Cheesy Turkey Sliders

If you are like me, when it comes to entertain, planning in advance and choosing simple yet flavorful recipes is key. My Cheesy Turkey Sliders are ready in just 30 minutes, can be made with deli meat or leftover turkey, and are loaded with cranberry sauce and cheese. Serve these with gravy for dipping.

Entertaining can sometimes be stressful, especially if you are hosting and you need to plan everything in advance. During the holidays I usually opt for simple recipes that can be made ahead of time or can be fixed in a few minutes before guests arrive. In the end, the goal is to spend more time eating the food, than preparing it.

These Turkey Sliders are my go to appetizer when I need to fix something quick and easy, but bound to impress everyone. These also come in handy, if you have some Thanksgiving leftovers and can’t stomach another turkey sandwich or salad. Making my sliders is a better way to put to good use that meat and cranberry sauce.

I like using leftover turkey for this recipe, and it works perfectly well with white turkey meat or darker meat, this is totally up to you. The sliders are full of gooey cheese and sweet and tangy flavors that will make everyone want more.

What I love about this is that it is totally different from the typical turkey sandwiches and casseroles I usually make with my leftovers. Sure, my creamy turkey casserole with bacon, ranch mix, cheddar, and cream cheese is scrumptious, but it is nice to have other options as well.

Why you will love this recipe

• Use up those holiday leftovers: I always get lots of extra turkey because I make so much. But even if I do not have extra, this can be made with deli turkey or lunchmeat from the grocery store.
• It takes less than 30 minutes: There are just a few steps from start to finish, so these succulent sandwiches can be ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. And they are so easy to make, anyone can do it.
• There are only four ingredients: Besides the turkey, there are only four ingredients needed for this special recipe, and one of them I usually make myself. The rolls I typically buy from the grocery store and the other two are just basic items I have at home.   
• Something new to try that everyone will love: Instead of the regular turkey sandwiches, these tasty little bites are savory, tangy, sweet, and even a little crunchy with gooey cheese. Say goodbye to boring turkey on white bread.    

What you’ll need to make cheesy turkey sliders:

Special items

• Baking pan – I use a 9-inch baking pan.
• Bowls
• Cooking utensils

Ingredients

For the sliders:

• Hawaiian sweet rolls – I prefer King’s Hawaiian rolls for these sliders because they are the softest and have the best flavor.
• Turkey slices – This is perfect for holiday leftovers. If not, any kind of thin turkey slices will do. I like Hormel or Butterball slices, but use your favorite.
• Mayonnaise – Similarly, use your favorite here too. Something thick and rich is good but it should be something that everyone can enjoy.
• Cranberry sauce – My cranberry sauce is easy to make with just four ingredients, only takes a few minutes, and is flavored with orange zest and juice. It is perfect for this recipe, but store-bought will do it in a pinch.
• Mozzarella cheese – I like the mild cheese, so it does not overpower the other flavors. Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and gives these sliders a gooey layer of deliciousness. Please do not use the pre-shredded stuff because it is treated to prevent clumping, which also prevents melting.

For the butter sauce:

• Unsalted butter – I use unsalted butter so I can add my own salt. It lets the sweet creaminess shine through for a better flavor. 
• Garlic powder – Garlic powder disperses more evenly and works better in a recipe that needs to be smooth like this one.
• Salt
• Pepper

For the garnish:

• Poppy seeds – For added crunch, eye appeal, and a bit of nutty flavor.

How to make cheesy turkey sliders?

• Preheat the oven: First, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9-inch pan with foil sprayed with oil.
• Slice: Next, I slice the rolls in half to remove the tops. But I do not take the individual rolls apart.

• Sauce: I spread the bottom layer with mayo and placed it in the prepared pan. The cranberry sauce goes on next, and shredded cheese.

• Add the meat: Then, I add the turkey slices, or shredded turkey if you are using leftover meat.

