Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Name: Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package Hawaiian slider rolls (12 rolls); 2-3 cups leftover turkey (8 to 10 slices); 2 cups cranberry sauce; 6-8 slices provolone cheese; ¼ cup butter; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Last weekend, after our big family Thanksgiving, I found myself in the same delicious dilemma I have every year: what to do with all that leftover turkey? Luckily, these Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders came to the rescue. Alex and Sarah both love these little sandwiches, and they’re perfect for a quick meal after a busy day. Plus, it's a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Here's something else I love: these sliders are super easy to prepare and a dream to clean up — essential after a chaotic holiday week! Speaking of easy recipes, you might want to check out my gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies. They’re a huge hit with my family, too!

Why you'll love this recipe

These sliders transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new, tasty meal that’s quick and kid-approved. They make use of simple ingredients you probably have on hand, and they're perfect whether you're in a hurry or simply want something cozy to enjoy together. We whip them up on lazy weekend afternoons or for a light dinner to complement our weeknight routines. Donald always appreciates how I manage to reinvent dishes to fit our busy city lifestyle.

Ingredients

1 package Hawaiian slider rolls (12 rolls)
2-3 cups leftover turkey (8 to 10 slices)
2 cups cranberry sauce
6-8 slices provolone cheese
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. If your kitchen is anything like mine—compact but cozy—you’ll appreciate this all gets done in one dish! Slice the sheet of slider rolls in half horizontally, but keep those yummy buns connected. Place the bottom half in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that you’ve already prepped with cooking spray.
Evenly layer your turkey over the bottom slider buns. I find it easiest to space the slices out so each bun gets a good piece.
On top of the turkey, lay the provolone cheese slices. For me, enough cheese is key, so don’t be shy here.
Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the cheese. This part adds a lovely tart sweetness that ties everything together.
Place the top half of the rolls over the cranberry layer. Now for the magic touch: in a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and poppy seeds. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the rolls.
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tops turn a lovely golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Recipe tips & variations

If you're missing Hawaiian rolls, don't sweat it—any soft dinner roll will work just fine. And while provolone is our go-to cheese, mozzarella or Swiss would also taste wonderful. Want to mix up the flavors a bit? Add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme to the butter glaze for a hint of herbal goodness. Another little trick I discovered: don't skip buttering the rolls—it keeps everything moist and prevents the tops from drying out.

Storage & reheating

Once baked, these sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re also perfect for freezing (save them for a snowy day emergency!). To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're in a pinch, microwaving will do the trick, though they might lose a bit of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make cranberry turkey sliders ahead of time and bake them later?

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders the night before, cover them, and store in the fridge. When you're ready, just bake as directed and enjoy.

What type of cheese works best for cranberry turkey sliders besides provolone?

Mozzarella and Swiss are fantastic alternatives because they melt well and complement the turkey and cranberry combination wonderfully.

How do I prevent the sliders from becoming too soggy when using cranberry sauce?

Be mindful of the amount of sauce you spread—less is more in this case. Also, make sure your leftovers are well-drained before layering them on the buns.

Can I freeze cranberry turkey sliders for later use?

Yes, they freeze remarkably well. Just prepare them completely before freezing, then reheat straight from the freezer when you're ready to eat.

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Enjoy transforming your leftovers into something special that your family will love. Remember, good food doesn't have to be complicated, and every meal is an opportunity to make memories together!