Nothing stirs the heart quite like the aromas of a Thanksgiving feast, but what happens when the last slice of pumpkin pie is gone? Enter the game-changing Turkey Cranberry Sliders, where leftover turkey meets sweet cranberry sauce and gooey Swiss cheese, creating a miniature comfort food marvel. These little gems are not only a delightful way to repurpose your holiday leftovers, but they also transform into effortless party snacks or quick lunches that will have your family cheering. Each slider is brushed with seasoned butter and baked until golden, embodying that cozy holiday warmth that lingers long after the guests have left. Curious about how to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new family favorite? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Crave These Sliders?
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out turkey for leftover ham or rotisserie chicken, making customization a breeze.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These sliders are a hit at any gathering, perfect for parties or casual lunches, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have these baked sliders ready in a jiffy, ideal for those busy days.
Comforting Flavor: The warm, melty cheese paired with sweet cranberry sauce creates a flavor explosion that captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
Elevate your holiday leftovers and impress your guests with these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders. For more ideas on maximizing those tasty leftovers, check out my ultimate guide to Thanksgiving leftovers!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients
• For the Sliders
- Cooked Turkey – Shredded or sliced; this is essential for a protein-packed filling.
- Swiss Cheese – Adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with provolone or cheddar for a twist.
- Slider Rolls – Use mini brioche or other soft rolls that hold the fillings together beautifully.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce – Brings sweetness and tartness; apricot preserves make a lovely substitute.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess; a crucial component in our flavorful sauce.
- Dijon Mustard – Provides tanginess; helps elevate the sauce’s flavor.
• For the Topping
- Unsalted Butter – For brushing on the top before baking; ensures a golden, savory crust.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor; a pinch goes a long way.
- Onion Powder – Adds depth; optional but gives a wonderful aromatic touch.
- Poppy Seeds – Sprinkle for texture and a delicate crunch; also visually appealing!
- Parsley – Freshens the dish; optional for garnish but adds a pop of color.
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders that everyone will love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures your Turkey Cranberry Sliders bake evenly and thoroughly. You want to create that warm, inviting environment, perfect for melting cheese and toasting slider rolls. Use an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully slice the slider rolls in half while keeping them attached at one side, creating a hinge for easy filling. Set the bottom halves snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing them to form the base of your sliders. This will help hold all the delicious turkey and cranberry filling.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, blend together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. This flavorful sauce is vital for adding creaminess and tang to your Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Spread this mixture generously over the bottom halves of the slider rolls, ensuring every corner is covered for maximum taste.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Next, layer your shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the sauce-coated rolls. Spoon a generous amount of whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, allowing the sweet and tart flavors to mingle. Finish this step by placing Swiss cheese slices evenly on top, creating a melty barrier to keep the ingredients moist.
Step 5: Add the Top Rolls
Gently place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese, pressing down slightly to compact the filling. This step helps ensure the sliders hold together during baking and makes for an easy, delicious hand-held treat. Your Turkey Cranberry Sliders should now look like a delightful stack ready for the oven.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, melt unsalted butter and combine it with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley. This seasoned butter will brush over the top of the rolls, adding a savory flavor and golden color to your sliders. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops thoroughly, enhancing their appeal.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while your sliders bake. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes; this allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together beautifully. You should see the warm steam escape as you uncover the foil at the end of this step.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil to expose the sliders. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the tops are a delightful golden brown. The crispy top contrasted with soft buns will make your Turkey Cranberry Sliders irresistible.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Once baked, let the sliders cool for a brief moment before using a sharp knife to separate them. Serve your Turkey Cranberry Sliders warm, allowing everyone to grab their slice of this delicious comfort food. The aroma will fill the room, making it hard to resist these tasty treats!
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Nothing elevates a cozy gathering quite like a scrumptious meal centered around these delightful sliders.
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Crisp Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a mixed greens salad adds a crunchy balance to the sliders’ richness, invigorating the palate.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The crunchy outside and fluffy inside create a satisfying texture combination, while their natural sweetness complements the tart cranberry sauce beautifully.
