Dinner

Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

ByElara Stone December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Introduction

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful and easy-to-make snack or meal, perfect for using up leftover turkey. These warm, cheesy sandwiches combine savory turkey with sweet cranberry sauce on soft dinner rolls, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

A white rectangular baking dish holds twelve small square sandwiches arranged in a neat grid, each sandwich featuring a golden-brown, slightly shiny top bun speckled with black poppy seeds and tiny green parsley bits. The sandwiches have three visible layers: the soft, toasted top bun in light golden color with a chewy texture, a middle filling of bright red cranberry sauce that looks thick and slightly chunky, and a bottom layer of melted pale yellow cheese with a smooth texture, all enclosed by a lightly browned bottom bun. Two sandwiches are slightly pulled apart showing the vivid red cranberry layer and melted cheese inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by fresh green parsley leaves, a bowl of cranberry sauce with a spoon, a plate of sliced cooked turkey breast, and a plate of pale yellow cheese slices. A woman's hand is pulling one sandwich in the baking dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 12-count package King’s Hawaiian Rolls (or homemade dinner rolls)
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 ounces sliced leftover turkey
6 slices Havarti cheese
½ cup cranberry sauce
¼ cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Carefully slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Spread mayonnaise evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls, then layer the sliced turkey on top.
Step 4: Cut each slice of Havarti cheese into four squares, placing two squares over each sandwich.
Step 5: Spread cranberry sauce over the cheese layer, then cover each with the top half of the rolls.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
Step 7: Spoon the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly browned.
Step 10: Serve the sliders hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover roasted turkey breast for best flavor and tenderness.
Substitute Havarti with Swiss or provolone cheese if preferred.
Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or arugula inside for a slight peppery crunch.
For a spicy kick, mix a little hot sauce into the mayonnaise spread.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through to preserve the soft texture and melty cheese. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking and then baked directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

How to Serve

The image shows a small stack of three thick sandwich squares on a white patterned plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are golden, fluffy bread rolls sprinkled with black poppy seeds and small bits of green herbs; the middle section has thin slices of light brown turkey meat, a generous layer of smooth melted white cheese beneath, and a bright, rich red cranberry sauce sitting above the turkey. In the background, slightly blurred, there is a white baking dish filled with more of the same sandwich squares, and on the left side, a clear bowl of dark red cranberry sauce near a few sprigs of fresh green parsley. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns you prefer. Just note that different breads may alter the overall texture and sweetness of the sliders.

Is it necessary to cover the sliders with foil while baking?

Covering with foil helps the sliders heat evenly and prevents the tops from browning too quickly. Removing the foil near the end allows the rolls to crisp and the cheese to melt beautifully.