Irresistible Turkey Cranberry Sliders: The Ultimate Leftover Transformation
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a culinary delight, transforming your holiday leftovers into an effortlessly delicious meal or appetizer. These irresistibly sweet butter rolls, generously packed with succulent turkey, melty cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, offer a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. They are undoubtedly the BEST way to enjoy turkey beyond the festive feast, offering a simple yet gourmet experience that your family and friends will rave about. Dive into the world of savory-sweet perfection with these easy-to-make mini sandwiches that promise to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Author’s Note
The Best Way To Use Thanksgiving Leftovers!
If there are two things I absolutely adore in the culinary world, it’s the magical bounty of Thanksgiving leftovers and the delightful convenience of sliders. These two elements, in my humble opinion, rank among my all-time favorites! The joy of transforming something familiar into an exciting new creation is incredibly satisfying. So, when this year’s Thanksgiving festivities wrapped up, and I found myself with a generous abundance of extra roasted turkey, a brilliant idea immediately sparked: I knew precisely what creative and mouthwatering dish I needed to conjure up!
The result was these incredible Turkey Cranberry Sliders, which, to my delightful surprise, might have even surpassed the popularity of the elaborate Thanksgiving dinner itself! It’s a bold statement, I know, but the enthusiasm from my family and our cherished guests was undeniable. They devoured them with such relish that I ended up making a second batch for dinner the very next day. This recipe truly embodies simplicity, exquisite flavor, and provides the ultimate, most satisfying solution for repurposing those precious holiday leftovers into something truly special and universally loved.
These savory-sweet mini sandwiches are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They capture the essence of the holidays in every bite, without the fuss of an entirely new, complex recipe. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, preparing for game day, or hosting a relaxed gathering, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. They offer a comforting, gourmet twist on traditional holiday flavors, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a reliable staple in my post-Thanksgiving menu. Get ready to elevate your leftover game!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Crafting these delectable Turkey Cranberry Sliders requires a handful of simple, yet high-quality ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable taste experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to easily adapt it based on what you have on hand, especially when it comes to those wonderful holiday leftovers. Each component plays a vital role in creating the harmonious balance of flavors that makes these Turkey Cranberry Sliders so utterly delicious and addictive. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips for Best Flavor |
|---|---|
| Hawaiian Sweet Rolls | These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the foundation of our sliders, providing a delightful contrast to the savory fillings. Their subtle sweetness perfectly complements the cranberry sauce. For a less sweet profile, classic dinner rolls work wonderfully. The key is to keep the rolls attached in a single block for easy slicing and assembly, ensuring each slider holds its shape perfectly and bakes evenly. |
| Turkey | Whether you’re using tender slices of leftover roasted turkey from your holiday feast or high-quality thinly sliced deli turkey, both options are excellent. If you have thicker pieces of leftover turkey, take a moment to shred them or slice them very thin. This ensures the layers remain even, allows the cheese to melt beautifully around the turkey, and prevents the sliders from becoming too bulky. Juicy, flavorful turkey is crucial for the best taste. |
| Cheese | Muenster cheese is a fantastic choice for its superior meltability and mild, buttery flavor, which doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Havarti, Swiss, provolone, Gouda, or Brie are all excellent alternatives that melt beautifully and add their unique creamy, sometimes nutty, notes. Select a cheese that you love and that complements the turkey and cranberry without overpowering them. |
| Cranberry Sauce | Both whole berry cranberry sauce and homemade versions are perfect for adding that signature tart and sweet burst of flavor that defines these sliders. The small, suspended berries in whole berry sauce add a pleasant texture. If your cranberry sauce seems too loose or watery, simmer it gently on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it to a more spreadable consistency. This prevents the sliders from becoming soggy and ensures a rich, concentrated flavor distribution in every bite. |
| Mayonnaise | Mayonnaise adds a creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together, acting as a delicious adhesive. While light mayo can be used as a healthier option, full-fat mayonnaise will provide the best flavor and texture, contributing to the overall decadent feel of these sliders. It also helps in achieving that golden-brown crust on the rolls when combined with the butter topping. |
| Butter Topping Ingredients | The savory butter topping is what truly elevates these sliders from good to extraordinary. It’s a luscious blend of melted unsalted butter infused with aromatic additions like tangy Dijon mustard, crunchy poppy seeds, savory dried minced onion, pungent garlic powder, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This mixture creates an irresistible, glistening, and flavorful crust during baking. For a subtle twist, consider adding a pinch of brown sugar to the butter for extra sweetness or some fresh chives for a herbaceous note that brightens the flavor profile. Brush this mixture generously on the tops and down the sides of the rolls for maximum flavor impact. |
Having these key ingredients prepped and ready makes the assembly process incredibly quick and enjoyable, ensuring you can whip up a batch of these glorious sliders in no time. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to a balanced and utterly delicious final product.
