These sliders are everything you want in one bite — buttery, soft rolls filled with juicy turkey, melty cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all baked until golden and brushed with garlic herb butter.
They’re the best way to use up leftover turkey, or honestly, a great excuse to make turkey just for this recipe.
They’re warm, comforting, and a little bit fancy without being complicated.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made these for a casual get-together once, and now they’re on permanent rotation during the holidays — or any time I have turkey in the fridge. They’re quick to make, everyone loves them, and they feel like something special.
- The garlic herb butter gives major flavor
- You can make a whole tray in under 30 minutes
- They’re great for feeding a group
- You can use deli turkey or leftovers — both work!
- The cranberry and cheese balance each other perfectly
Makes: 12 sliders
Total Time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 12-pack soft dinner rolls (like Hawaiian or brioche rolls)
- 2 cups cooked turkey, thinly sliced or shredded
- ¾ cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Pro Tips
- Slice the whole pack of rolls horizontally to keep the bottoms together
- Don’t overfill — just enough to get flavor in every bite
- Brush the butter on top after baking for max flavor
- Let them sit for 5 minutes before cutting so everything holds
- Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly
Tools You’ll Need
- Serrated knife
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
- Baking dish or sheet
- Foil
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey
- Try brie, mozzarella, or cheddar for different cheese vibes
- Use homemade cranberry sauce or canned — both work
- Add a spoonful of stuffing to each slider for a holiday twist
- Use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate, covered
- Mix the garlic herb butter in advance and reheat before using
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven wrapped in foil
Let’s Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Garlic Herb Butter Rolls
Step 1: Slice the Rolls
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the whole pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
Evenly layer 2 cups of sliced or shredded turkey over the bottom rolls. Spoon ¾ cup cranberry sauce over the turkey, then lay 6 slices of cheese on top, covering the surface. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Image Prompt:
Ultra close-up of layered fillings on the bottom half of rolls: visible shredded turkey, glossy cranberry sauce spread across, and slices of cheese neatly covering the top. Roll tops are ready to be placed back on. White marble counters with hints of gold, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 3: Make Garlic Herb Butter
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
Image Prompt:
Ultra close-up of melted butter in a small bowl with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper just stirred in, forming a golden, herb-flecked mixture. White marble counters with hints of gold, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Image Prompt:
Ultra close-up of sliders baking in a white ceramic dish, tops beginning to turn golden. The cheese is melting slightly around the edges and steam is visible on the inside of the foil. Modern stainless steel double oven, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the warm garlic herb butter. Let sit for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Image Prompt:
Top-down shot of baked turkey cranberry sliders in a white ceramic baking dish, golden brown and glossy from brushed garlic herb butter. Some cheese is melted around the edges, and fresh herbs are visible on top. A serving spatula rests nearby. White marble counters with hints of gold, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Macros (Per Slider)
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Soft rolls trap steam while baking, keeping the sliders moist. Turkey and cranberry give that classic sweet-savory combo, and the melted cheese acts as a binder. Garlic herb butter brushed on hot sliders soaks in for flavor you taste in every bite.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting the rolls unevenly — use a serrated knife and steady hand
- Overfilling — makes them hard to eat and slide apart
- Skipping the foil — they’ll brown too fast before the cheese melts
- Not letting them rest — cheese needs time to set
What to Serve With
- Sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes
- A crisp green salad
- Pickles or coleslaw
- Extra cranberry sauce on the side
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
FAQ
Can I use deli turkey?
Yes! Thin sliced deli turkey works great.
Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely — mozzarella, cheddar, or brie all work.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, just assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F until warmed through.
Wrap-Up
Turkey cranberry sliders with garlic herb butter rolls are the kind of dish that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy. They’re buttery, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether for a party, holiday brunch, or lazy Sunday, you’ll want these on repeat. Try them out and let me know how you made them your own!