This recipe started as a lifesaver after a holiday dinner and quickly became a weeknight favorite. I discovered this combination one winter when I had a small pile of leftover roasted turkey and a package of King's Hawaiian rolls that begged to be used. The contrast of juicy turkey with slightly sweet rolls, creamy Swiss cheese, and a hit of tart cranberry is genuinely irresistible. It feels indulgent without being fussy, and it’s an easy way to transform leftovers or deli turkey into something that looks and tastes like it took way more effort than it does.

What makes these sliders special is the balance of textures and flavors: soft, pillowy rolls; tender turkey; smooth, melty cheese; and a fruity pop from the cranberry sauce. Brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling poppy seeds gives a bakery-fresh finish, and the whole pan comes together in about 25 minutes. These sandwiches are perfect for casual dinners, game-day spreads, or anytime you need a quick crowd-pleaser. I love serving them warm straight from the pan so the cheese is gooey and the rolls are golden at the edges.

Ingredients

• King's Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (12-count): Soft, lightly sweet rolls create the signature background for these sandwiches. Look for the standard 12-count package; the sweetness balances tart cranberry and savory turkey.
• Turkey (2 cups shredded or sliced deli): Leftover roasted turkey shredded gives the best texture, but thinly sliced deli turkey works perfectly for speed. About 2 cups loosely packed yields generous filling.
• Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Whole-berry or thick cranberry sauce provides bright acidity and texture—avoid watery preserves. Homemade or store-bought chunky varieties are best.
• Swiss cheese (8 slices): Melts smoothly and adds a mild, nutty flavor. You can double up if you love cheese; provolone, Havarti, or mozzarella are fine substitutes.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top for browning and flavor. For extra richness, increase to 4 tablespoons.
• Poppy seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle crunch and bakery-style finish. Sesame seeds could also be used if preferred.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. If using a metal baking pan, line it with nonstick foil to make cleanup effortless; this also protects the pan from sticky cranberry sauce. Prepare the rolls: Either slice the entire pack horizontally into a top 'slab' and bottom 'slab' or slice each roll in half. The slab method is forgiving for placement; slicing individual rolls makes serving neater. Arrange the bottom layer evenly in the prepared pan so edges meet without large gaps. Add turkey: Evenly distribute 2 cups of shredded or layered sliced turkey over the bottom layer of rolls. Aim for a consistent layer so each slider has a similar turkey-to-bread ratio. If using deli slices, fold them to create height and prevent sliding during baking. Spread cranberry sauce: Spoon 1 cup of thick, whole-berry cranberry sauce across the turkey. Use only the thickest, chunkiest part to avoid sogginess; if the sauce is watery, drain before spreading. A gentle, even layer ensures every bite gets a bright pop of flavor. Layer the cheese: Lay 8 slices of Swiss cheese over the cranberry-covered turkey. Overlap slices slightly to ensure coverage. For extra cheesiness add additional slices, but note that doubling the cheese may leave a firmer center where cheese is thickest. Top and finish: Place the top layer of rolls over the cheese. Brush the tops evenly with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter—double if you prefer more richness—and sprinkle 1 teaspoon poppy seeds across the surface for visual appeal and slight crunch. Bake covered then uncover: Tightly cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 4–6 minutes uncovered until the tops are lightly golden. Watch closely during the final minutes; Hawaiian rolls brown quickly. Serve warm: Remove from oven, slice if necessary, and serve immediately so cheese is gooey. Leftovers keep airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months, though texture will change when thawed.

Storage Tips

Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag labeled with the date; they keep best for up to three months. Reheat from frozen by placing wrapped sliders in a 325°F oven until warmed through, then uncover for the last few minutes to refresh the top. For refrigerated leftovers, reheat covered for 10–12 minutes at 325°F to prevent drying, or microwave briefly on medium power if time is tight—though oven reheating preserves texture better.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need dairy-free options, swap Swiss for a plant-based cheese slice that melts well, and replace butter with melted dairy-free spread or olive oil brushed on top. For gluten-free diets, use a gluten-free slider roll or small gluten-free buns; keep in mind they may brown faster so watch the oven. If you prefer a different flavor profile try provolone or Havarti in place of Swiss, or add a thin smear of Dijon mustard beneath the turkey for extra tang. For a sweeter note, use cranberry-orange relish instead of plain cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted sweet potato fries for a balanced meal. As an appetizer, cut each slider into halves and arrange on a platter with toothpicks. Garnish with fresh thyme or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the buttered tops for an elevated touch. They pair well with simple sides like coleslaw, pickles, or a warm cup of soup on chillier evenings.

Cultural Background

These sandwiches are a modern American comfort-food hybrid that borrows from classic holiday flavors—turkey and cranberry—and packages them into party-friendly sliders. The use of King's Hawaiian rolls nods to the influence of sweet soft breads in contemporary American sandwich making; Hawaiian rolls have become a staple for sliders because of their tender crumb and slight sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with savory and tangy fillings. Sliders themselves trace back to small, shareable sandwiches that evolved to suit casual gatherings and potlucks.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, lean into rich cranberry variations—try cranberry-apple or cabernet-cranberry sauces. Spring and summer call for lighter accents: swap Swiss for a milder cheese and add thinly sliced cucumber or arugula after baking for freshness. For holiday clusters, include chopped fresh herbs like sage or rosemary mixed with the turkey, or add a smear of herbed mayo to make the sliders feel more festive and layered in flavor.

Meal Prep Tips

For batch cooking, assemble multiple pans, bake one immediately, and freeze the others before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly and label; when ready, bake from frozen but add 8–12 minutes to the covered bake time. Portion into individual servings using parchment squares between rolls to reheat only what you need. Keep accompaniments like pickles and extra cranberry sauce separate until serving to maintain texture.

These sliders make it easy to feed a crowd while keeping cleanup simple and flavor high. Give them a try the next time you have leftover turkey or need a quick, comforting meal—invite friends, keep the oven warm, and enjoy the smiles that come with that first melty bite.