• More cheese: The rest of the cheese goes on top of that before I put the top of the rolls back on.

• Spread the butter: Now, I put the butter into a bowl and heat it in the microwave for about a minute until it melts. I stir in the garlic powder.

• Brush: I pour it onto the rolls, using a pastry brush to spread it evenly before sprinkling the poppy seeds on top.
• Bake and serve: Last, I cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
• Brown: Then, I take off the foil and bake for another three to five minutes or until the top is as brown as I like it. I let the sliders rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving individually.

Expert tip

Fresh or prepared cranberry sauce

When given the option, I always opt for fresh ingredients because that makes every recipe taste better. But sometimes, especially around the holidays, people do not have the time to make things from scratch. I get it. And with a recipe like this one, it is perfectly fine to use prepared cranberry sauce.

However, when making these fresh and flavorsome turkey sandwiches, I like the extra tanginess of my homemade cranberry sauce compared to the canned stuff from the grocery store. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to make it, and there are only four ingredients, the vanilla is optional.

I suggest you make a larger batch of this sauce on Thanksgiving, so you have enough leftovers to use after the holiday. The sauce also freezes well, this way you can have it on hand when needed.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Different cheese: Sometimes I use other cheeses like cheddar, swiss, or pepper jack to give these sliders a kick. But I always make sure it is freshly shredded.
• Other meats: Sick of turkey? It also tastes amazing with sliced ham, beef, chicken, or pork.
• No cranberry: For those who do not like cranberry sauce, go ahead and skip it or substitute it with some kind of jam like strawberry or raspberry.
• Add bacon: Bacon lovers like my husband enjoy it when I add chopped bacon on top of the layer of turkey. It adds a nice smokey flavor.
• Spicy sliders: Make these spicy by sprinkling some red pepper flakes on the cranberry sauce. Just do not use too much. It should be subtle.    
• Add mustard: I like a little honey or Dijon mustard while my husband really likes spicy mustard.

Serving suggestions:

First, it is important to note that the sliders should be served immediately or within 30 minutes of baking. If you have any leftovers, which I highly doubt, you should store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap, otherwise, the sliders will dry out.

While the cold sliders are still delicious, it is best to microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving, if they have been refrigerated. These can be served as appetizers or snacks, but I have also served them as meals with side dishes. Try one of these ideas.

• For a hearty lunch, I serve these with a variety of veggies and my easy cranberry stuffing, which goes great with the flavors in these sandwiches.
• They also pair well with this hearty fall pasta salad packed with butternut squash, pasta, broccoli, cheese, and cranberries.
• Sometimes, a big plate of turkey sliders with a pitcher of beer is all that is needed to fill up the guys while watching the game.
• If it is a hot soup and sandwich meal you’re looking for, serve these yummy sliders with a bowl of my crockpot cheesy potato soup.
• For dessert, try my sensational creamy cranberry cheesecake. The spiced crust and orange-infused filling are unique and so delicious.

Frequently asked questions

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days in a sealed container.   
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each sandwich in plastic and then place them in a freezer bag and they can be frozen for up to three months.   
• Defrost: Place frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight to thaw for the best results.
• Reheating: Reheat these in the oven for five minutes at 375 degrees F or in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for five to 10 minutes.   

More recipes with leftover turkey:

Recipe tips:

• Don’t cut the rolls into individual pieces before filling and cooking them.
• Let the sliders rest for 10 minutes before slicing so they can set. That way, the cheese will not all come out.
• Be sure to shred your cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
• Covering the pan with foil will keep the sliders from getting burned on top, so do not skip that step.
• Only spread a thin layer of mayo to keep the bottoms from getting soggy. If more mayo is wanted, add it to the top bun.
• Do not cook them too long, or the tops will get too complicated.
• Also, don’t use too much butter, or the bottoms of the rolls will be soggy.

Watch Cheesy Turkey Sliders Recipe Video: