Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful and inventive way to utilize your holiday feast leftovers. Imagine soft slider rolls filled with tender turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all topped with a buttery, flavorful glaze that makes each bite a mouthwatering experience. These sliders are not only easy to prepare but also offer a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that can turn leftover turkey into a highlight of your meal.
Why We Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
What’s not to adore about Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders? First and foremost, they bring the festive flavors of Thanksgiving to your table long after the holiday is over. The combination of turkey and cranberry embodies the essence of the season, giving you a cozy, comforting feeling. The sliders are simple to prepare, allowing you to whip up an impressive dish with minimal effort. Plus, they are a hit among both kids and adults, making them the perfect option for family gatherings or snack time. The sliders’ warm, cheesy goodness and sweet-tart cranberry sauce truly elevate the humble turkey into something extraordinary.
Ingredients about Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
- 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Directions
Creating your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders involves a few straightforward steps that lead to an incredibly satisfying result. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, take your slider rolls and slice them in half horizontally, ensuring that the individual rolls remain joined together. Carefully arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, providing a solid foundation for your sliders.
Next, grab a small bowl and mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Spread this delectable mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls. This step not only adds creaminess but amplifies the flavor profile of the sliders. Now it’s time to layer in the turkey. Distribute the cooked turkey evenly over the prepared buns, ensuring each bite will be deliciously meaty. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey, adding that sweet-tangy burst that complements the savory elements perfectly.
After layering the turkey and cranberry, it’s time to add cheese. Place the halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers. Be generous; oozy, melted cheese is one of the highlights of these sliders! Next, gently put the top halves of the rolls over the cheese, creating complete little sandwiches.
To add a touch of flavor to the topping, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley in another small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. This buttery glaze will become beautifully crispy and golden as they bake. Cover your baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown.
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute. To serve, use a sharp knife to separate the individual sliders. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders, there are several enjoyable ways to present them. For a fun and casual approach, consider serving them on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. You can line the platter with a festive tablecloth or colorful napkins to elevate the presentation.
These sliders make for fantastic party appetizers, so don’t hesitate to whip them up for gatherings or game-day celebrations. Pair the sliders with a selection of sides, such as a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or a savory dip, to create a well-rounded meal. If you want to enhance the Thanksgiving theme, feel free to include some seasonal decorations or garnish your dish with sprigs of parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
For a cozy movie night at home, these sliders can also serve as a great snack. Simply set out a dipping sauce, like extra cranberry sauce or a creamy dressing, alongside the sliders. This allows everyone to customize their bites. The warm, melted cheese combined with the sweet and savory flavors guarantees that everyone will come back for seconds.
Expert Tips: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
To ensure your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, don’t skip the butter glaze. This step is crucial for achieving that extra crunch and golden finish on top of your sliders. The garlic and onion powders add a depth of flavor that takes these sliders to the next level.
If you’re concerned about the sliders being too dry, consider adding a bit more cranberry sauce between the turkey and cheese layers. This will help keep the sliders moist and flavorful. Additionally, don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe. You could add some chopped green onions or sliced avocado for some added freshness.
For the cheese, while Swiss and provolone are great options, feel free to experiment with other types like cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Lastly, if you want to prepare these sliders ahead of time, assemble them as directed up to the baking step and cover them tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the wrap and proceed with the baking instructions.
How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Storing your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders is an easy process. First, allow the sliders to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, you can transfer them to an airtight container. If you have leftovers, you can store individual sliders or cut them into smaller sections. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking them, as this will prevent sticking.
These sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each slider tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Variation of Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
While the classic Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are delicious, you can easily mix things up with some variations. For a twist, think about adding different ingredients. For instance, try using a spicy mustard instead of Dijon for a kick. You could also incorporate sautéed vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to add additional layers of flavor.
If you love a bit of sweetness, consider adding a slice of fresh apple or pear in the layers. This will create a delightful contrast with the savory turkey and tangy cranberry. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, go for a barbecue sauce instead of cranberry sauce. The sweet and smoky flavors combine beautifully with turkey and melted cheese.
You might also want to try a different type of bread. Instead of mini brioche buns, use whole grain slider rolls or even tortillas for a wrap-style slider. Each variation allows you to bring your creativity into the kitchen and enjoy a fresh take on a Thanksgiving classic.
FAQs
What can I do with leftover turkey besides the Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
There are plenty of options! You can make turkey soup, turkey salad, or use it in casseroles. Turkey tacos or enchiladas are also fantastic choices.
Can I prepare the Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just ensure they are tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
How do I reheat leftover Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
To reheat, place the sliders in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Can I freeze Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Wrap each slider tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
What type of cheese works best for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
While Swiss and provolone are great choices, feel free to experiment! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese can bring new flavors to your sliders.
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced Use leftover turkey for best results.
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
- 12 pieces slider rolls or mini brioche buns Use any small bread rolls.
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For a golden topping.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Optional for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Optional for garnish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them together, and arrange them in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth, then spread this mixture over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Layer the cooked turkey evenly over the bottoms, followed by the cranberry sauce, and then cheese slices.
- Place the tops of the rolls back over the cheese to form complete sandwiches.
Topping and Baking
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Serving
- Let the sliders cool for a minute, then separate them with a sharp knife and serve warm.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!