Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce are the perfect way to turn your extra turkey into a tasty, fun meal. These little sliders are packed with juicy turkey and topped with a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce that adds a sweet and smoky kick. Soft slider buns hold everything together for a bite-sized treat that’s easy to enjoy anytime.
I love making these sliders because they come together so quickly and are always a hit, especially when there’s leftover turkey hanging out in the fridge. The cranberry BBQ sauce is my favorite part—it’s a little different from the usual, bringing in a fresh fruity flavor that makes each slider special. I usually make an extra batch of sauce so I can drizzle more on, because why not?
These sliders work great as a casual lunch, game-day snack, or even a small dinner when you want something that feels cozy but doesn’t take much effort. I often serve them with a side of simple coleslaw or some crispy potato chips to keep things easy. They’re also perfect for gatherings since everyone loves a good slider and the sauce makes them stand out from the usual sandwich options.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey is the star here. Shredded turkey works best for easy stacking and a tender bite. You can substitute with leftover chicken or even pulled pork if turkey is not available.
Cranberry Sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that lifts the whole slider. Store-bought cranberry sauce is fine, but homemade will taste fresher. If you don’t have cranberry sauce, a berry jam or chutney can work too.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. If you need a milder flavor, use a sweet BBQ sauce. For those who prefer spicy, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or small brioche buns hold everything perfectly. If you can’t find slider buns, small sandwich rolls or split dinner rolls work well.
Shredded Red Cabbage or Radicchio: This adds a lovely crunch and color contrast. You can substitute with thinly sliced lettuce or kale if preferred.
Feta or Goat Cheese (Optional): Adds a nice tang and creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, skip this or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How Do I Get the Cranberry BBQ Sauce Just Right?
Mixing the cranberry sauce with BBQ sauce is simple but important to balance the flavors. Here’s how I do it:
- Combine roughly equal parts cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a small pan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and let it warm slowly—about 5 minutes should be enough.
- Watch for the sauce to thicken slightly but don’t let it boil vigorously; this keeps it glossy and smooth.
- Taste after warming—if it’s too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice; if too tangy, a teaspoon of honey can help.
- Once ready, take it off the heat and use it warm over the turkey.
This simple step brings out rich flavor and perfect sauce consistency to make your sliders shine.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan – I prefer this for easily mixing and warming the cranberry BBQ sauce together.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – helpful for slicing buns and shredding turkey smoothly.
- Mixing spoon – for stirring the sauce and combining ingredients evenly.
- Serving platter or tray – perfect for arranging the sliders to serve or serve directly from.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pulled chicken or roast beef instead of turkey for a different flavor but same fun vibe.
- Add sliced pickles or crispy onions on top for extra crunch and zing.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
- Swap feta for shredded cheddar or mozzarella to change the cheese profile.
Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (dinner rolls or small brioche buns)
- 3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage or radicchio (for crunch and color)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Warming the sauce and turkey, prepping the buns, and putting everything together is quick and easy—perfect for a fast, tasty lunch or snack using leftover turkey.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce. Stir occasionally and warm the mixture until it’s combined and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat once ready.
2. Warm the Turkey:
Gently heat the shredded turkey in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warm. Be careful not to overcook so it stays tender.
3. Prepare the Buns and Assemble the Sliders:
Slice each slider bun in half. You can toast the buns lightly if you like for extra texture. Spread an even layer of the warm shredded turkey on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the cranberry BBQ sauce over the turkey. Add shredded red cabbage or radicchio on top for a fresh crunch. If you’re using, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the cabbage for a nice tang. Finally, add the top bun and garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these sliders right away while everything is fresh and warm. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before shredding and warming. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Simply skip the feta or goat cheese topping, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sliders are still delicious with just the turkey and cranberry BBQ sauce!
Can I Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling the sliders for best flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat wrapped in foil in the oven or microwave until warmed through, then add fresh cabbage or greens before serving to refresh the crunch.