Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a new, crowd-pleasing meal. Featuring tender turkey, rich Swiss or provolone cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and a buttery poppy seed topping, these sliders are baked to golden perfection perfect for gatherings or quick meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Sandwiches & Sliders
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders to a golden, bubbly finish.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the slider rolls horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops attached as a single unit. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Mix and Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the exposed side of the bottom halves of the rolls to add creamy tanginess.
- Add Turkey and Cranberry: Evenly distribute the shredded or sliced cooked turkey over the sauce-spread rolls. Then spoon whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey for sweetness and tartness.
- Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Layer the halved Swiss or provolone cheese slices over the cranberry sauce and turkey. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese, enclosing the filling.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: In another small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and fresh chopped parsley if using. Generously brush this flavorful topping over the tops of the assembled rolls to ensure a deliciously golden crust.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice between the rolls to separate each slider. Serve the warm sliders immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using poppy seeds and parsley is optional but adds a lovely flavor and visual appeal to the topping.
- Swiss cheese lends a nuttier flavor, while provolone offers a milder, creamy texture—choose based on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the butter topping.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- For dairy-free variations, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a vegan cheese alternative.
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sliders, cranberry sauce, slider recipe, baked sliders, holiday leftovers recipes, mini sandwiches
