When the Thanksgiving feast winds down and your refrigerator is overflowing with leftovers, the last thing you want to do is settle for another mundane meal. I found myself in that very predicament, yearning for something quick yet exciting, when the idea struck me: Turkey Cranberry Sliders! These little bites of joy combine tender turkey with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce and luscious Swiss cheese, all hugged by soft Hawaiian rolls. In just 5 minutes of prep time, I transformed my leftovers into a dish that not only satisfied my cravings but also brought the holiday spirit back to the table.
Perfect for a casual dinner or a game-day snack, these sliders are a delightful crowd-pleaser. Each bite is a burst of flavor reminiscent of that cherished Thanksgiving meal, but with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, this recipe will elevate your leftovers to something extraordinary—so let’s dive in!
Why are Turkey Cranberry Sliders a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: These sliders take just 5 minutes of prep, making them a breeze to assemble.
Burst of Flavor: The savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and creamy Swiss cheese create a delicious harmony that will tantalize your taste buds.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have available, making it easy to adapt this recipe to your liking or leftovers.
Comfort Food Reinvented: Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, satisfying meal that evokes the holiday spirit.
Elevate your culinary game and enjoy a quick meal that feels special—try these Turkey Cranberry Sliders today!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients
• Create delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders with these essential ingredients!
For the Sliders
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Perfectly soft and sweet; these rolls are the ideal base for your sliders.
- Cooked Turkey (3 cups) – The star of your sliders, use any leftover turkey; deli turkey works too!
- Cranberry Sauce (1 cup) – Adds that classic sweet-tart flavor; substitute with chutney or even bacon jam for a twist.
- Swiss Cheese (6 slices) – Melts beautifully to enhance flavor; try brie or cheddar if you prefer something different.
For the Topping
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted) – Creates a luscious, golden crust; don’t skimp on this delicious element!
- Yellow or Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon) – A touch of spice that adds depth; feel free to omit if desired.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Boosts the flavor profile; fresh garlic can be used for an extra kick.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon) – Essential for balancing flavors; adjust according to your taste.
- Poppy Seeds (1/2 teaspoon, optional) – Adds a nutty crunch and aesthetic appeal; can be left out if you prefer.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable Turkey Cranberry Sliders that will impress everyone at your table!
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F to ensure the perfect toasty finish for your sliders. This low temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully without drying out your ingredients.
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Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This will keep your sliders from sticking and make cleanup breeze!
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Layer the rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls, placing the bottom half in the prepared baking dish. This creates a cozy nest for all the delicious fillings coming up next.
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Add the turkey: Layer the diced turkey evenly over the bottom rolls, creating a hearty base. Be generous; the turkey is the star of these sliders!
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Spread the cranberry sauce: Top with cranberry sauce, slathering it evenly over the turkey. The sweet-tart flavor will bring a lovely zing to each bite of the slider.
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Melt the cheese: Place Swiss cheese slices over the cranberry sauce, ensuring each slider gets its creamy goodness. You can also mix things up with your favorite cheese.
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Reassemble the sliders: Gently place the tops of the rolls back on. This covers the delightful layers and completes the sandwich.
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Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled sliders, helping achieve that golden, crispy finish.
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Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and keep the sliders moist.
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Crisp the tops: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a delightful crisp on top. Keep an eye on them; you want that glorious golden hue!
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Serve warm: Slice the sliders and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. They’re fantastic fresh out of the oven!
Optional: Serve with a fall salad or crunchy potato chips for added texture.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these sliders your own, as delicious possibilities await!
- Deli Delight: Substitute leftover turkey with high-quality deli turkey for a quicker prep without losing flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with cheeses like brie or pepper jack to change the flavor profile and add fun twists.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in with the turkey for an aromatic boost that brightens each bite.
- BBQ Bliss: Swap cranberry sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce to create a sweet and tangy flavor combination that will excite your palate.
- Veggie Boost: Layer in fresh spinach or arugula for added greens and a pop of color, giving additional texture to each slider.
