Turkey Sliders

Posted Nov 22, 2024

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These delicious Turkey Sliders are the perfect way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey, cranberry sauce and cheddar cheese are baked together between sweet rolls smothered in a delicious homemade glaze.

These cranberry turkey sliders are an easy & delicious recipe to feed a crowd, or to repurpose holiday leftovers!

You can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey & homemade cranberry sauce, or buy deli turkey and jarred sauce to make these irresistible turkey and cheese sliders.

In this recipe, turkey, cranberry sauce and cheddar cheese are baked together inside of sweet rolls smothered in a buttery glaze.

a hand holding a cranberry Turkey Slider

Turkey Sliders: Ingredients & Substitutions

overhead photo of the ingredients in this Turkey Sliders recipe

Rolls. The most common buns used in this recipe are the Hawaiian sweet rolls. You can use homemade dinner rolls, or regular dinner rolls that are not sweet and this recipe will still taste amazing. I prefer the Whole Foods 365 Hawaiian rolls over the more popular brand.
Turkey. Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or buy deli turkey to make this recipe.
Cranberry Sauce. I suggest homemade cranberry sauce for the best results. Or you can buy jarred sauce.
Cheddar cheese. You can use any cheese you like such as Swiss, Colby Jack, gouda, etc.
Dijon mustard. Use your favorite variety if you don’t love Dijon.
Salted Butter. unsalted butter works well too!
Honey. granulated sugar is a good substitute for honey.

How to Make Turkey Sliders

Let’s walk through this turkey Hawaiian roll sliders recipe together, and don’t forget tow atch the video.

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly greasing an 8×12” pan.

Note on Pan Size

The most common Hawaiian sweet rolls are 7”x 9” and fit perfectly in an 8×12” pan. You can use a 9×13” pan (more common) and there will be extra space around the rolls, which is not a problem at all!

Make the Glaze

Then, make the glaze by whisking the glaze ingredients together in a medium bowl. I usually do it in a glass pyrex measuring cup so I can melt the butter in the microwave first, then whisk in the rest of the ingredients.

Assemble the Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Once the glaze is ready and the oven is preheated, it’s time to assemble the sliders.

Begin by cutting the entire batch of rolls in half lengthwise (not individually) – so you have two pieces, a top and bottom.

If you are using leftover dinner rolls you can cut them individually but try to put the bottoms together as closely as possible in the bottom of the pan.

a pack of hawaiian rolls cut in half lengthwise to make Turkey Sliders

Then, put the bottom layer into the prepared pan, and spread a layer of cheddar cheese on the bottom (half the package, 5 slices of cheese).

assembling turkey sliders - rolls in the bottom of the baking pan, then cheese on top of the rolls

Then, layer half the turkey over the cheese and spread 1 cup cranberry sauce over the turkey.

assembling Turkey Sliders - adding turkey and cranberry sauce

Next, top the cranberry sauce with remaining turkey, then put the remaining slices of cheese over the turkey.

assembling Turkey Sliders - adding second portion of turkey and cheese

Then, put the top of the buns over the last layer of cheese and pour the glaze over the rolls, using a silicone brush to distribute it evenly.

Note: do not let the turkey sliders sit with the glaze on them or they will become soggy. Pour the glaze over the top and bake immediately.

If you would like to prepare them in advance, you can make the glaze but keep it separate. Then, assemble the sandwiches and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to pour the glaze over the top and bake.

assembling Turkey Sliders - pour and spreading glaze over the rolls

Bake

Immediately cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover the pan and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and top is lightly brown.

Turkey Sliders in a baking pan covered with foil, then uncovered

Serve

Let the turkey and cheese sliders cool slightly, then serve them warm with your favorite side dishes. I suggest serving with a vegetable side dish or salad!

Turkey Sliders in a baking pan after baking

Store/Freeze

Store leftover turkey sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheat in the oven set to warm for the best results.

a hand holding a Turkey Slider with a bite taken out of it

Turkey Sliders Recipe FAQS

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe fits perfectly on a large baking sheet if you double it.

Why are my sliders soggy?

If you let the sliders sit with the glaze poured over them without putting them into the oven immediately, the bread will become soggy. To avoid this, pour the glaze over the rolls and bake them immediately.

Do I have to use leftover roasted turkey for this recipe?

Not at all! You can use 1 pound of deli turkey instead.

on Turkey Slider sitting on top of 4 other Turkey Sliders

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