Looking for an easy way to use up that leftover holiday turkey? These 5 ingredient turkey sliders are the ultimate no-fuss solution. Whether you’re hosting game day, feeding the family, or just craving something comforting, these sliders bring bold flavor with minimal effort. Using simple pantry staples like cranberry sauce, turkey, and cheese, this recipe is all about quick assembly and big payoff. In this article, I’ll show you how to turn a few basic ingredients into one of the most satisfying sliders you’ve ever made-and you’ll want to keep making them long after the holidays are over.
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Why These 5 Ingredient Turkey Sliders Are My Go-To After the Holidays
From Leftovers to Legendary
After Thanksgiving, your fridge will looks like a puzzle of half-covered containers, turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing… and you wondering how you’ll reheat it all without getting bored. That’s when these 5 ingredient turkey sliders came to life. You will need what you have and layered it all between soft slider rolls, added cheese, and baked it until bubbly. What will came out is a buttery, savory-sweet, melty stack of goodness that my whole family devoured.
These sliders will quickly became a tradition .And you will, make them every year the day after Thanksgiving-and sometimes just because I crave that combo of juicy turkey and tangy cranberry sauce. No fancy techniques, no stress-just home-cooked comfort done right.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What I love most is how 5 ingredient turkey sliders don’t need a ton of prep to taste like something straight out of a bistro. You only need cooked turkey (leftover or deli-style), Swiss or provolone cheese, cranberry sauce, slider buns, and a quick garlic-butter topping. That’s it.
You can assemble them in under 10 minutes, pop them in the oven, and in no time your kitchen smells like holiday magic all over again. They’re the ultimate example of how just five ingredients, when chosen right, can create something way more flavorful than you’d expect. Like my turkey pot pie recipe, it’s the kind of dish that transforms leftovers into something everyone actually looks forward to.
Next up, I’ll break down the exact ingredients and how to make them sing.
5 Ingredient Turkey Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- small mixing bowl
- Silicone brush or spoon (for butter)
- Sharp knife (to slice buns)
- Foil (for baking)
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls or similar
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or sliced
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese halved
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter melted (with 1 garlic clove minced and 1 tsp parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice Buns: Carefully slice slider buns in half horizontally; place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer Fillings: Distribute turkey evenly on bottom buns. Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey. Add cheese slices over the cranberry layer.
- Add Tops: Place the top buns on the sliders.
- Brush Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
What’s in These 5 Ingredient Turkey Sliders?
Essential Ingredients That Do the Heavy Lifting
What makes these 5 ingredient turkey sliders so special is how every single component brings something powerful to the table-literally. Let’s break it down.
- Slider Buns: Soft Hawaiian rolls are my go-to. Their slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and tart cranberry. You can also use potato buns or brioche if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cooked Turkey: I usually use leftovers from my Thanksgiving bird or from dishes like turkey pot pie. Sliced deli turkey works too if you’re making this outside of the holidays.
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or canned, it adds a sweet-tart contrast that cuts through the richness. Don’t skip it-it’s the flavor MVP.
- Cheese: Swiss, provolone, or even white cheddar melt beautifully and give you that gooey pull when you break the sliders apart.
- Butter Topping: Melted butter mixed with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt turns plain buns into golden, savory perfection.
These five ingredients are all you need to make something that feels gourmet, comforting, and completely craveable.
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Not a fan of cranberry sauce? Try fig jam or even pepper jelly for a little heat. Want something spicier? Swap in pepper jack instead of Swiss. If you’re watching dairy, vegan cheese melts surprisingly well, and olive oil can replace the butter for brushing the tops.
For those with leftover turkey from other dishes, this is a great way to repurpose meat from your slow cooker turkey tortilla soup. Even shredded rotisserie chicken can be a smart stand-in when you’re short on time.
Each element of these 5 ingredient turkey sliders pulls its weight, so choose quality when you can. Whether you’re working with leftovers or starting from scratch, these simple swaps keep things flexible without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Turkey Sliders Like a Pro
Step-by-Step Assembly
When it comes to making 5 ingredient turkey sliders, the magic is really in the assembly. It’s not hard, but the way you layer makes all the difference. I always start by slicing the slider rolls in half horizontally and placing the bottom layer in a baking dish. Then, I evenly distribute the turkey, about one to two slices per roll if using deli meat, or a generous spoonful if it’s leftover shredded turkey.
