Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce are a fun and tasty way to use up turkey after a big holiday meal. These little sliders pack juicy turkey slices, a tangy cranberry BBQ sauce, and soft buns into each bite. The combination of the sweet and slightly tangy sauce with the savory turkey makes for a flavor that’s anything but boring.
I love making these sliders because they’re quick to put together and perfect for casual get-togethers or a cozy night in. The cranberry BBQ sauce is my favorite part—it adds a fresh twist to the usual turkey sandwich. Sometimes, I make a double batch of the sauce just so I can keep some in the fridge for other sandwiches or as a dip.
These sliders are great served warm with a side of crispy chips or a simple salad. I often bring them to game nights or family gatherings, and they always disappear fast! It’s a fun way to stretch your leftovers without ever feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leftover Turkey: Using shredded leftover turkey keeps this recipe quick and easy. If you don’t have turkey, chicken or even pulled pork can work well here.
Cranberry Sauce: The cranberry sauce adds a nice sweet and tart flavor, giving a fresh twist to BBQ. You can use canned or homemade. For a twist, try a mixed berry or cherry sauce.
Barbecue Sauce: I recommend using a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce to balance the sweetness of the cranberries. If you prefer less sweet, go for a mustard or vinegar-based sauce.
Coleslaw: Adds crunch and creaminess to the sliders. Store-bought works great, but homemade coleslaw with a light dressing feels extra fresh here.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or mini buns are perfect for these sliders. If you want a gluten-free option, try small gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps for a lighter bite.
How Do You Make the Best Cranberry BBQ Sauce for These Sliders?
Combining cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce creates a unique flavor that’s both tangy and sweet. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix equal parts cranberry sauce and your favorite BBQ sauce in a small pan.
- Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool a little — it will thicken more as it cools.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding a splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or a bit of honey if desired.
This sauce works as both a topping and a warm drizzle on the turkey, making every slider juicy and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan – I like using this to heat and blend the cranberry BBQ sauce smoothly.
- Skillet or microwave – to warm the shredded turkey quickly and evenly.
- Mixing spoon – helps stir the sauce and combine ingredients easily.
- Serving platter or tray – perfect for assembling and presenting the sliders.
- Knives and cutting board – for chopping parsley and prepping any additional toppings.
- Oven or toaster oven – for lightly toasting the buns to get just the right golden top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for leftover chicken or pulled pork for different tastes and textures.
- Add sliced pickles or jalapeños on top for a spicy, tangy crunch.
- Use flavored or artisan buns, like brioche or pretzel rolls, for extra flavor.
- Mix in shredded cheese or a dollop of cream cheese with the coleslaw for richer bites.
Leftover Turkey Sliders with Cranberry BBQ Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up since the turkey is already cooked. Warming the sauce and turkey along with toasting the buns is all you need before assembling the sliders.
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 often and cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Warm the Turkey & Toast the Buns:
Heat the shredded turkey in a skillet or microwave until warm. Meanwhile, brush the slider buns with olive oil or butter and toast them until golden in a skillet or oven.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
Spoon a generous amount of warm shredded turkey onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Drizzle cranberry BBQ sauce over the turkey, then add a scoop of coleslaw on top. Finish by placing the top bun over the coleslaw. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these tasty sliders warm with your favorite chips, salad, or side dish. They’re a fun and flavorful way to enjoy your leftover turkey!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed before shredding and warming. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make the Cranberry BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the sliders.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Can I Substitute the Coleslaw?
Yes, feel free to switch the coleslaw with sliced cucumbers, lettuce, or even a tangy pickle for a different crunch and flavor that you enjoy.