Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Delight in these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders, a perfect party snack combining tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on soft slider buns. Baked to golden perfection with a flavorful buttery topping, these sliders make an easy and delicious way to enjoy holiday leftovers or serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 portions
- Category: Party Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Turkey and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
Bread
- 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns
Sauces and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally but keep them connected as a whole. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the slider base.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bottom rolls to add flavor and moisture.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Evenly distribute the cooked turkey over the prepared rolls. Spoon whole berry cranberry sauce atop the turkey to achieve a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved Swiss or provolone cheese slices over the cranberry-topped turkey. Then place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, optional poppy seeds, and parsley. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with this flavorful topping.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and warm through. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown and crisp the tops.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Separate the sliders carefully with a sharp knife and serve warm for a delicious party snack or casual meal.
Notes
- Keep the slider rolls attached when slicing to make assembly easier and to keep the sliders together during baking.
- Use leftover turkey for the perfect cost-effective and flavorful filling.
- Optional toppings like poppy seeds and fresh parsley add texture and a pop of color but can be omitted if desired.
- Make sure to cover the dish during the initial baking to retain moisture and melt cheese evenly.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.
- Allergy Note: Contains dairy and gluten; review individual ingredients if dietary restrictions apply.
