Turkey Cranberry Sliders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, you’ve come to the right place! These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only easy to whip up, but they also pack a flavorful punch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these sliders are perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe so special is the delightful combination of tender turkey and sweet cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can have these tasty sliders ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sliders! They’re fun to eat and perfect for both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavor Explosion: The mix of turkey, cheese, and cranberry creates a mouthwatering experience that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sliders

• 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
• 2 cups diced turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce or relish
• 6 slices Swiss (or favorite cheese)

For the Sauce

• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp dried minced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Dried parsley (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about these sliders is how flexible they are! You can easily customize them to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use leftover chicken or even roast beef for a different flavor twist.
• Change up the cheese: Try cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick!
• Add some greens: Layer in some spinach or arugula for added freshness.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you love some heat!

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your sliders bake evenly and get that golden-brown finish we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Cover a 9×13 baking pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. This step prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze later on!

Step 3: Slice the Rolls

Carefully remove the rolls from their package in one piece. Cut them in half lengthwise so you’ll have one slab of tops and one slab of bottoms. This keeps everything together nicely while baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Layer

Place the bottom half of the rolls in your prepared pan. Layer generously with diced turkey, spread cranberry sauce over it, and top with cheese. If your cranberry sauce is too thick, warm it briefly in the microwave—it’ll spread much easier!

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Gently place the top half of the rolls over your assembled layers. This creates a delightful sandwich that holds all those yummy flavors together.

Step 6: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Melt butter in the microwave and whisk in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Pour this delicious mixture evenly over your rolls—this adds richness and flavor!

Step 7: Let It Rest

Cover your pan with foil and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 8: Bake the Sliders

Bake covered for 20 minutes. Then uncover them and bake for an additional 5 minutes until they’re golden brown on top.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Slice into individual sliders and serve them warm. Get ready for smiles all around as everyone digs into this comforting treat!

Enjoy making these Turkey Cranberry Sliders; they truly are a wonderful way to savor holiday memories!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare! Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh turkey and homemade cranberry sauce can greatly enhance the flavor of your sliders. It makes a big difference in taste and elevates the dish from good to great!

• Adjust the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A sharper cheese, like aged cheddar, can add a delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cranberry sauce.

• Let them rest: Allowing the assembled sliders to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more harmonious dish.

• Mix and match toppings: Don’t be afraid to customize! Adding sliced avocado or fresh spinach between the turkey and cheese layers can bring an extra layer of freshness and nutrition.

• Make ahead for convenience: If you’re hosting, you can prepare these sliders in advance. Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy with your guests!

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Serving up these sliders is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments that complement their flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal memorable!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top just before serving adds a pop of color and aroma.
• Cranberry garnish: A small dollop of extra cranberry sauce on the side not only enhances flavor but also gives a festive touch.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The crispy edges of roasted Brussels sprouts add a wonderful texture contrast while providing a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberry.

• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that complements the sliders and adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides freshness and balances out the richness of the sliders.

• Apple slices with almond butter: For a quick and nutritious side, crisp apple slices served with almond butter make for an excellent contrast in flavor while adding a healthy touch to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, your Turkey Cranberry Sliders will shine at any gathering or cozy family dinner! Enjoy creating memorable moments around this delicious dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not only a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, but they also make for fantastic meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consider separating layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the sliders, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat refrigerated sliders, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• For frozen sliders, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Turkey Cranberry Sliders!

Can I use other types of bread for Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian Sweet Rolls add a delightful sweetness, you can substitute with any soft rolls or even whole grain buns if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the baking time as different breads may require adjustments.

What can I serve with Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crispy vegetable sticks on the side. You could also serve them with sweet potato fries for a delicious twist!

How do I make Turkey Cranberry Sliders healthier?

To make these sliders healthier, consider using whole grain rolls, low-fat cheese, and adding extra veggies like spinach or arugula. This way, you still enjoy all the flavors while making it a bit lighter!

Are Turkey Cranberry Sliders suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are great for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Turkey Cranberry Sliders as much as I do! They are perfect for turning holiday leftovers into something new and exciting. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders are bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences—I’d love to hear how they turn out!