Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Introduction
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious way to transform holiday leftovers into a warm, comforting meal. These bite-sized sandwiches combine savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese for an irresistible flavor blend.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping individual rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Step 4: Distribute the turkey evenly over the prepared buns. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey.
- Step 5: Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
- Step 6: In another small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley if using. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Separate the sliders using a sharp knife and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover ham or roast beef instead of turkey for a different twist on the sliders.
- Try adding a slice of crispy bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- Substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with a spicy cranberry chutney to add a kick.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash instead of butter for a shinier finish.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individually in the microwave or bake in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through to help retain their texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. Swiss and provolone work well, but cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can also be delicious depending on your taste preference.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Featuring tender shredded turkey, melted Swiss or provolone cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a savory Dijon mayo spread on soft slider rolls, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with a buttery, garlicky topping. Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting snack, they combine classic holiday flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
Topping Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached as a sheet. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom halves of the rolls to add creamy tanginess.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the prepared rolls. Then spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey to add sweet and tart flavor dimensions.
- Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved cheese slices on top of the turkey and cranberry layer. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese, covering the filling.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley if using. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of the slider rolls to create a savory crust.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss or provolone cheese with mozzarella or cheddar based on preference.
- Poppy seeds and parsley are optional but add a nice touch of texture and freshness to the topping.
- These sliders can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked right before serving.
- For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- Leftover cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce, slider recipe, holiday sandwiches, baked sliders
