The crisp autumn air had settled in just as the Thanksgiving festivities came to an end. I found myself staring at a fridge full of delicious leftovers, wondering how to transform them into something exciting rather than the same old plate reheats. That’s when the idea for these Turkey Cranberry Sliders hit me a creative, mouthwatering twist on traditional holiday fare that’s perfect for those cozy get-togethers or simply a quick snack. Picture this: tender slices of turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy melted cheese sandwiched between warm, buttery slider buns.
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these flavorful bites that are as satisfying as they are easy to make. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these sliders are sure to please. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make the most of those Thanksgiving leftovers!
Why are these Turkey Cranberry Sliders a must-try?
Irresistible flavors: The harmony of savory turkey, sweet cranberry, and rich cheese creates a mouthwatering bite that will leave everyone wanting more.
Quick and easy: Perfect for busy days, you can prepare and bake these sliders in just 30 minutes!
Ideal for leftovers: Utilize your Thanksgiving extras without any hassle, transforming them into a delicious snack or meal.
Crowd-pleaser: These sliders are sure to impress guests and family alike, making them ideal for any gathering or cozy night in.
Versatile options: Feel free to mix in extra toppings or sides, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients
• A delightful mix awaits you!
- Slider Buns: – The base of the sliders, providing structure; substitute with your favorite sandwich rolls for a personal touch.
- Mayonnaise (2 TBS): – Adds moisture and rich flavor to the sliders; Greek yogurt can be a lighter option if desired.
- Cheese (3 slices, recommended Havarti or Gouda): – Offers creaminess and a rich, melty texture; cheddar or mozzarella are great alternatives.
- Sliced Turkey Meat (2 cups): – The star protein, bringing savory goodness to each bite; leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Jellied Cranberry Sauce (8-9 slices): – Provides a sweet-tart contrast, elevating the flavors; consider homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
- Butter (1 TBS): – Enhances flavor and helps brown the tops of the sliders; olive oil is a healthier fat choice if you prefer.
- Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling on top): – Adds a savory, crusty finish; skip or swap with another hard cheese if needed.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Preheat your Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will create the perfect baking environment for your Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Don’t forget to grease an 8×8 or 8×10 baking dish with butter to prevent sticking!
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Layer Flavors: Start by placing the bottom half of the slider buns in the greased baking dish.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise over the buns, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Add Cheese and Turkey: Next, layer 3 slices of cheese, followed by 2 cups of sliced turkey meat, and finally, 8-9 slices of jellied cranberry sauce, creating a delightful balance.
- Finish with Buns: Top it all off with the upper half of the buns, creating a delightful sandwich.
- Butter and Parmesan: Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and generously sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Crisp: After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and enticingly crispy.
- Serve: Carefully let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors!
Optional: Pair with a side of loaded mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Variations
Customize your Turkey Cranberry Sliders for a delightful surprise at every bite!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery enhancement to your sliders. The extra heat will elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mayonnaise for a fragrant lift. This simple swap brings a fresh and aromatic twist to each bite.
- Cheese Medley: Explore different cheese combinations like pepper jack or a sharp cheddar. Each cheese will impart its unique character, enticing your taste buds with new flavors.
- Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless option, skip the turkey and pile on sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. This veggie version remains hearty and satisfying!
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Crumble crispy bacon on top of the turkey for a savory crunch. The smoky flavor of bacon adds a decadent richness to your sliders.
- Apple Crisp: Layer on thin slices of apple or pear for a refreshing sweetness. This delightful addition beautifully complements the savory turkey and cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular slider buns for gluten-free variety. This ensures everyone can enjoy the scrumptious sliders without concern.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the cranberry sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy and smoky alternative. This transformation creates a whole new flavor experience you’ll love!
What to Serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Pair these delightful sliders with dishes that will enhance your meal and create a memorable experience for family and friends.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their slightly sweet flavor contrasts perfectly with the savory sliders, offering a delightful crunch.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy, these mashed potatoes provide a comforting addition that complements the sliders beautifully.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light and zesty salad balances the richness of the sliders with refreshing greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Serve this warm, velvety soup alongside for a cozy, fall-inspired meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts create a wonderful earthy complement to the dish.
- Cranberry Sauce Dip: Use extra cranberry sauce as a dip for an added burst of flavor; its sweetness pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: This bubbly drink adds a festive touch, perfectly matching the autumnal spirit of the sliders.
- Pumpkin Pie Bites: For a sweet finish, these mini desserts echo Thanksgiving flavors and offer the perfect ending to your meal.
- Homemade Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw drizzled with a tangy dressing enhances your sliders, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of these tender carrots joins the flavors of the sliders in a delightful way, making every bite memorable.
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a fantastic choice for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious snack or meal ready to go! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, preparing all the ingredients and placing them in the baking dish. To maintain the best texture, cover the assembled sliders tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the wrap, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with parmesan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy the same warm, gooey goodness with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights so much easier!
Expert Tips for Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Choose Fresh Buns: Use freshly baked slider buns for the best texture; stale buns can lead to a soggy result after baking.
- Spread Evenly: Distribute the mayonnaise and sauces evenly to avoid dry bites everyone deserves that flavorful experience!
- Mind the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sliders towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning; golden is the goal!
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the Turkey Cranberry Sliders while they are warm for optimal gooeyness and flavor; they’re best devoured fresh!
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to adjust the cheese types or toppings, but keep in mind that flavors should complement, elevating your sliders!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Fridge: Store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and avoids sogginess.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy these sliders later, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To retain their crispy texture, reheat frozen sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered.
Assembly Tip: For best results, consider assembling the sliders fresh before baking to maintain their delightful flavors and textures!
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best turkey for my sliders?
Absolutely! When selecting turkey for your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, aim for moist, tender cuts, preferably leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving feast. If you don’t have leftovers, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic alternative. Look for meat that’s juicy rather than dry, and consider buying pre-sliced for easy assembly.
How long can I store leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders in the fridge?
You can enjoy your sliders for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up to prevent sogginess. If you’re like me and love crispy textures, reheating them in the oven for a few minutes will revive that delicious crunch!
Can I freeze cooked Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Definitely! To freeze your Turkey Cranberry Sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and reheat uncovered at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, so you achieve that lovely crispiness!
Why are my sliders soggy after baking?
Very! A common issue with sliders is sogginess, especially if they sit too long before serving. To avoid this, ensure you’re using fresh buns, and don’t over-saturate with sauces. Bake them uncovered for a few minutes towards the end; this will help crisp up the tops and improve overall texture!
Can I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian take, you can omit the turkey and replace it with delicious sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and peppers. Adding some fresh spinach or avocado will provide a welcomed freshness while ensuring everyone gets a delightful bite!
Are these sliders pet-friendly?
I recommend being cautious! While the individual ingredients like turkey and buns aren’t harmful in small quantities, avoid giving your pets any mayonnaise or cheese, as these can upset their stomachs. Stick to plain turkey without seasonings for sharing a tiny treat with your furry friends!
Savory Turkey Cranberry Sliders: Quick Thanksgiving Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 or 8x10 baking dish with butter.
- Layer the bottom half of the slider buns in the greased dish.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise evenly over the buns.
- Layer 3 slices of cheese, followed by 2 cups of sliced turkey meat, and finish with 8-9 slices of jellied cranberry sauce.
- Top with the upper half of the buns, creating a sandwich.
- Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Loosely cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before cutting into individual portions. Serve and enjoy!