Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

Bymia larkspur
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Introduction

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing meal. These mini sandwiches combine savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese for a perfect balance of flavors.

This image shows four square sandwich sliders on a white plate against a white marbled texture background. Each slider has three layers inside: the bottom layer is soft, light yellow bread; on top of that is shredded light brown roasted chicken; the next layer has melted white cheese that drapes over the chicken; above the cheese is a thick layer of dark red cranberry sauce with bits of green parsley sprinkled inside and on top; the top layer is a shiny golden brown bread bun sprinkled with black poppy seeds and small brown crumbs, each topped with a small sprig of fresh green parsley. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping each set of rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
  4. Step 4: Distribute the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the prepared rolls. Spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
  5. Step 5: Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry sauce. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
  6. Step 6: In another small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley if using. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
  7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops turn golden.
  8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap Swiss or provolone for cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • Use leftover stuffing inside the sliders along with turkey for extra heartiness.
  • Add a slice of crispy bacon for a smoky crunch.
  • If you like spice, mix a little hot sauce into the mayo-mustard spread.
  • Make a vegetarian version using roasted vegetables or plant-based turkey alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Four small sandwich sliders are shown on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each slider has three layers: the top layer is a golden-brown, shiny baked bun sprinkled with coarse salt, black pepper, and green herbs; the middle layer is melted white cheese that drapes softly over shredded light brown meat mixed with a thick, dark red cranberry sauce that oozes slightly out the bottom; the bottom layer is a soft, lightly toasted white bun with a fluffy texture. The sandwiches are close together with a clear focus on the front slider, showing all the textures and colors in detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen slider rolls for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen slider rolls completely before assembling the sliders to ensure even baking and proper texture.

Is it necessary to cover the sliders during baking?

Covering the sliders for the first 15 minutes helps the filling heat through and prevents the rolls from drying out. Removing the foil at the end allows the tops to brown nicely.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your leftover turkey into a flavorful sandwich. Combining savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melty Swiss or provolone cheese, and a buttery, seasoned topping on soft slider buns, these sliders are baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a cozy snack, they bring together classic holiday flavors in a fun, handheld form.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Assembly

  • 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

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Topping

  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking your sliders evenly.
  2. Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached so they stay as a single unit. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to serve as the base for the sliders.
  3. Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls to add flavor and moisture.
  4. Add Turkey and Cranberry: Distribute the cooked turkey evenly over the sauce-covered buns. Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
  5. Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese over the turkey and cranberry mixture. Then place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese to form complete sliders.
  6. Prepare and Apply Topping: In another small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds (if using), and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Brush this seasoned butter generously over the tops of the rolls to enrich flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
  7. Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the sliders are golden brown.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool briefly to set. Use a sharp knife to carefully separate the sliders, then serve the warm sliders immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute the Swiss or provolone cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free slider buns.
  • The poppy seeds and parsley are optional but add a nice texture and fresh flavor to the topping.
  • Leftover homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought versions both work well.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mayo-Dijon sauce mixture.
  • These sliders are best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for about 10 minutes covered with foil.

Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce, party appetizer, easy sliders, holiday sandwich, slider recipes

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