Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a perfect way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce with a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors. Featuring soft white dinner rolls layered with turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with a garlicky butter glaze and baked until golden and melty. Ideal for casual gatherings or holiday leftovers with a comforting and tasty twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Slider Base
- 12 plain white soft dinner rolls (or slider buns)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (60 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
Filling
- 2 cups leftover chopped, shredded, or sliced turkey (with or without skin)
- ¼ cup (60 g) leftover gravy (optional)
- ¼ cup (70 g) cranberry sauce
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or substitute with provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or brie)
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 80 g (2¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), or 180°C (350°F) if using a fan-forced oven, to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders evenly.
- Assemble the sliders: If the dinner rolls are connected, keep them together as a slab and slice horizontally through the middle. Spread Dijon mustard evenly on the bottom halves, followed by a layer of mayonnaise to add moisture and tang.
- Layer the filling: Evenly distribute the leftover turkey over the dressed roll bases. If you have leftover gravy, drizzle it over the turkey for added juiciness. Spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce on top for a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
- Add the cheese: Place the Swiss cheese slices over the layered turkey and condiments, overlapping slightly to cover as much surface as possible. Place the top halves of the rolls back on, forming the sliders. Transfer the assembled sliders into a snug rectangular roasting pan or baking dish, ensuring the rolls touch to keep them moist.
- Make the garlic butter glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with chopped flat-leaf parsley, sea salt flakes, and garlic powder to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush and bake: Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter mixture, reserving about one tablespoon for later. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the tops from burning and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted.
- Finish and serve: Run a knife between each slider to separate them easily. Optionally, brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter for an extra glossy finish and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For different bun options, slider buns, brioche, or pretzel rolls can be used for added texture and flavor.
- The turkey can be leftover from the holidays or bought fresh from a deli or butcher.
- If you don’t have leftover gravy, you can omit it or replace with a few tablespoons of turkey or chicken stock for moisture.
- Swiss cheese works well for its meltability and mild flavor, but feel free to substitute with provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or brie based on preference.
- Make sure to cover the sliders during the initial baking stage to prevent dryness.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be warmed in the oven the next day.