Next comes the cranberry sauce. You want enough to spread across the turkey, but not so much that it turns soggy. After that, layer on your cheese. Swiss is classic, but white cheddar adds a nice sharpness. Place the top buns on and brush them generously with a garlic-butter mixture for that golden, bakery-style crust.
I like to think of it like my garlic parmesan cheeseburger bombs: simple ingredients, carefully stacked, then baked until the whole kitchen smells like heaven.
Bake Time & Golden Finish
Bake the assembled sliders at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes so the cheese melts without over-browning the tops. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to let the tops get golden and slightly crisp. When they’re done, the cheese should be fully melted, and the buns should have soaked up just enough butter to make each bite rich and flavorful.
To keep the bottoms from getting soggy, always place a thin layer of turkey first, then spread the sauce on top of it. That barrier helps maintain structure, especially if you’re prepping them ahead of time.
These pair incredibly well with cozy soups like healthy leftover turkey pot pie soup for a comforting winter meal. They’re also perfect for holiday brunch spreads or casual game-day eats.
What to Serve with Turkey Sliders + Leftover Hacks
Perfect Side Ideas
These 5 ingredient turkey sliders may be small, but they’re packed with flavor, so the best sides are simple, crunchy, or cozy. Think kettle chips, dill pickles, or even a crisp coleslaw to balance out the richness. For a warmer option, pairing them with soup makes for a comforting meal.
Serve theme alongside a bowl of white bean turkey chili or even a creamy tomato soup. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads when you’ve got family in town for the holidays. If you’re planning a game-day menu, stack these next to wings, nachos, and finger foods-they hold their own with big flavor and little effort.
And don’t underestimate the power of presentation. A baking tray lined with parchment and sprinkled with fresh herbs or extra melted cheese can turn simple sliders into a party-worthy centerpiece.
Leftover Slider Storage & Meal Prep
If you have leftovers (you probably won’t), wrap them tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F to bring back the melty cheese and crispy top. The microwave will work in a pinch but may soften the buns more than you’d like.
These 5 ingredient turkey sliders also freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 325°F until warmed through-about 20 minutes.
They’re also perfect for meal prepping. Pack a few into lunchboxes with a side of fruit or veggies, or serve them with something hearty like this ground turkey and sweet potato casserole to keep everyone full and happy.
By the time you’re done with this batch, you might wish you had more leftover turkey. Luckily, I’ve got some great ideas for that too-like my Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki if you’re feeling adventurous.
FAQs
What are the five ingredients in turkey sliders?
The classic 5 ingredient turkey sliders include soft slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls), cooked turkey (leftover or deli), cheese (Swiss, provolone, or cheddar), cranberry sauce, and a garlic-butter topping. These five create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and melty goodness-no extras needed.
Can I use leftover turkey for sliders?
Absolutely. These sliders were made for leftovers. Roasted turkey from Thanksgiving works great, but so does shredded turkey from recipes like slow cooker tortilla soup or turkey pot pie. Just make sure it’s not too dry-add a touch of broth if needed.
What is the best bread for turkey sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are the top choice because of their pillowy texture and subtle sweetness. However, you can use potato rolls, brioche slider buns, or any soft dinner roll. Just avoid overly crusty breads-they won’t give you that soft, tear-apart slider experience.
How do you keep sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy bottoms, layer the turkey first, then add cranberry sauce on top. This creates a barrier between the moist ingredients and the bun. Also, baking them uncovered for the final few minutes helps crisp up the tops and edges just right.
With just five everyday ingredients, these 5 ingredient turkey sliders manage to hit every flavor note-savory, melty, slightly sweet, and buttery. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making use of what’s in the fridge, they’re fast, flexible, and wildly satisfying. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a post-holiday tradition. So grab those leftovers and let’s turn simple into something sensational.