How To Effortlessly Make Delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Creating these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders is a straightforward and rewarding process, perfect for any home cook looking to transform leftovers into something spectacular. Follow these simple steps to assemble a batch of warm, gooey, and flavorful mini sandwiches that are sure to impress. The total preparation and cook time makes them an ideal choice for a quick meal, a party appetizer, or a comforting snack.
- Prepare Your Baking Setup: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and generously grease it to prevent any sticking. For even easier cleanup and to ensure your sliders lift out perfectly, line the greased pan with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on the sides for effortless removal. This thoughtful preparation step sets you up for baking success.
- Craft the Signature Butter Topping: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid. Allow it to cool slightly; this prevents the butter from cooking the other ingredients when mixed. Whisk in the Dijon-style mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is fragrant. This savory blend is the secret to the sliders’ irresistible golden-brown crust and enhanced flavor. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later.
- Assemble the Flavorful Layers on Rolls: Carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, ensuring that the individual rolls remain connected at the seams, creating a top and bottom ‘slab’ of bread. This method makes assembly much quicker. Generously spread about 1/4 cup of mayonnaise evenly over the cut side of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking pan. Now, begin layering your delicious fillings: arrange half of your cheese slices (e.g., 6 slices for a 12-count package) over the bottom rolls, followed by an even layer of your thinly sliced or shredded turkey, then the vibrant cranberry sauce, and finally, the remaining cheese slices. This careful layering ensures a beautiful melt and even flavor distribution in every bite.
- First Bake for Warmth and Melt: With the bottom half of your sliders loaded with turkey, cheese, and cranberry, place the pan into the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This initial bake helps to gently warm the fillings and slightly melt the bottom layer of cheese, setting a delicious, gooey foundation for the perfect slider. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven.
- Final Bake to Golden Perfection: Now, gently place the top half of the rolls onto the partially baked slider base. Take your prepared butter mixture and generously pour and brush it over the entire top and down the sides of the assembled sliders. Don’t worry if some butter pools at the bottom of the pan; this will create a wonderfully buttery and crispy bottom crust for your rolls, adding another layer of texture. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and return it to the oven to bake for another 20 minutes. This steaming period allows the cheese to fully melt and all the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and thoroughly melted, indicating they are ready.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the sliders to rest for a minute or two to let the cheese settle slightly before cutting. Then, carefully cut them into individual portions using a serrated knife. Serve these glorious Turkey Cranberry Sliders immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is perfectly gooey. They are truly at their best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven!
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Sliders
Switch Things Up and Get Creative!
While the classic Turkey Cranberry Slider recipe is undoubtedly a masterpiece, there’s always room to personalize and experiment with flavors. These variations can transform your sliders into an even more unique culinary experience, allowing you to tailor them to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Embrace More Thanksgiving Flavor: For an even richer, more nostalgic holiday feel, consider adding a thin layer of stuffing to your sliders. Simply place it between the turkey and cheese layers. The savory herbs and textures of the stuffing will perfectly complement the existing flavors, making each bite reminiscent of the full holiday meal.
- Explore Different Cheeses: Muenster is fantastic, but a variety of cheeses can bring distinct profiles. Try using Swiss for a nutty undertone and a classic deli flavor, provolone for a sharper, saltier kick, or pepper jack if you’re looking to add a subtle spicy warmth. Smoked Gouda can also introduce a wonderful smoky depth. Each cheese offers a unique melt and flavor dimension, so don’t be afraid to mix and match!
- Serve with Gravy for Dipping: Enhance the savory aspect by serving warm turkey gravy on the side. A small ramekin of rich, homemade gravy provides an extra layer of moisture and a classic Thanksgiving pairing that’s irresistible for dipping, turning these sliders into a mini hot turkey sandwich experience.
- Add a Fresh Herbaceous Touch: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of your sliders with finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme. These herbs not only add a beautiful pop of color but also infuse a fragrant, earthy aroma and flavor that brightens the entire dish. Fresh rosemary or sage, used sparingly, are also excellent choices for a more robust herby note that pairs well with turkey.
- Spice It Up with Onion & Garlic: Beyond the dried minced onion and garlic powder in the butter topping, you can add thin slices of fresh red onion or finely minced garlic within the slider layers for a more pungent, fresh kick. For a sweeter, deeper flavor, caramelized onions would also add a wonderful complexity and richness.
- A Touch of Sweetness: For those who love an extra sweet-and-savory combination, consider drizzling a tiny bit of maple syrup or honey over the turkey layer before adding the cranberry sauce. This extra hint of sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the tart cranberries and savory turkey.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these suggestions or create your own unique combinations. The goal is to make these sliders truly yours, catering to your taste preferences and making the most of your ingredients!
