The Ultimate Christmas Cranberry Turkey Pot Pie Sliders

The holiday season is defined by the warmth of the oven and the joy of sharing a meal, but the real magic often happens the day after the big feast. Christmas Cranberry Turkey Pot Pie Sliders take everything you love about a traditional holiday dinner—succulent turkey, savory gravy, and tart cranberry sauce—and reinvent them into a handheld, buttery masterpiece. These sliders are the perfect solution for leftover turkey, offering a creative twist on the classic pot pie by swapping a heavy crust for soft, pull-apart rolls topped with a golden garlic-herb glaze. Whether you are hosting a casual post-holiday gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these sliders deliver a symphony of seasonal flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders:

• 1 pack (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or savory butter rolls

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover roasted turkey is ideal)

• 1 cup thick turkey gravy (plus extra for dipping)

• ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

• 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar or Gruyère cheese

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Butter Topping:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

• A pinch of flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, turkey gravy, thawed peas and carrots, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the turkey is well-coated in the gravy.

3. Slice the Rolls: Without pulling the individual rolls apart, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

4. Layer the Flavors: Spread an even layer of cranberry sauce across the bottom half of the rolls. Follow this with the turkey and gravy mixture, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the turkey layer.

5. Assemble: Place the top half of the rolls back onto the sliders, pressing down slightly to secure the filling.

6. Apply the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and poppy seeds. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, ensuring the butter seeps into the crevices.

7. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too quickly. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown and crisp.

8. Serve: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with an extra side of gravy for dipping.

Elevating Your Leftover Game

The genius of this recipe lies in its ability to transform standard leftovers into a gourmet experience. While traditional pot pies require the labor-intensive process of chilling and rolling out dough, these sliders utilize the natural sweetness of brioche or Hawaiian rolls to provide a flavor contrast that cuts through the savory gravy. To ensure the best texture, always ensure your gravy is thick; if your leftover gravy is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes on the stove with a small cornstarch slurry before mixing it with the turkey. This prevents the bottom of the rolls from becoming soggy and maintains the structural integrity of the slider.

For those looking to customize the flavor profile, consider the cheese selection. While white cheddar provides a sharp bite, Gruyère adds a sophisticated, nutty element that pairs beautifully with cranberry. If you have leftover stuffing (dressing), you can even add a thin layer of it beneath the turkey for the “full Thanksgiving” experience in a single bun.

Tips for the Perfect Golden Crust

Achieving the perfect crunch on the top of your sliders is what separates a good snack from a great one. The butter glaze is essential, but the timing of the foil is equally important. Covering the rolls initially allows the internal temperature to rise and the cheese to melt without burning the bread. When you remove the foil for the final few minutes, the sugars in the rolls caramelize, creating a shattered-glass crispness that contrasts with the soft, pillowy interior.

If you prefer a more “pot pie” inspired finish, you can swap the garlic-parsley butter for a sprinkle of dried sage and rosemary. This mimics the aromatic profile of a traditional poultry seasoning. Additionally, don’t skip the rest period after baking. Allowing the sliders to sit for five minutes lets the gravy set slightly, making them much easier to slice into individual portions without the filling sliding out.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Christmas Cranberry Turkey Pot Pie Sliders are incredibly versatile. They shine as a centerpiece for a “Friendsgiving” brunch, a game-day appetizer, or a cozy dinner served alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. Because they contain both protein and vegetables, they are a complete meal in a small package.

If you happen to have leftovers (though they disappear quickly), these sliders store remarkably well. Wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 325°F until the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread chewy rather than crisp. With this recipe in your holiday repertoire, you’ll find yourself looking forward to the leftovers just as much as the main event.