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Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

Avatar photoByLisa
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 97 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself staring down a fridge full of leftover turkey and wondering how to jazz it up beyond just reheating, I have something truly special for you. This Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe is my absolute go-to when I want a fun, flavorful meal that’s super easy but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these sliders are juicy, tangy, and just perfect for enjoying leftover turkey in a way that makes everyone ask for seconds—even the turkey skeptics!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Explosion: The cranberry BBQ sauce adds a tangy-sweet twist that turns ordinary turkey into something extraordinary.
  • Super Quick & Easy: It’s perfect for busy weeknights or post-holiday meals when you want something tasty with minimal fuss.
  • Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or casual get-togethers, sliders are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Uses Leftovers Smartly: A clever way to turn leftover turkey into a fresh, tempting dish without waste.
The image shows four small sliders on a round wooden plate, each made with soft, light brown sandwich buns. Each slider has three layers: the bottom bun is a soft, pale yellow color; the middle layer is a pile of dark reddish-brown shredded meat; the top layer has white coleslaw mixed with thin slices of bright pink pickled onions. One slider in the front is open, showing clear detail of the meat and toppings. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a light tone. In the background, there are bowls with more pickled onions and coleslaw, all on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Leftover Turkey Sliders, Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce, Easy Turkey Slider Recipe, Holiday Leftover Sandwiches, Juicy Turkey Sliders this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients balance each other — the sweet rolls, tangy coleslaw, creamy mayo, and that irresistible cranberry BBQ sauce. When picking your ingredients, fresh coleslaw mix and Hawaiian rolls make a big difference in texture and taste, so don’t skimp on those!

Flat lay of a small stack of golden Hawaiian rolls, a generous handful of shredded leftover turkey, a small bowl of deep red cranberry BBQ sauce, a bowl of creamy coleslaw with vibrant cabbage, a few bright pickled red onion slices, a small jar of glossy mayo, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Leftover Turkey Sliders, Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce, Easy Turkey Slider Recipe, Holiday Leftover Sandwiches, Juicy Turkey Sliders
  • Hawaiian-style rolls: These soft, sweet rolls are perfect slider buns, giving a lovely contrast to savory turkey.
  • Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo): I swear by Kewpie mayo for its slight umami flavor, but regular mayo works fine too.
  • Coleslaw mix with dressing: Using pre-dressed coleslaw keeps it simple and adds fresh crunch right away.
  • Pickled red onions or sliced pickles: The acidity here plays beautifully against smoky turkey and sweet rolls.
  • Leftover turkey: Either shredded or chopped works — just make sure it’s cooked and ready to heat.
  • Kansas City-style BBQ sauce: Choose one with a good balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky for the best flavor.
  • Leftover cranberry sauce: Adds that classic holiday twist I absolutely love.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness.
  • Tomato paste: Thickens and deepens the BBQ sauce flavor.
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally — I usually go with maple syrup if I want a warmer note.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Since I love playing around in the kitchen, I’ve found plenty of ways to tweak this Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe to suit whatever you have on hand or your mood. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your cranberry BBQ sauce for some heat — my family goes crazy for this version.
  • Cheesy Slider: Top your turkey with a slice of sharp cheddar or pepper jack before assembling for extra richness.
  • Grain-Free: Swap Hawaiian rolls for lettuce wraps to keep it light and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
  • Herb Boost: Toss some fresh chopped thyme or rosemary into your sauce or slaw for a fragrant twist I discovered when looking to brighten up leftovers.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Cranberry BBQ Sauce

Start by combining Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, leftover cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and brown sugar (or maple syrup) in a small saucepan. Bring it gently to a low simmer over low heat, stirring often so nothing catches or burns. This step is crucial — I once rushed it and ended up with a sauce that stuck to the bottom and tasted bitter. Once the sauce is warm and silky, set it aside so the flavors can meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Coleslaw

While your sauce is simmering, prep the coleslaw. Since I use a pre-dressed mix, I just toss it so everything’s evenly coated. You want that fresh crunch ready to balance the richness of the turkey and sauce.

Step 3: Toast the Slider Buns

Heat a griddle, grill pan, or cast iron skillet over medium heat. I slice the Hawaiian rolls carefully with a bread knife to keep each bun intact. Brush the cut sides with kewpie mayo — this adds a subtle creaminess and helps create that gorgeous golden crust. Toast the buns, cut side down, for 2-3 minutes until they’re perfectly toasted and slightly crispy. Remove and keep warm.

Step 4: Warm and Coat the Turkey

Now, place your shredded leftover turkey on the hot pan and warm it through, flipping occasionally so it heats evenly. Once warm, transfer the turkey to a mixing bowl, pour over the cranberry BBQ sauce, and toss everything together with tongs. This coating is what really makes the sliders sing!

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Layer the bottom of each toasted bun with a generous amount of sauced turkey, followed by pickled red onions or sliced pickles, and a good dollop of coleslaw. Top with the other half of the bun, press gently, and serve these sliders warm. My favorite way is to plate them as a pull-apart collection for sharing — nothing beats the fun of tearing into these together!

