Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a scrumptious meal that everyone will love. These bite-sized sandwiches combine tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in soft slider rolls for a delightful treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a game day, or simply satisfy your cravings, these sliders will remind you of the joy of Thanksgiving every time you take a bite.
Why We Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
These sliders not only taste fantastic but are also incredibly simple to prepare. If you find yourself overwhelmed by a mountain of leftover turkey, this recipe will help you make the most of it. The sweet and savory blend of ingredients creates a mouth-watering experience, while the warm, cheesy goodness topped with garlic butter is just the icing on the cake. Plus, they are customizable, allowing you to add in your favorite herbs or spices. Whether for friends, family, or just yourself, these sliders are sure to satisfy!
Ingredients about Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
You will need the following ingredients to whip up these delicious 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 these sliders is a breeze, even if you’re a kitchen novice. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, slice your slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well combined. Spread this delicious mixture generously over the cut sides of the bottom rolls, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Now it’s time to layer your ingredients. Start with the shredded or sliced turkey, arranging it evenly over the mayonnaise spread. Then, add a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce atop the turkey—this sweet sauce is what makes the sliders truly special. Follow that with the halved cheese slices, placing them snugly over the cranberry sauce.
Once your sliders are layered, place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. For the finishing touch, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Brush this rich mixture over the tops of the slider rolls for a flavorful crust that will crisp up beautifully as they bake.
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the tops brown for an additional 5 minutes, until they reach a lovely golden color. Once out of the oven, allow the sliders to cool for just a minute before slicing them into individual portions. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
When it comes to serving your turkey cranberry sliders, keep it simple but appealing. Place the sliders on a large platter or a wooden board for an inviting presentation. Add some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color that enhances both the look and the flavor. These sliders pair perfectly with a side of chips, fresh veggies, or a light salad to balance out the toppings.
If you’re hosting guests, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces, such as extra cranberry sauce or even a light ranch dressing. These little additions allow everyone to find their perfect flavor combination. Always keep the sliders warm if you can, using a warming tray or foil to cover them while serving.
Expert Tips: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
To make your slider experience even better, consider these expert tips. First, ensure your turkey is well-seasoned to provide deep flavor. If it’s a bit bland, sprinkle some salt and pepper on the turkey before assembling the sliders.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can mix in different cheeses or add additional toppings like sliced avocado or fresh spinach. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for cream cheese or Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for an alternative spread.
When baking, keep an eye on the sliders for the perfect golden-brown finish. If you have leftovers, feel free to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their warm and crispy texture.
How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
If you have any leftover sliders—a rarity, but it can happen—storing them correctly will maintain their deliciousness. Allow the sliders to cool completely before packing them away. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh, then place them in an airtight container. Properly stored, they can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
You also have the option to freeze the sliders! To do this, wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-friendly bag. When you’re ready for a treat, simply reheat them in the oven after thawing, which will keep them crispy on the outside while warming the filling.
Variation of Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Feel free to experiment with this recipe and tailor it to your preference! You can introduce different ingredients to create your perfect slider. For example, instead of turkey, try using leftover chicken or even a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
If you’d like a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the layers. Try substituting the cranberry sauce for apple butter or fig jam for a different sweet element.
For a gourmet twist, consider using artisan rolls or artisan cheeses to elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with various herbs or spices in your butter mixture for varied tastes.
With so many options, you can enjoy a different slider experience every time you make them!
FAQ
What can I do with Thanksgiving leftover turkey besides sliders? There are several delicious options! You could create turkey soup, turkey pot pie, or a turkey casserole. The possibilities are endless!
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to suit your taste.
How long can I store Thanksgiving leftover turkey cranberry sliders? When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the sliders can last about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for later enjoyment.
Can I make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sliders a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for a fresh and warm treat.
What side dishes go well with Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders? These sliders pair excellently with a light salad, chips, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
- 12 pieces 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the cut sides of the bottom rolls.
- Layer shredded turkey over the mayonnaise spread.
- Add cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Place halved cheese slices over the cranberry sauce.
- Add the top halves of the rolls.
Baking
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley.
- Brush the mixture over the tops of the slider rolls.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Let sliders cool for a minute before slicing.