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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are an irresistible way to transform your holiday meal into a comforting lunch or cheerful dinner. With their warm, gooey cheese melting over tender turkey and the sweet-tart burst of cranberry sauce, these sliders encapsulate the spirit of Thanksgiving in every bite. I recall making this easy, satisfying dish with my family, as the aroma of melted cheese mingled with roasted turkey filled the kitchen, evoking joy and togetherness. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside football games or a cozy evening with loved ones, you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is.

Prep Time: Twenty minutes
Cook Time: Twenty minutes
Total Time: Forty minutes
Servings: Twelve sliders
Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients: Cooked turkey, Swiss cheese, cranberry sauce, slider rolls
Dietary Tags: Quick, Comforting, Holiday

Quick Answer: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are deliciously simple sandwiches that combine turkey, cheese, cranberry sauce, and soft rolls for a delightful meal using leftover turkey.

Why Make This Recipe

Not only is this recipe an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, but it also brings back fond memories of family gatherings. The soft texture of the buns and the rich, savory flavor of the turkey combined with the sweetness of cranberry sauce create a nostalgic journey back to the warmth of family celebrations. Each bite is infused with the spirit of the holidays, reminding you of laughter around the table and the simple joy of shared meals. In just under an hour, you can craft a dish that feels special yet effortless, perfect for weekday dinners or casual gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year long.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Begin by preheating your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, gently slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual pieces connected. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in a lightly greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish, ready to cradle your delicious fillings.

In a small bowl, combine half a cup of mayonnaise and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and spread the creamy blend evenly over the cut sides of the bottom rolls. As you do this, the rich aroma of the mustard and mayonnaise fills your kitchen, setting the stage for the comforting flavors to come.

Distribute two cups of cooked turkey, either shredded or sliced, evenly over your prepared rolls. Next, lovingly spoon half a cup of whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, allowing the sweet-tart flavor to mingle with the savory turkey. Layer six halved slices of Swiss cheese over the turkey and cranberry, creating an inviting appearance full of gooey promise. Gently place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese to complete the sliders.

In another small bowl, mix together four tablespoons of unsalted butter with half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, one tablespoon of poppy seeds, and one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Brush this fragrant mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, enhancing their flavor and aroma as they bake.

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven, allowing the sliders to bake for fifteen minutes. As they warm, the tantalizing aroma wafts through your home, a prelude to the delightful meal awaiting you. After the fifteen minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional five minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tops are gloriously golden.

Once they have finished baking, take a moment to let the sliders cool briefly before separating them using a sharp knife. Serve them warm, and watch as they disappear quickly from your table.

Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s look at what you’ll need. You will require two cups of cooked turkey, shredded or sliced, six slices of Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved, twelve slider rolls or mini brioche buns, half a cup of whole berry cranberry sauce, half a cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, four tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, one tablespoon of poppy seeds—optional—one tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley—optional—and half a teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of onion powder.

This recipe thrives on freshness; feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese or use leftover cranberry sauce for optimal flavor.

Why This Recipe Works (The Science)

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders work beautifully due to the harmonious marriage of flavors and textures. The soft, sweet rolls embrace the savory turkey and creamy cheese while the cranberry sauce adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced taste experience.

Science Tip: The melting of the cheese creates a cohesive binding element, ensuring every bite of the sliders is filled with flavor without the fillings slipping away.

Expert Insight: Using a combination of turkey and cheese not only creates a mouthwatering sandwich, but it also provides a rich protein source, making these sliders a fulfilling choice for any meal.

These sliders also boast health benefits; turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These sliders shine during a casual get-together and can be served warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Pair them with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. If you want to elevate the experience, consider a side of sweet potato fries, their warm and earthy flavor complementing the sliders perfectly. These delightful bites are best enjoyed on cozy evenings, whether during a family gathering or a cozy night in with friends.

How to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

To store any leftover sliders, simply cover them tightly and keep them in a cool room for a couple of hours. For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to three days, although the flavor will deepen overnight, fusing the ingredients beautifully. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months. Reheating in the oven will restore their original warmth and texture, making them as delicious as the first day they were made.

Tips to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only simple to prepare but also adaptable. For added zest, try mixing a touch of hot sauce into the mayonnaise. When assembling, consider adding a layer of arugula or spinach for a pop of color and freshness. To enhance the cheesy goodness, swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Feel free to vary the rolls, using whole grain or brioche for a gourmet touch. Finally, serve these sliders with a cranberry-based dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Save this recipe for your next cozy weekend dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

For an alternative vegetarian option, consider using roasted vegetables in place of the turkey, layered with cheese and cranberry sauce for a hearty bite. You can also create a southwest-inspired version by swapping the turkey with sliced chipotle chicken and adding pepper jack cheese with a zesty cilantro sauce. If you want to cater to gluten-sensitive diners, serve the filling in lettuce wraps, adding a refreshing crunch. Another exciting variation could be a little twist on the dessert front: use pumpkin puree and cream cheese instead of turkey and cranberry sauce for seasonal sliders that satisfy your sweet cravings. These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are endlessly versatile.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey in Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Absolutely. Leftover chicken works wonderfully and retains that comforting essence of the sliders, ensuring you still enjoy the perfect blend of flavors.

How can I make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders without mayonnaise?

You could use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative as a creamy base, maintaining the flavorful experience while accommodating dietary preferences.

What type of cheese is best for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Swiss cheese provides a mild but creamy flavor; however, provolone or even cheddar can be great swaps to enhance the flavor according to your taste.

Can I prepare the sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Are Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders suitable for freezing?

Certainly! These sliders freeze beautifully. Just wrap them well before freezing and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Two hundred fifty
Protein: Twelve grams
Carbs: Twenty-five grams
Fat: Eleven grams
Fiber: One gram
Vitamin C: Ten percent of the Daily Value

Rich in fiber and naturally low in fat, these sliders offer a satisfying meal without compromising on flavor or health.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders embody the spirit of the holiday, transforming your leftovers into a delightful feast with loved ones. Each bite offers a warm embrace of flavors and memories, making them more than just a meal. Remember, it is in these small yet special moments where true connection lies. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let every glass remind you that wellness can be simple.

emily stasya