Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect bite‑sized treat, combining savory shredded turkey, tart cranberry sauce, melty provolone cheese, and a buttery‑honey‑Dijon glaze on soft Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re pulling from leftover turkey or grabbing a deli roast, these sliders come together quickly and deliver big on flavor without fuss. They’re ideal for game day, holiday sides, or a cozy family dinner when you want something warm, easy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Cranberry Sliders
You’ll love this Turkey Cranberry Sliders recipe because it hits all the right notes: sweet and savory, soft and melty, casual but with a touch of elegance. The Hawaiian rolls give a pillowy base, the cranberry sauce adds festive tartness, and the glaze with everything bagel seasoning gives the top a flavorful crunch. It’s both comfort food and party food, making it versatile for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With minimal steps and ingredients, you’ll impress without stress.
Ingredients
For the sliders
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12 Hawaiian rolls
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3 cups shredded turkey (about 12 ounces) – see note
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1 cup cranberry sauce
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4 ounces provolone cheese (about 6 slices)
For the glaze
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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2 teaspoons honey
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. Set this aside.
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Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
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Spread the shredded turkey evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
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Dollop the cranberry sauce in an even layer over the turkey.
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Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the cranberry sauce.
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Gently return the top halves of the rolls to complete the sandwiches. (Optional: for better glaze penetration, cut between each slider before placing tops on.)
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Using a pastry brush, spread the glaze over the tops and sides of the rolls. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18‑22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
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Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
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Use leftover roasted turkey for best flavor and texture, but deli turkey works just fine when you’re short on time.
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When brushing on the glaze, cutting between each slider allows the sweet‑savory mixture to seep into more edges, giving you flavor in every bite.
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Keep an eye on the baking time: you want the rolls warmed through and the cheese melted without the tops getting too crunchy or overdone.
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Let the sliders rest for a minute after baking before serving — this helps everything set up so the cranberry sauce doesn’t run out when you slice.
Substitutions And Variations
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Turkey alternatives: Sliced deli turkey, turkey tenderloin, shredded chicken, or rotisserie chicken can all be substituted.
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Roll variation: If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, you could use dinner rolls or slider buns of similar size — just watch baking time accordingly.
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Cheese swap: If you’re not a fan of provolone, try Swiss, mozzarella, or even a gouda for a smoky twist.
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Glaze & seasoning tweaks: If everything bagel seasoning isn’t available, feel free to substitute with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a dash of freshly chopped herbs like thyme.
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Make it vegetarian: For a meatless option, replace the turkey with a roasted vegetable mixture—think roasted zucchini, bell pepper and eggplant—and proceed similarly.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigeration: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for 3‑4 days.
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Freezer: To freeze for later (up to 1 month), assemble the sliders up to step 4 (before glazing). Wrap tightly in freezer‑safe wrap or use a freezer‑safe bag, then freeze. When ready to serve: thaw in the fridge for 24‑48 hours, then add the glaze and seasoning, bake as directed.
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Reheating: To reheat, arrange the sliders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350 °F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutritional Information
(Per 2 sliders)
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Calories: 421 kcal (21% DV)
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Carbohydrates: 51 g (17% DV)
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Protein: 27 g (54% DV)
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Fat: 12 g (18% DV)
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Saturated Fat: 7 g (44% DV)
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
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Trans Fat: 0.1 g
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Cholesterol: 85 mg (28% DV)
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Sodium: 458 mg (20% DV)
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Potassium: 207 mg (6% DV)
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Fiber: 1 g (4% DV)
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Sugar: 25 g (28% DV)
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Vitamin A: 266 IU (5% DV)
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Vitamin C: 0.5 mg (1% DV)
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Calcium: 153 mg (15% DV)
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Iron: 1 mg (6% DV)
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair beautifully with crisp sides and warming drinks. Try serving them with a simple mixed‑green salad dressed with vinaigrette, sweet potato fries, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a full meal. For a casual gathering, arrange them on a platter alongside pickles or a tangy slaw. Pair with a crisp white wine or a glass of sparkling apple cider to beautifully enhance the sweet and savory balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Can I use leftover deli turkey instead of roasted turkey?
Absolutely. Using sliced deli turkey is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. You’ll still get plenty of turkey flavor, and the convenience factor is high.
Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
Yes. You can assemble the sliders up to step 4 (i.e., before glazing) and refrigerate or freeze them. If refrigerating, cover tightly and bake when ready. If freezing, follow the instructions above under Storage Instructions.
What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
No problem, you can replace it with a mix of sesame seeds and poppy seeds, or sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme if you prefer a herby note instead. The glaze provides the sweet‑savory backbone, so seasoning on top is flexible.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can scale this recipe easily. Use a larger baking sheet and arrange multiple packs of rolls side by side. Adjust baking time slightly if using a much larger dish, and be sure the tops brown evenly.
How can I make this vegetarian or meat‑free?
To make a meat‑free version, substitute shredded turkey with a roasted vegetable mix (such as roasted zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms) or even use a plant‑based turkey substitute. Then proceed with the cranberry sauce, cheese (or vegan cheese), and glaze as directed.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for trying out this Turkey Cranberry Sliders recipe. I truly love how it brings together comfort and festivity in one easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day you want something special without stress. The soft Hawaiian rolls, tart cranberry sauce, melty provolone, and sweet‑savory glaze all make for a crowd‑pleaser that feels homey but elevated. Wishing you many delicious moments with this dish, may it earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation!
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Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a quick and delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey. Sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey provolone cheese, then topped with a buttery honey mustard glaze and everything bagel seasoning. Perfect for parties, holidays, or weeknight meals!
Ingredients
12 Hawaiian rolls
3 cups shredded turkey (about 12 oz)
1 cup cranberry sauce
4 oz provolone cheese (about 6 slices)
1 tbsp butter, melted
2 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. Set this aside.
-
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
-
Spread the shredded turkey evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
-
Dollop the cranberry sauce in an even layer over the turkey.
-
Layer the provolone cheese slices evenly on top of the cranberry sauce.
-
Gently return the top halves of the rolls to complete the sandwiches. (Optional: for better glaze penetration, cut between each slider before placing tops on.)
-
Using a pastry brush, spread the glaze over the tops and sides of the rolls. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18‑22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
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Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
Use leftover turkey or deli slices.
For best flavor, cut between sliders before baking to allow glaze to seep in.
Substitute cheese or seasoning to your taste.
Freeze unbaked sliders up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 421
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Protein: 27 g





