Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to repurpose leftover turkey into a flavorful party snack or quick meal. Featuring layers of tender turkey, savory cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a buttery seasoned topping on soft slider buns, these sliders combine classic holiday flavors in a fun, handheld format. The sliders are baked until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sliders
- 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
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally, keeping each set of rolls attached. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 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 shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the coated bottom rolls. Spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over 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 layers. Then place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese, enclosing the fillings.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds (if using), and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Brush this savory butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls for a flavorful, golden crust.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool briefly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut between the rolls to separate the individual sliders. Serve warm as a satisfying snack or meal.
Notes
- Leftover turkey can be shredded or thinly sliced depending on your preference.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with provolone or any mild melting cheese.
- Poppy seeds and parsley in the topping are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture and flavor; smooth cranberry sauce can be used if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter topping.
- The sliders can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated covered, and baked just before serving.
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftover recipe, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce sliders, holiday snack, easy party food, baked sliders, leftover turkey recipe
