Turkey cranberry sliders are the ultimate way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors in a warm, cheesy, bite-sized package. These mini sandwiches are layered with savory turkey, melty provolone, crisp arugula, and a sweet-tart cranberry spread—all tucked into soft King’s Hawaiian rolls.
Whether you’re using deli turkey or leftovers, these turkey sliders with cranberry sauce bring cozy, festive vibes to every bite. They’re perfect for busy moms looking for an easy holiday appetizer, a post-Thanksgiving snack, or a quick turkey leftover sliders recipe that feels just as comforting as the main feast.
Ingredients for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- 12-count King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls
- 1 lb deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey meat
- 12 slices of provolone cheese
- 1 cup arugula leaves
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a bread knife to slice the buns in half horizontally.
Place the bottom half of the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Add layers of turkey slices in an even layer.
Top with a layer of provolone cheese.
Add a layer of arugula leaves.
Spread cranberry sauce on top.
Put the tops of the buns on.
In a small bowl, combine the butter slices, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Microwave for 10 seconds, until melted. Stir to combine.
Brush the melted butter mixture evenly on the top of the rolls.
Tent with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the buns are golden brown.
Remove the cranberry turkey sliders from the oven. Cool briefly before slicing.
Serve warm while the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
- Use Same-Sized Rolls: They’ll cook evenly.
- Don’t Overload Layers: It keeps sliders easy to eat.
- Use Leftover Turkey: Slice or shred it thin to heat quickly.
- Brush the Glaze Twice: Before and after baking for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Game Day: Serve with pickles and mustard for dipping.
- Party Platter: Add chips, pickles, and veggies for a full spread.
- Holiday Appetizer: Pair with warm gravy for dipping.
- Casual Dinner: Serve with salad or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Kid-Friendly: Keep cranberries on the side for easy customizing.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Use Different Rolls: Swap King’s Hawaiian for brioche or regular yeast dinner rolls.
- Leftover Turkey Option: Use sliced or shredded leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of deli turkey meat.
- Switch the Meat: Try sliced ham, roast beef, or chicken for a fun twist.
- Change the Greens: Use baby spinach, mixed greens, or skip the leafy greens entirely.
- Play with Cheese: Go for Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or pepper jack—any favorite cheese you love works here.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
One Last Thing
If you’re looking for a great recipe to use up that leftover, these turkey cranberry sliders turn classic holiday flavors into a snack that’s easy to love.
The sweet-tart cranberry, melty cheese, and buttery toasted tops create a comforting combo that works for potlucks, leftovers, or a quick dinner. They’re simple to scale up, flexible with substitutions, and reliably crowd-pleasing.
Your Turn
If you make this turkey cranberry sliders recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked them by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!
More Finger Food Recipes to Try Next
Sweet and Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet or pan
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Basting brush
Ingredients
- 12 count King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls
- 1 lb deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey meat
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup arugula leaves
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a bread knife to slice the buns in half horizontally.12 count King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls
- Place the bottom half of the rolls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add layers of turkey slices in an even layer.1 lb deli sliced turkey or leftover turkey meat
- Top with a layer of provolone cheese.12 slices provolone cheese
- Add a layer of arugula leaves.1 cup arugula leaves
- Spread cranberry sauce on top.1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- Put the top of the buns on.
- In a small bowl, combime butter slices, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.3 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp dijon mustard, 2 tsp poppy seeds, 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Microwave for 10 seconds, until melted. Stir to combine.
- Brush the melted butter mixture evenly on the top of the rolls.
- Tent with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the buns are golden brown.
- Remove the cranberry turkey sliders from the oven. Cool briefly before slicing.
- Serve warm while the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Same-Sized Rolls: They’ll cook evenly.
- Don’t Overload Layers: It keeps sliders easy to eat.
- Use Leftover Turkey: Slice or shred it thin to heat quickly.
- Brush the Glaze Twice: Before and after baking for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Share Your Thoughts!
I love to know your thoughts, make sure to comment below to start a discussion! You can also follow me on your favorite social network below.