These Turkey Sliders are cheesy, savory and the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, melted mozzarella cheese and a touch of cranberry sauce, they’re everything you love about a holiday dinner — packed into bite-sized form.
Whether you’re serving them as game day snacks, a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these turkey sliders are the perfect easy snack.
If you enjoy quick sliders, you have to try our Meatball Sliders and BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect Use for Leftovers: A great way to enjoy leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a totally new form.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The mix of gooey cheese, savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce hits all the right notes.
- Customizable: Try it with different cheeses, sauces or toppings for your own twist.
Ingredients
You may already have all you need to put these easy sliders together at home.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together.
- Leftover Turkey Breast: The star of the show, adding juicy, savory flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey cheese sliders.
- Cranberry Sauce: My homemade cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart layer, with a hint of citrus, that pairs perfectly with turkey.
A baking sheet and aluminum foil is all you need for these easy sliders.
Variations
- Cheddar or Provolone Cheese: Swap mozzarella for a sharper or creamier flavor.
- Deli Turkey: Use sliced deli meat if you don’t have leftover turkey (I recommend about 24 thin slices).
- Dijon or Honey Mustard: Spread a thin layer on the rolls for tangy flavor.
- Poppy Seeds or Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle on top of the buns before baking for texture and color.
How to Make Turkey Sliders
Check out how simple it is to make these sliders.
Preheat oven to 350F and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the rolls in half horizontally, leaving all the rolls connected (optional), and put them on the baking sheet.
Layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese on the bun bottoms, then some sliced turkey, about 1 ½ tablespoons cranberry sauce (or more) then another layer of cheese, followed by the tops of buns.
If adding buttered top to the buns, add ingredients into a small saucepan on low heat and mix until butter is melted.
Brush the butter on the tops of the buns, then lightly spray the inside of foil with nonstick spray, cover and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
Remove the foil and turn the oven to broil for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Hint: Let the rolls sit out for a few minutes before for easier slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Even Layering: Build your sliders in neat layers to ensure gooey cheese in every bite.
- Cover with Foil: This keeps the tops soft while the cheese melts.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the sliders once the foil comes off for the best golden brown color.
- Best Results: Serve warm while the cheese is still melty and the rolls are fluffy.
Another classic slider recipe you have to try is my Brisket Sliders.
More Appetizer Recipes You Will Love
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a preheated oven or air fryer covered or wrapped with aluminum foil until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Spread: Pair with other quick recipes like our Bacon Wrapped jalapeño Poppers, Mini Cheese Balls, Big Mac Egg Rolls or Bacon Wrapped Sausages.
Turkey Sliders Recipe FAQs
Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover with foil and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone or Swiss cheese all melt well and pair with turkey.
Yes, a casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet both work well.
Add the cranberry sauce in a thin layer and bake uncovered briefly at the end to keep the tops crisp.
More Recipes You Will Love
Here are some more recipes you'll want to try!
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.
Turkey Sliders
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
- Small Saucepan optional
- Basting Brush optional
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 6-12 mozzarella cheese slices
- leftover turkey
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce (or more)
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sage minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally, leaving all the rolls connected (optional), and put them on the baking sheet.
- Layer 6 slices of mozzarella cheese on the bun bottoms, then some sliced turkey, about 1 ½ tablespoons cranberry sauce (or more) then another layer of cheese, followed by the tops of buns.
- If adding buttered top to the buns, add ingredients into a small saucepan on low heat and mix until butter is melted.
- Brush the butter on the tops of the buns, then lightly spray the inside of foil with nonstick spray, cover and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and turn the oven to broil for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
- Let the rolls sit out for a few minutes before for easier slicing.
- Build your sliders in neat layers to ensure gooey cheese in every bite.
- Ensure you use foil, this keeps the tops soft while the cheese melts.
- Keep an eye on the sliders once the foil comes off for the best golden brown color.
- Serve warm while the cheese is still melty and the rolls are fluffy.
- Nutritional information does not include optional butter topping.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Madhu says
These Turkey Sliders look absolutely delicious! I’m definitely saving this recipe to try for a fun holiday appetizer.
Eva Filer says
It is such a perfect way to use up leftovers! Enjoy.
Eva Filer says
These were gone in minutes! Easy to customize and the topping brought them to the next level.