Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, an incredible feast. What I love most about this holiday is that the celebrations don’t have to end when the turkey is carved. Instead, they can continue through delightful post-holiday recipes that utilize those delicious leftovers. One standout recipe that brings a twist to typical Thanksgiving fare is Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders. These little sandwiches combine all the best flavors of the holiday into a compact, easy-to-eat form, making them a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or even a festive gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love Making It

When it comes to holiday leftovers, using them wisely is crucial not just for minimizing waste but for creating new flavor experiences. These turkey cranberry sliders score high on the convenience scale—they’re quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and appeal to crowds of all ages. Imagine a perfectly toasted bun enveloping tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese—all the holiday flavors compressed into a juicy slider.

“These sliders turned my Thanksgiving leftovers into something magical! The combination of flavors is perfection, and my kids couldn’t get enough!”

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to relive the tastes of Thanksgiving without the fuss of a full meal, these sliders deserve a spot on your table.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making these sliders is as easy as 1-2-3! First, you’ll gather your ingredients. Then, layer everything together in a baking dish for a quick bake. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, gooey sliders that are ready to be devoured!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

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
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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

Feel free to switch up the cheese or add different herbs based on your taste preferences!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mix evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Evenly distribute the turkey across the rolls and spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry combination. Place the top halves of the rolls back over the cheese.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden.
Remove from the oven and cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders.

Tips for Serving

These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven! Pair them with a refreshing side salad, crispy potato chips, or a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal. If you’re feeling extra festive, consider adding a side of sweet potato fries or roasted veggies.

Best Way to Store Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

If you have leftovers (though they might not last long), storing them properly is key to keeping their flavor intact! Allow the sliders to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Helpful Hints

Make it a meal prep star! These sliders are perfect for make-ahead meals. Prep them a day in advance, and you’ll have a quick recipe at your fingertips for busy weeknights.
Consider using a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Gouda or Monterey Jack would be excellent choices!
For added crunch, you can layer some baby spinach or arugula inside the sliders before baking.

Creative Twists

Want to spice things up or cater to specific dietary needs? Here are a few variations you might consider:

Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey layer.
Sweet twist: Incorporate thin slices of apple or a dollop of apple butter for a sweet-savory experience.
Gluten-free option: Substitute the slider rolls with gluten-free mini buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.

Your Questions Answered

How long can I store leftover sliders?
You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. Remember, the sooner you consume them, the better!

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! These sliders can be assembled a day in advance; just see the storage tips above for the best approach.

What can I use instead of turkey?
Chicken or even a vegetarian option, like roasted veggies or tofu, can work wonderfully in this recipe!

This recipe for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders is truly a game-changer, combining all those holiday flavors in a delightful, compact form. So don’t let those leftovers go to waste—give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious twist on your Thanksgiving feast!

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful sliders made with Thanksgiving leftovers, combining turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese in a quick and easy bake.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Arrange the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mix evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Evenly distribute the turkey across the rolls and spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey layer.
Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry combination. Place the top halves of the rolls back over the cheese.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and parsley. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden.
Remove from the oven and cool briefly. Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders.

Notes

Best served warm right out of the oven. Pair with a side salad or crispy potato chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, sliders, leftovers, cranberry sauce, easy recipe