- Stuffing Upgrade: Incorporate leftover stuffing or gravy between the layers for a heartier slider infused with holiday flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture to spice things up, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.
- Sweet Swap: Use apple butter or a fruit spread instead of cranberry sauce for a unique sweet twist that complements the turkey beautifully.
Embrace these variations to create a custom slider experience that you and your loved ones will enjoy!
What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Pair these delightful sliders with tasty sides and drinks that accentuate their flavors and make the meal even more inviting.
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Crispy Fall Salad: A refreshing salad of mixed greens, apples, and walnuts adds a crunchy contrast and a burst of sweetness. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato fries complements the savory turkey and cranberry perfectly, creating a delightful textural contrast. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a hit!
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Classic Potato Chips: Nothing beats the crunch of classic potato chips! Their salty goodness pairs wonderfully with the sliders, adding a satisfying crunch that your loved ones will enjoy.
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Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider infuses your gathering with comforting fall flavors. The sweetness of the cider balances out the savory elements of the sliders beautifully.
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Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy bowl of butternut squash soup not only warms the heart but also enhances the meal with its cozy fall flavors. Its smooth texture contrasts nicely with the sliders.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake: For a sweet finish, serve creamy pumpkin cheesecake to celebrate the season. Its rich flavors will leave everyone smiling after the main event.
Embrace these pairings for a memorable meal that brings joy and warmth to your table!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the melty cheese and soft bun texture.
Freezer: Freeze sliders in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, maintaining their delicious flavors.
Wrap Well: If you don’t plan to consume within a couple of days, wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
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Pre-Cut Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls halfway through before layering. This allows for better sauce absorption, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
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Covering is Key: Always bake covered with foil initially; this helps steam the sliders and keeps them moist. Remove the foil only in the last few minutes for that crispy finish.
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Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll taste best if reheated in the oven rather than the microwave, preserving the texture of your Turkey Cranberry Sliders.
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Extra Flavor: Consider adding a touch of fresh herbs or spices to the turkey layer for an enhanced flavor profile. A pinch of thyme can work wonders!
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Customizable Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on what you have. These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are versatile, so feel free to adapt them to your preferences!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the sliders up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them without baking. Simply layer the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese between the rolls, then cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. For optimal quality, you can keep the butter and seasoning mixture separate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy your sliders, just pour the topping over the assembled sliders and bake them at 325°F for about 18 minutes (covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 3 minutes) for that delicious, golden finish. Enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe FAQs
What type of turkey should I use for the sliders?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked turkey you have. Diced, sliced, or pulled turkey works beautifully. If you don’t have leftovers, deli turkey is a fantastic alternative. For a little more excitement, consider using smoked turkey for extra flavor.
How long can I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Very good question! Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until everything is warmed through and the bun regains its delightful softness.
Can I freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Yes, you can! To freeze, arrange the sliders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months. For the best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When ready, warm them up at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep that melty goodness intact.
What if my cranberry sauce is too runny?
Don’t worry! If you find your cranberry sauce is too runny, you can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry; then, stir it into the sauce over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This will prevent the sliders from becoming soggy and keep each layer delightful.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! To make vegetarian Turkey Cranberry Sliders, simply substitute the turkey with roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. For added texture, you can use plant-based sliced cheese and ensure your cranberry sauce is free from any additives containing animal products. This way, you still get that comforting blend of flavors without any meat!
How do I know when the sliders are perfectly baked?
Look for a warm golden top with the cheese thoroughly melted and ooey-gooey. If you gently press on the center of the sliders, they should feel soft yet firm, indicating that the filling is heated. For the ultimate experience, aim for that crisp effect on top achieved during the last few minutes of baking by removing the foil!
Delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders for Epic Leftover Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the diced turkey evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
- Place Swiss cheese slices over the cranberry sauce.
- Gently place the tops of the rolls back on.
- Combine melted butter, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and poppy seeds in a small bowl.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled sliders.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
- Slice the sliders and serve warm.