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Pro Tips for Making Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

  • Warm the Sauce Gently: Low and slow heat prevents the sugars from burning, keeping the sauce smooth and sweet.
  • Don’t Skip the Mayo on the Buns: This little step gives a golden crust and adds moisture that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
  • Use Pickled Onions or Pickles for Contrast: Their tang cuts through the richness and keeps every bite balanced.
  • Reheat Turkey Gently: Overheating can dry it out—warm just until hot and toss quickly in sauce to keep it moist.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

A close-up view shows a small sandwich on a soft golden-brown bun. The sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom bun, a middle layer of shredded dark brown meat with a slightly shiny texture, and a top layer of thin, bright pink pickled onions with some white coleslaw peeking through. The sandwich sits on a round wooden plate with more similar sandwiches in the background. A white bowl with creamy coleslaw speckled with black pepper and another white bowl filled with bright pink pickled onions are also partially visible. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Leftover Turkey Sliders, Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce, Easy Turkey Slider Recipe, Holiday Leftover Sandwiches, Juicy Turkey Sliders

Garnishes

I usually garnish my sliders with extra pickled red onions for a pop of color and brightness, plus a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few crispy fried onions on top for crunch. It’s those small touches that turn simple sliders into something oh-so-special.

Side Dishes

This slider party pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of homemade kettle chips. My family also loves a side of baked beans or roasted brussels sprouts when I’m really craving veggies alongside the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to arrange these sliders on a large wooden board or a festive platter with sides in small bowls, so people can customize their own. You can also stick a cute toothpick or mini flag in each slider to make it party-ready. Nothing beats a spread that invites people to dig in and share stories over good food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover sliders wrapped tightly in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The rolls can get a little soft overnight, so I usually re-toast them lightly before reheating the turkey and assembling again.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen these assembled sliders (the rolls don’t always hold up), I freeze the cranberry BBQ sauce and shredded turkey separately. On a busy day, just thaw and warm them up, toast fresh buns, and you’re good to go!

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat leftover turkey is in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist, stirring gently and adding a splash of water or leftover cranberry BBQ sauce if it feels dry. Then, toast your buns fresh or in the oven for a few minutes to revive their crispness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

    Absolutely! Just cook and shred fresh turkey breast or thighs, warm it through, and toss it with the cranberry BBQ sauce as the recipe directs. It works beautifully anytime you want a quick slider meal.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

    If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can substitute with a combination of raspberry jam or preserves mixed with a little lemon juice to get that sweet-tart profile. Another idea is to use lingonberry or cherry preserves in a pinch.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Simply swap the Hawaiian rolls for your favorite gluten-free buns or even lettuce wraps. Just be sure your BBQ sauce and other condiments are labeled gluten-free to keep everything safe.

  4. How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

    It’s a quick recipe — about 15 minutes prep time and 5 minutes cooking, making it a 20-minute meal that still tastes like you put in a lot more effort.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe enough. It’s saved many of my post-holiday meals from becoming boring, and my family always begs me to make it again. Whether you’re looking to impress friends with a crowd-pleasing snack or just want to refresh your leftover game, this recipe’s got your back — easy, delicious, and downright fun to eat. Go ahead and give it a try; I’m betting you’ll be hooked just like me!

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Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce are a delicious and creative way to transform your turkey leftovers into a flavorful meal. Featuring sweet and tangy cranberry BBQ sauce combined with creamy mayo, crunchy coleslaw, and pickled onions or pickles, these sliders are toasted to golden perfection and perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Components

  • 1 package Hawaiian-style rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian or similar)
  • 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo or regular mayonnaise
  • 1 bag coleslaw mix with dressing
  • Pickled red onions or sliced pickles (to taste)
  • 1 lb leftover cooked turkey, shredded

Cranberry BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup Kansas City-style BBQ sauce (bottled or homemade)
  • ⅓ cup leftover cranberry sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Combine the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and brown sugar or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the sauce is heated through and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare Coleslaw: Prepare the coleslaw according to package instructions by mixing the shredded cabbage with the provided dressing until well coated. Set it aside until assembly.
  3. Toast Slider Buns: Heat a griddle, grill pan, or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Using a bread knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them fully. Brush both the top and bottom halves with Kewpie mayo. Place them cut side down on the hot pan and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  4. Reheat Turkey: On the same hot pan, spread the shredded leftover turkey to reheat, flipping occasionally to warm evenly. Once heated, transfer the turkey to a mixing bowl.
  5. Coat Turkey with Cranberry BBQ Sauce: Pour the prepared cranberry BBQ sauce over the reheated turkey and toss gently using tongs until the meat is fully coated with the sauce.
  6. Assemble Sliders: Open the toasted buns and layer the coated turkey on the bottom half. Add pickled red onions or sliced pickles, and a scoop of coleslaw on top. Close with the top half of the buns. Serve the sliders warm either individually or as a shared pull-apart style platter.

Notes

  • If Kewpie mayo is not available, regular mayonnaise works as a great substitute.
  • Use leftover cranberry sauce or prepared cranberry jelly for easy sauce preparation.
  • Pickled red onions add a nice tang and crunch; substitute with sliced pickles if preferred.
  • These sliders are best served immediately for optimal bun crispness and filling freshness.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste depending on how saucy you prefer your sliders.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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