easy eating.
- Optional poppy seeds add a nice texture and appearance but can be omitted.
- Make sure not to skip the resting step so sliders hold their shape when served.
- These sliders reheat well in the oven for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: leftover turkey recipe, cranberry sliders, holiday leftovers, easy slider recipe, baked sliders, turkey sliders
