This turkey sliders recipe is a fun way to use up turkey leftovers. They’re bursting with bright cranberries, gooey cheese and flavorful brown butter. It’s so hard to eat just one!

Turkey, cheese and cranberry sliders pulled apart on a sheet of parchment paper.

Hawaiian Roll Turkey + Cheese Sliders

Whenever I mention sliders at my house, eyes light up! These little sandwiches are inherently fun and the perfect party food for pleasing just about anyone. They make weeknight dinners more festive, too!

This easy recipe helps you use up those holiday leftovers…layers of turkey, cheddar and sweet-tart cranberry sauce sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls are baked until piping hot. And, that cheese pull? C’mon!

With a couple seasonal swaps, you can enjoy these any time of year as an easy appetizer, lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Cheesy Turkey Sliders

Sweet Hawaiian rolls – or slider buns, leftover dinner rolls…you get the idea.
White cheddar cheese – purchase a block and shred it yourself for maximum meltability.
Sliced turkey – leftover breast or thigh meat, sliced thin.
Cranberry sauce – leftover sauce or a can of whole cranberry sauce.
Unsalted butter – for making brown butter.
Dry poultry seasoning – adds that classic Thanksgiving flavor to the brown butter.
Garlic powder – also added to the brown butter.

Raw ingredients for turkey sliders arranged on a sheet pan.

How to Make Baked Turkey Sliders

Make the seasoned brown butter – melt the butter in a small, heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter smells nutty and you begin to see golden brown bits forming in the bottom of the pan. Whisk the poultry seasoning and garlic powder into the melted butter. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside to cool.
Assemble the sliders – Place the bottom slab of rolls in a prepared pan. Sprinkle on half the cheese, then add a layer of turkey. Dollop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the meat, then sprinkle on the rest of the cheese. Add the tops of the rolls. Brush the butter mixture onto the top rolls.
Bake the sliders – tent with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in a 375°F preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes

Whisking poultry seasoning and garlic powder into brown butter in a saucepan.

Sprinkling shredded cheese over a layer of turkey meat and cranberry sauce.

Make Ahead Option

Assemble the sliders, cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow the sliders to sit at room temperature while you make the brown butter and preheat the oven. Brush the tops with the brown butter just before baking. You may need to add an extra few minutes to the bake time (while they’re covered with foil) to ensure they get hot and melty in the middle.

Helpful Tips

Serve the sliders right from the baking pan, or to make it easier to lift the sliders out onto a serving platter or board, spritz the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray then line it with a sheet of parchment so it hangs over the sides. Use the overhanging paper to lift the sliders up and out.
Slice the rolls in half horizontally with a long serrated knife while they are still together.
You can leave the rolls together for assembly, or to make them easier to pull apart, separate the bread rolls from one another and reassemble them like a puzzle in the pan so there are no gaps. If you go this route, it can be helpful to add a wooden pick (a toothpick is fine) to the end sliders so the tops stay put as the cheese gets melty. Just pop them out after baking.
Keep an eye on the butter as it browns. Continue stirring often to prevent the milk solids from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Golden brown bits are what you’re looking for and they contain a ton of flavor.

Substitutions for Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders

Cheese – turkey and swiss cheese is a classic combo, but I really like the bolder flavor of cheddar. Havarti cheese would be an awesome substitute. But, use whatever good melty cheese you like.
Turkey – use deli turkey slices if you don’t have leftovers. From personal experience, I can tell you that honey roasted turkey is excellent in this recipe.
Cranberry sauce – Instead of cranberry sauce consider other flavors like fig jam, apple butter, onion jam, or orange marmalade.
Poultry seasoning – use fresh chopped herbs in the brown butter instead of dry seasoning. You don’t even have to chop them up; place whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme, and whole sage leaves into the butter as it heats to infuse it with flavor. Remove them and save to use as a garnish.

Turkey sliders on a wooden table next to a glass of cranberry juice.

Slider Recipe Variations

Make it a club slider by using ham & turkey and add crumbled bacon; spread mayo on the bread instead of jam. Omit the poultry seasoning, but stir Dijon mustard into cooling brown butter.
Make it a hot Italian slider by swapping cheddar for mozzarella or provolone cheese; use tomato sauce or pesto in place of cranberry sauce. For the seasoned brown butter, use fresh Italian herbs or a dry Italian blend.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These are best served fresh and hot from the oven, but if you have extras…transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3 days.

Wrap in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot in the center, or microwave a couple sliders at a time for 60 to 90 seconds.

Turkey and cheese sliders next to a dish of cranberry sauce.

When + What to Serve With Easy Turkey Sliders

When? This recipe is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Make them for lunch or as a quick dinner the next day. They’re a perfect snack for movie watching or playing board games with family. Serve them up as part of a game day spread or for any party situation!

What? If you’re enjoying these as a main dish, make it an easy meal by adding kettle chips, a simple green salad or other Thanksgiving leftovers. Or, make a delicious potato salad or pasta salad to enjoy alongside.

Check Out Our Other Slider Recipes!