For an easy, flavorful bite for parties or quick lunches, try this turkey cranberry sandwich recipe. It's perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!
After Thanksgiving, I like turning leftover turkey into a meal that takes less effort than the holiday dinner. These mini turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce give me a warm lunch or easy dinner with about 15 minutes of air fryer cooking.
The sweet rolls, tart cranberry sauce, and melted cheeses make the leftovers feel like something worth sitting down for. I've found that keeping the rolls covered for most of the cooking time helps them stay soft while the cheese melts.
For a fresh side, I like to pair them with my shaved Brussels sprouts salad. The cranberry and brie combination is one I enjoy in my brie & cranberry in puff pastry, too. When I want a little more crunch on the sliders, I uncover them near the end rather than leaving the tops exposed the whole time.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls - Their soft, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with savory turkey and tart cranberry.
- Leftover boneless turkey roast - Provides a hearty, savory base that makes the sliders filling and flavorful.
- Whole cranberry sauce - Adds a bright, tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Havarti cheese - Melts smoothly and adds a mild creaminess that ties all the flavors together.
- Brie cheese - Brings a buttery, rich texture that elevates the mini sandwiches.
- Emmentaler or Swiss cheese - Adds a nutty depth that complements both the turkey and cranberry.
- Softened unsalted butter - Helps the rolls toast evenly and enhances their golden, lightly crisp exterior.
- Fresh chopped parsley - Adds a touch of freshness and color to brighten the sliders.
- Everything bagel seasoning - Provides a savory crunch that boosts texture and enhances overall flavor.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
To start, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Then, set the cook time to 15 minutes.
Slice each sweet roll in half and transfer the base to a parchment-lined baking tray. Then add 2 slices of Havarti cheese.
Cut the roast turkey breast into 6 portions and place on top of the cheese.
Spread whole cranberry sauce evenly on top of the portioned turkey roast.
Add the slices of Brie and Emmentaler cheeses to cover all sections of the 6 rolls.
Then top with the remaining Havarti cheese. Lastly, cover with the top layer of the sweet rolls.
Spread softened butter on top and all the sides of the sweet rolls. Then sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning and half of the fresh chopped parsley. Cover with foil, securing all the sides without touching the sliders.
Air-fry for 15 minutes or until the cheeses are melted according to preference. Transfer the mini sandwiches onto a serving plate or a wooden board and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.
Hint: Warm the assembled turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches just long enough to melt the cheese without drying out the turkey. This keeps the rolls soft, the turkey juicy, and the layers perfectly gooey and flavorful.
Variations
Here are some easy, no-fuss ways to customize this turkey sandwich recipe:
- Adjust sweetness by mixing cranberry sauce with a little hot sauce or fresh herbs for a sweet-spicy or herbal twist.
- Swap the cheeses with cheddar, gouda, cream cheese, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add a spread like Dijon mustard, mayo, or a swipe of garlic butter for extra richness.
- Boost texture by adding thinly sliced apples, pickled onions, or crispy bacon.
- Use different meats such as rotisserie chicken, deli turkey, or leftover ham.
- Change the rolls by using brioche buns, slider rolls, or even toasted baguette slices.
- Make a bigger leftover turkey sandwich with cranberry by using a regular size bun.
Tips
Top tip: Warm the sandwiches covered with foil first, then uncover for the last few minutes. This allows the cheese melts perfectly while the rolls stay soft, not dried out.
More Cooking Tips:
- Slice the rolls as a single sheet to keep assembly quick and even.
- Lightly toast the bottom halves before adding ingredients to prevent sogginess.
- Let the turkey come to room temperature so it reheats more gently and stays juicy.
- Mix a bit of cranberry sauce with herbs or citrus zest for a brighter flavor.
- Press the assembled sandwiches gently before baking to help the cheeses melt into all the layers.
- Allow the sliders to rest for 2 to 3 minutes after baking so the cheeses settle and the layers hold together better.
Storage
Leftover sandwiches can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. It helps to wrap each sandwich or the whole batch in foil before sealing the container to keep the rolls from drying out. If you've added fresh herbs or extra sauce, expect a little moisture, but they'll still hold up well for short-term storage.
To reheat, warm the sandwiches in the oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep them loosely covered with foil while reheating so the bread stays soft while the cheese melts. If you prefer using an air fryer, heat it at a lower setting for just a few minutes to avoid over-toasting the rolls. For a quick option, you can microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds, but the bread will be softer than when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
Yes, you can swap the turkey for leftover chicken, deli turkey slices, or even ham. Each one works well with the cranberry and cheese.
No, you can simplify by using just one or two cheeses. Havarti, Brie, and Emmentaler each bring something different, but the recipe still tastes great with fewer.
You can use slider buns, brioche rolls, dinner rolls, or even sliced baguettes. Just choose something soft enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Mini Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry
Ingredients
- 6 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 slices leftover boneless Turkey Roast ¼ inch thick per slice
- ½ cup whole cranberry sauce
- 4 slices pre-sliced Havarti cheese wide thin slices (120 grams, 4.2 ounces)
- 4 slices Brie cheese ¼ inch thick per slice from the middle
- 50 grams block Emmentaler cheese or Swiss cheese (1.7 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer at 350°F (177°C). Set at 15 minutes.
- Slice each sweet roll in half and transfer the base to a parchment-lined Air Fryer tray on a baking tray. Then add 2 slices of Havarti cheese.
- Cut the boneless turkey roast into 6 portions and place on top of the Havarti cheese.
- Spread whole cranberry sauce evenly on top of the portioned turkey roast. Add the slices of brie and emmentaler cheeses to cover all sections of the 6 rolls. Then top with the remaining Havarti cheese. Lastly, cover with the top layer of the sweet rolls.
- Spread softened butter on top and all the sides of the sweet rolls. Then sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and half of the fresh chopped parsley. Cover with foil, securing all the sides without touching the sliders.
- Slowly insert the Air Fryer tray with cranberry turkey sliders into the lower cooking chamber, above the drip tray.
- If the Air Fryer uses a basket, place the cranberry turkey sliders covered with foil onto the crisper plate and basket.
- Air Fry the cranberry turkey sliders for 15 minutes or until the cheeses are melted according to preference.
- For slightly crisp sweet rolls on top, Air Fry uncovered at the last 1 minute.
- For crisp, golden brown cranberry turkey sliders, remove the foil and Air Fry for the remaining 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the leftover cranberry turkey sliders with the parchment paper onto a serving plate or a wooden board and garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.
Comments
No Comments