As the last remnants of Thanksgiving linger in your fridge, there’s an irresistible urge to transform those festive leftovers into something fresh and exciting. Enter the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These delightful creations take your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce and lovingly nestle them between pillowy Hawaiian rolls. Not only are these sliders a quick preparation, but they also make mealtime a fun and family-friendly affair. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, an ideal remedy for post-holiday munchies. So, why let perfectly good turkey go to waste? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and turn those leftovers into an unforgettable treat! Are you ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make delight?
Why Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Unique Twist on Leftovers: This recipe takes your Thanksgiving turkey and transforms it into a mouthwatering slider that your family will crave.
Quick Preparation: With minimal steps, you can whip up these sliders in no time—perfect for busy days after the holiday.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweet cranberry sauce beautifully complements the savory turkey, creating a delightful taste experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, these sliders are finger-food friendly, making them a hit at any party or family meal.
Versatile Options: Try swapping ingredients like ham instead of turkey, or add layers of stuffing for an extra festive touch! Don’t let those leftovers languish in the fridge; rediscover their magic with these Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Cranberry Sliders!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients
• Let’s create some savory magic!
For the Sliders
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – These soft rolls are perfect for holding all the delicious fillings, making assembly a breeze.
- Diced Turkey – Using leftover turkey adds a comforting, homey flavor that’s essential for these sliders.
- Cranberry Sauce or Relish – This sweet addition not only moistens the sliders but also showcases that quintessential Thanksgiving taste.
- Swiss Cheese – Optional but highly recommended for a gooey, melty layer; feel free to swap it out with your favorite cheese!
For the Assembly
- Butter – Unsalted is best to control seasoning, and it gives the tops that wonderful golden brown finish.
- Yellow Mustard – Adds a zesty kick to contrast the sweetness; switch to Dijon if you prefer a spicier punch.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Provides depth; you can omit this for a simpler flavor profile.
- Dried Minced Onion – A great way to infuse savory flavor; for a fresher taste, use finely chopped fresh onion instead.
For Garnishing
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Use it for a sprinkle of extra flavor before serving, or skip it if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Dried Parsley (optional) – A touch of fresh or dried parsley adds color and a hint of herbaceousness to your sliders.
Dive into this easy recipe and make the most of your holiday leftovers with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for ensuring your Turkey Cranberry Sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly warm and toasty. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and prepare a 9×13 baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Carefully remove the Hawaiian sweet rolls from their packaging, keeping them in a single piece. Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls in half lengthwise. This action creates a top and bottom layer for your sliders, which will hold the delicious fillings together beautifully once assembled. Set the top half aside on a plate.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking pan. This soft base will cradle the juicy fillings below. Next, layer generous amounts of diced turkey over the rolls, ensuring that every slider will be packed with flavor. Follow the turkey with warmed cranberry sauce, spreading it evenly to provide both sweetness and moisture.
Step 4: Add Cheese Layer
Sprinkle Swiss cheese generously over the turkey and cranberry sauce, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking. If preferred, feel free to substitute with your cheese of choice for a different taste! Once the cheese is evenly distributed, carefully place the top half of the rolls back onto the sandwich layers, lightly pressing down to compress the fillings.
Step 5: Mix the Butter Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter until it’s completely liquefied, which usually takes about 30 seconds. Once melted, whisk in yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried minced onion, combining everything into a rich buttery mixture. This blend will enhance the flavor of your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, providing a delicious glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle and Rest
Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the assembled sliders, ensuring every corner is coated. Let the sliders sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This brief resting period helps the juices soak into the rolls, making your sliders even more flavorful and enticing.
Step 7: Bake the Sliders
Cover the pan with the aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil will capture steam, keeping your Turkey Cranberry Sliders warm and moist. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. This will give your sliders a beautiful golden brown top and a slightly crispy texture.
Step 8: Optional Garnishing
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley over the sliders just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color. This optional step adds a touch of sophistication and elevates your Turkey Cranberry Sliders presentation, making them perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once baked to golden perfection, let the sliders cool slightly. Slice them into individual sliders for easy serving. As you dish them out, the delightful aroma of turkey and cranberry will fill the air, ready to be enjoyed warm. These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are now ready to grab and savor—perfect for any occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Fridge: Keep leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for quick snacking.
Freezer: These sliders can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they remain soft and cheesy.
Assembly Tips: If preparing for later use, assemble the sliders without baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, so they’re easy to pop in the oven when hunger strikes!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, tightly covered with foil to maintain freshness. Just layer the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese as directed, then top with the rolls and buttery mixture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This means you can whip up a delicious family meal with minimal effort, ensuring every bite remains just as delightful as when freshly made.