Storage Tips for Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Making the Most of Leftovers
Turkey Cranberry Sliders are absolutely at their best when served fresh and hot, straight from the oven. The rolls are soft and warm, the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, and the harmonious blend of flavors is at its peak. However, if you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare but welcome occurrence!), proper storage ensures you can enjoy them again later, maintaining their quality and taste.
- Cool Down Completely: Before storing, it is crucial to allow the sliders to cool down completely to room temperature. Storing warm food can create condensation, which will make the rolls soggy and less appealing.
- Refrigeration: Once thoroughly cooled, transfer the sliders to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results and to maintain freshness and prevent drying out, you might consider wrapping individual sliders in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: To extend their shelf life even further, these delectable sliders can be frozen. Wrap each individual slider tightly in aluminum foil, then place the foil-wrapped sliders into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for future quick meals, snacks, or unexpected cravings!
- Reheating Instructions: If your sliders are frozen, make sure to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly hot and the cheese has gloriously re-melted. Covering them loosely with aluminum foil during reheating can help prevent the rolls from drying out and ensure an even warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it can often make the rolls chewy and the texture less enjoyable.
With these comprehensive storage and reheating tips, you can savor the delightful taste of your Turkey Cranberry Sliders long after the initial serving, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the first!
More Creative Leftover Turkey Recipes:
Don’t let any of that delicious holiday turkey go to waste! Beyond these irresistible sliders, there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be explored. Transforming your leftover turkey is an art, and these other fantastic recipes are designed to do just that, creating exciting new meals for your family and friends:
Lunch
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Turkey
Healthy Turkey Wraps
Sandwiches
Turkey Sandwich
Turkey
Turkey Tetrazzini
Print Recipe
Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Chelsea Lords
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
12 sliders
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (keep rolls attached for easy slicing)
- 12 slices Muenster cheese
- 1 pound deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey, thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade; thicken if too loose)
- 1/2 cup mayo (full-fat for best flavor)
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the Dijon-style mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, ensuring the individual rolls remain attached. Spread 1/4 cup of mayonnaise evenly on each cut side of the rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
- Layer the ingredients on the bottom rolls in the following order: 6 cheese slices, then an even layer of turkey, followed by the cranberry sauce, and finally, the remaining 6 cheese slices. Do not add the top slab of rolls yet. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes to begin melting the cheese and warming the fillings.
- Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place the top half of the rolls onto the layered sliders. Generously pour and brush the prepared butter mixture over the entire top and down the sides of the sliders. The butter pooling at the bottom of the pan will create a delicious, crispy base. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for another 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and thoroughly melted.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve hot, cutting into individual sliders with a serrated knife. Enjoy these warm and gooey delights!
Recipe Notes
Storage & Reheating: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each slider tightly in foil, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Always defrost frozen sliders in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and the cheese is melted, ensuring a delicious second serving.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 381 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32.9g
- Protein: 11.9g
- Fat: 22.3g
- Cholesterol: 65.3mg
- Sodium: 466.8mg
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 15.1g
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
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What To Serve With Your Delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These savory-sweet Turkey Cranberry Sliders are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them suitable for almost any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a light accompaniment or a hearty meal, here are some ideas to help you complete your spread and enhance the slider experience:
- Crispy Fries: A classic pairing that never disappoints! The salty crunch of crispy French fries provides a fantastic textural and flavor contrast to the soft, rich sliders. For an extra special touch, sweet potato fries are also an excellent choice, adding another layer of sweet-savory harmony that complements the cranberry.
- Fresh Garden Salad: For a lighter and refreshing option, a crisp garden salad, perhaps with a simple vinaigrette dressing, cuts beautifully through the richness of the sliders. It offers a perfect balance and adds a fresh, vibrant element to your meal.
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and deep flavors of vegetables, making them an ideal partner. Try warm, tender roasted carrots, vibrant broccoli florets, or savory Parmesan Brussels sprouts for a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare side.
- Classic Potato Chips: For a quick, no-fuss side that everyone loves, a bowl of crunchy potato chips is always a hit. Choose your favorite flavor – plain, salt and vinegar, or BBQ for an extra kick – to add a simple, satisfying crunch.
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, comforting bowl of creamy butternut squash soup offers a delightful richness and earthy sweetness that complements the holiday flavors in the sliders beautifully, creating a cozy and satisfying meal, especially on a chilly day.
- Extra Cranberry Sauce: Don’t underestimate the power of extra cranberry sauce on the side! Some guests might love an additional dollop for dipping or spreading onto their sliders, enhancing the tangy-sweet profile and making the flavors pop even more.
- Coleslaw or Potato Salad: Classic picnic or deli-style sides like a creamy coleslaw or a hearty potato salad can add another layer of texture, creaminess, and flavor, making your meal more substantial and satisfying, especially if serving a crowd.
No matter what you choose, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are versatile enough to fit into any meal plan, from casual lunches and game-day snacks to elegant gatherings and festive holiday spreads. Enjoy customizing your perfect slider meal!