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Savory Stuffing Balls: A side of leftover stuffing baked into crispy balls rounds out the meal, enhancing the traditional Thanksgiving flavors everyone loves.
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Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to perfection, Brussels sprouts bring a bit of savory earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the sliders, adding a wholesome touch.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw adds brightness and a refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the melted cheese and turkey.
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Sparkling Cider: A glass of bubbly sparkling cider is the perfect drink to wash down the sliders, offering a festive touch and a hint of sweetness.
Pairing these sides with your Turkey Cranberry Sliders creates balance, flavor, and a sense of comfort that will keep everyone smiling!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Room Temperature: Turkey Cranberry Sliders are best enjoyed warm, but they can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours before needing to be refrigerated.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the sliders are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat sliders loosely wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the Turkey Cranberry Sliders moist and delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time during busy holiday gatherings. Simply prepare the sliders through Step 5, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This ensures that the rolls stay fresh and moist before baking. On the day of serving, remove them from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then proceed with Step 6. Bake as directed, and you’ll have warm, comforting sliders that taste just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Variations
Feel free to get creative with your sliders! There’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you to explore.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute Swiss cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese for a creamy texture without the dairy.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey layers for an exciting kick that brightens up each bite.
- Herbed Version: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mayonnaise for a fragrant twist, providing a rustic vibe to your sliders.
- Sweet Swap: Instead of cranberry sauce, try using a savory apple chutney to bring a slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile to your sliders.
- Texture Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the turkey for extra richness and a satisfying bite in each slider.
- Whole Grain: Swap white slider rolls for whole grain or whole wheat options to add nuttiness and fiber to your meal.
- Meat Alternatives: Use shredded jackfruit or tempeh for a plant-based version that still captures the essence of the holiday flavors.
Elevate your next family gathering with these delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders! For more inspiration on using Thanksgiving leftovers, don’t miss my tips on creative pasta dishes.
Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Assemble Ahead: Preparing your sliders in advance and letting them chill in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste.
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Moisture Matters: Cover your sliders with foil during the first baking phase. This helps retain moisture, preventing dry sliders that miss that comforting texture.
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Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to mix in leftover stuffing or sautéed spinach for added flavor and texture. Get creative with your leftovers!
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Bake with Care: Keep an eye on the sliders as they bake. The top should be golden and crispy, but watch out for overbaking which can dry out the Turkey Cranberry Sliders.
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Leftover Storage: Store any leftover sliders covered tightly in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F to keep them moist and delicious.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best turkey for my sliders?
Absolutely! When selecting turkey for your sliders, opt for fresh, properly cooked turkey. If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, ensure it’s not dry by checking for moistness and that it hasn’t been stored for too long. The cooled turkey should be shredded or sliced thinly for optimal layering in the sliders.
How should I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Very! To store your leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain their texture and prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets; this helps to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped sliders in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What if my sliders are too dry after baking?
Don’t worry! If your sliders come out dry, consider adding more moisture next time. Incorporating a bit more fat, like butter or mayo, can help. You can also cover your sliders with foil during the initial baking phase to trap moisture, ensuring they remain soft and cheesy. If you’re experimenting, try adding some leftover gravy into the turkey mix before layering!
Is there anything I need to consider for dietary restrictions?
The more the merrier! For gluten-free options, switch to gluten-free slider rolls. If you have dairy allergies, you can use dairy-free cheese and eliminate the butter from the topping. Always check for any allergens in store-bought ingredients like mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. If you’re cooking for pets, keep the sliders plain, avoiding any seasoning that could upset their stomachs.
Can I make the sliders in advance?
Very! Yes, you can assemble your Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time, which can be very convenient for parties. Prepare them by following all the steps until baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as instructed!
Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together in a bowl and spread over the bottom rolls.
- Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Swiss cheese over the sauce-coated rolls.
- Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese.
- Melt unsalted butter and mix with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley. Brush over the top rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Let cool for a moment, then cut and serve warm.
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