What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
A cozy meal experience awaits when you pair these delightful sliders with just the right sides!
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the sliders’ savory profile, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and hearty texture balance the sliders’ sweetness, making for a well-rounded dish.
- Classic Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy sliders.
- Homemade Potato Chips: Crunchy, salty potato chips provide a satisfying textural contrast to your tender sliders, making for a fun snack.
- Spinach Salad with Light Dressing: A light salad with fresh spinach provides a crisp freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Cranberry Lime Sparkler: A refreshing drink that ties in the cranberry theme, offering a tart sweetness and bubbles to cleanse your palate.
- Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm, sweet delight offers a cozy finish to your meal, harmonizing beautifully with the sliders’ flavors.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and comforting, a bowl of this soup serves as a warm starter that enhances the festive feel of your meal.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: This indulgent side resonates with the warm, gooey aspect of the sliders, making for a comforting, flavorful meal experience.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and explore fun, tasty variations of these classic sliders!
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Ham and Swiss: Swap turkey for slices of ham, layered with Swiss cheese for a savory twist. You’ll love how easily this changes up the flavor profile!
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Stuffing Delight: Add a layer of your leftover stuffing for a hearty, holiday-inspired slider. It brings a burst of festive flavors that truly honors Thanksgiving.
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Cheesy Bliss: Mix in your favorite shredded cheese with the turkey for an extra creamy texture that makes each bite a delicious melting experience.
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Spicy Kick: Replace yellow mustard with spicy Dijon or even a chipotle mayo for a zesty surprise. Your sliders will have a flavorful kick that packs a punch!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls to make this delightful dish friendly for those with dietary restrictions. Everyone can enjoy these tasty sliders!
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Veggie Twist: Substitute turkey with roasted vegetables and add a creamy garlic sauce for a vegetarian delight. This option keeps all the amazing flavors while offering a fresh take.
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Fruit Fusion: Add sliced apples or pears alongside the turkey for a sweet crunch that beautifully complements the savory elements in the sliders.
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Herbaceous Flavor: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the turkey for a fragrant and delightful aroma. Fresh herbs can elevate those holiday flavors in every bite!
Ready to take your sliders to another level after enjoying these variations? Don’t forget to check out my Pot Turkey Meatballs for another delicious way to use up those turkey leftovers! Happy cooking!
Expert Tips for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Avoid Soggy Rolls: Toast the Hawaiian rolls slightly before assembly to create a barrier that prevents sogginess from the fillings.
- Easier Spreading: Warm the cranberry sauce slightly to ensure it spreads smoothly and evenly across the turkey.
- Slice Before Serving: To maintain freshness, slice only the number of sliders you plan to serve right before enjoying your Turkey Cranberry Sliders; this keeps them from drying out.
- Flavor Boost: Try mixing in some fresh herbs into the turkey layer for added freshness and flavor; herbs like thyme or rosemary work wonderfully!
- Storage Savvy: Assemble sliders ahead of time and refrigerate (without baking) for a convenient, quick meal ready to pop in the oven.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe FAQs
What type of rolls should I use for the Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
I highly recommend using Hawaiian sweet rolls for this recipe! Their soft, pillowy texture perfectly complements the savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce. If you prefer an alternative, you can also use slider buns or even whole grain rolls for a healthier twist.
How should I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll always have a tasty snack ready when you need a quick bite! If you have unassembled sliders, they can be stored without baking for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Absolutely! You can freeze these sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the total baking time.
What should I do if my sliders seem soggy?
If you’re worried about soggy bottoms, I often recommend lightly toasting the Hawaiian rolls before assembly. This creates a beautiful barrier against moisture, keeping your sliders deliciously fluffy rather than mushy.
Can I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders if I have allergies?
Yes, you can easily modify the recipe to fit dietary needs! For example, if you’re allergic to dairy, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you have gluten sensitivities, opt for gluten-free rolls and ensure that all other ingredients are compliant. Enjoying these sliders is possible for everyone!
How do I know when my sliders are done baking?
You’ll want to bake the sliders until they are golden brown on top, which usually takes about 25 minutes total (20 minutes covered, then 5 minutes uncovered). The melty cheese and warm ingredients should be bubbling slightly beneath the surface when they’re ready to savor!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders: A Cozy Thanksgiving Leftover Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half lengthwise while keeping them in a single piece.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking pan. Layer with diced turkey followed by a spread of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese over the turkey and cranberry sauce, then place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried minced onion.
- Drizzle the buttery mixture over the assembled sliders, then let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley before serving.
- Slice the sliders and serve warm.