Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders with Cranberry Sauce: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Bite

by
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Chef Josie

If you’ve ever stared at your fridge the day after Thanksgiving wondering what to do with all those leftovers, this recipe is your answer. These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders with Cranberry Sauce are the perfect way to turn turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce into something irresistible. Layered on soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls and baked until warm and melty, these sliders hit that sweet, salty, and tangy trifecta that no one can resist.

The first time I made these, they disappeared before I even sat down. The cranberry adds brightness, the turkey brings that familiar roasted comfort, and the melted cheese pulls everything together in gooey perfection. The buttery poppy seed glaze on top? That’s the secret that makes them unforgettable.

Close-up of Thanksgiving leftover slider with turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on a buttery brioche roll.
Close-up of Thanksgiving leftover slider with turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on a buttery brioche roll.

Click to Access the Table of Contents:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders take your post-holiday feast to the next level — stacked with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss cheese on buttery rolls baked to golden perfection.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders with Cranberry Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef Josie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Sweet, savory, and cheesy sliders made with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on Hawaiian rolls; baked to golden perfection.

Learn More  Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad: A Bright, Festive Side Dish for the Holidays

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls

  • 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, sliced or shredded

  • ½ cup cranberry sauce

  • 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese

  • 4 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp poppy seeds

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Slice rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
  3. Spread cranberry sauce on the bottom half, layer turkey and cheese, then place the top half of rolls on.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and garlic powder. Brush over rolls.
  5. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–7 minutes until golden and melty.
  6. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

Notes

Use leftover ham or chicken if desired.

Make ahead: assemble, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

Try brie or provolone for a creamier, richer flavor.

Add a spoonful of gravy inside for an extra-savory touch.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280 kcal per slider

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Follow us at @RecipesByJosie for more delicious recipes!

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

  • Perfect for Leftovers: Uses up your holiday turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, brunch, or lazy post-holiday dinners.
  • Sweet & Savory: A perfect balance of flavors and textures.
  • Customizable: Swap in ham, stuffing, or even mashed potatoes for fun twists.

Ingredient Breakdown

  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that bake perfectly golden.
  • Leftover Turkey: Sliced or shredded, the star of the sliders.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart sweetness that balances the richness.
  • Cheese: Swiss, provolone, or cheddar, anything that melts beautifully.
  • Butter: For brushing over the tops to create a glossy, golden finish.
  • Poppy Seeds: For that classic slider topping.
  • Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: Bring depth to the buttery glaze.

Substitutions:

  • Use leftover ham or chicken if you’re out of turkey.
  • Try brie or gouda for a more gourmet touch.
  • Swap cranberry sauce for a spoonful of leftover gravy if you prefer savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Slice Rolls: Without separating them, cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
  3. Layer: Spread cranberry sauce on the bottom half. Add turkey slices, then cheese. Top with the other half of the rolls.
  4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and a pinch of garlic powder.
  5. Brush & Bake: Pour or brush the glaze over the rolls. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–7 more minutes until golden and melty.
  6. Serve Warm: Slice and enjoy immediately.
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders are layered with juicy turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese — all baked inside soft, buttery rolls brushed with
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders are layered with juicy turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and melty cheese; all baked inside soft, buttery rolls brushed with

Notes and Top Tips

  • Use soft Hawaiian rolls for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip the glaze; it adds incredible flavor and keeps the tops golden.
  • For crispier bottoms, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  • You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

  • Serve with a side salad or leftover stuffing for a full meal.
  • Add a slice of ham or bacon for a smoky twist.
  • Make them on puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a flaky version.
  • Add a touch of leftover gravy between the turkey and cheese for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until cheese is melted again.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in foil.
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders take your post-holiday feast to the next level — stacked with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss cheese on buttery rolls baked to golden perfection.
These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders take your post-holiday feast to the next level; stacked with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss cheese on buttery rolls baked to golden perfection.

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders with Cranberry Sauce are everything we love about the holiday meal, but easier to grab, gooier, and even more satisfying. Perfect for game day snacking, brunch, or lazy Sunday lunches, they turn your leftovers into something that feels totally new.

Make them once, and you’ll start buying extra rolls just to have an excuse to make these again. Try them out and share how you layered yours. Did you go extra cheesy, or sneak in some stuffing? I’d love to hear your version!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover ham instead of turkey?
Absolutely. These sliders work beautifully with any leftover holiday meat; turkey, ham, or even roast chicken.

2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Brush with butter glaze just before baking.

3. What kind of cheese melts best?
Swiss and provolone give a smooth, mild melt, while cheddar adds sharpness. Choose your favorite.

4. How can I make them more savory?
Add a thin layer of gravy or caramelized onions under the turkey for a richer flavor.

For more delicious recipes follow me on :

Medium: @RecipesByJosie

Instagram: @RecipesByJosie

Pinterest: @RecipesByJosie

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star