Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your leftover turkey into a flavorful party snack or meal. Layered with tangy cranberry sauce, creamy mayo-mustard spread, melted Swiss or provolone cheese, and topped with a savory poppy seed butter glaze, these sliders are baked until golden and melty, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Slider 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
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Topping Ingredients
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached so they stay together. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- 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 halves of the rolls to add moisture and flavor.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the prepared rolls. Then spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the turkey to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese over the turkey and cranberry sauce. Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back over the cheese to complete the sandwich formation.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In another small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped fresh parsley if using. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to create a delicious golden crust during baking.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum 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 are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to carefully separate the sliders. Serve warm for the best flavor and meltiness.
Notes
- You can customize these sliders by using your favorite cheese like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.
- The poppy seeds and parsley are optional toppings but add a nice texture and visual appeal.
- If you want extra moist sliders, you can spread more mayo-mustard sauce or add a slice of tomato.
- These sliders freeze well before baking; assemble them and freeze wrapped tightly, then bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the slider rolls with gluten-free buns.
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce sliders, easy party snacks, leftover turkey recipe, slider sandwiches, holiday recipes
