Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce are a fun and tasty way to make the most of your extra turkey after a big holiday meal. These little sandwiches pack a punch with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, and soft slider buns that just melt in your mouth. The combination of sweet and smoky from the sauce pairs perfectly with the turkey, making every bite really satisfying.
I love making these sliders because they come together quickly, especially when you have turkey already cooked and ready to go. The cranberry BBQ sauce is my favorite twist—it’s a bit different from your usual condiments and adds a fresh, fruity flavor that brightens up the whole sandwich. Sometimes I add a slice of sharp cheddar or a bit of crunchy lettuce for extra texture, but they’re delicious even as they are.
These sliders are perfect for casual dinners, game day snacks, or even a simple party appetizer. I like serving them with some crispy fries or a side salad, and they always disappear fast at my place. If you’ve got leftover turkey sitting in the fridge, this recipe is a great way to keep things interesting and enjoy that holiday flavor all over again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey works best here—dark or white meat both taste great. If you don’t have turkey, chicken or even cooked pork can be good swaps.
Cranberry BBQ Sauce: The mix of cranberry and barbecue sauces gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, apricot or peach preserves mixed with BBQ sauce can be a nice twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone melt nicely without overpowering the other flavors. Cheddar or Monterey Jack can work if you want a bit more sharpness.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect here since they toast well and hold the fillings. You can use mini brioche buns or Hawaiian rolls too for a sweeter touch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Melted Cheese and Crispy Buns?
This recipe shines when the cheese melts just right and the buns are golden without drying out. Here’s what I do:
- Brush the buns with melted butter before baking. This helps them get a beautiful golden color and adds flavor.
- Use medium heat (350°F / 175°C) so everything warms evenly and the cheese melts slowly without burning.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, checking to make sure the tops don’t brown too fast. If they do, you can cover loosely with foil.
- Let the sliders rest for a couple minutes after baking—this helps the cheese settle so it won’t all ooze out when you bite in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking sheet – I use this because it’s easy to bake all sliders at once and keeps everything neat.
- Small mixing bowls – for mixing the cranberry BBQ sauce and melting butter; helpful to keep prep organized.
- Pastry brush – I love it for brushing butter on the buns evenly for a golden finish.
- Sharp knife – to carefully slice the buns without tearing them apart.
- Optional: baking parchment or silicone mat – for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap leftover turkey with cooked chicken, ham, or roast beef for different flavor profiles.
- Add a slice of sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy or tangy taste.
- Mix in some sautéed onions or a layer of crispy bacon for extra richness and texture.
- Use a spicy barbecue sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry mixture for a kick.
Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Optional: fresh arugula or lettuce leaves for garnish
For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble the sliders, plus 12-15 minutes baking time. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, melty, and flavorful turkey sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce until well combined. Taste and adjust the balance if you prefer it sweeter or tangier.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Evenly layer the shredded or sliced leftover turkey on each bottom bun. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry BBQ sauce over the turkey, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
3. Top and Bake:
Place the tops of the buns on each slider. Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns and sprinkle dried thyme or Italian seasoning evenly. Bake the sliders in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the buns turn golden brown.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Add fresh arugula or lettuce inside if you like a little crunch and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious turkey sliders with cranberry BBQ sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and warmed before assembling the sliders to ensure even heating and a juicy texture.
Can I Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the cranberry and barbecue sauces up to two days in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Keep any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to keep the buns from getting soggy.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With These Sliders?
Crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables all pair wonderfully with these flavorful turkey sliders.