Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Looking to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers? Look no further than these delectable Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry sliders! This recipe is the perfect solution for transforming your turkey and cranberry sauce into a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone coming back for more. With a harmonious blend of sweet cranberry, savory turkey, and gooey melted cheese, these sliders are sure to become a post-holiday tradition in your household.

I remember the first time I made these sliders for my family the day after Thanksgiving – they were an instant hit! The Swiss cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the tangy cranberry sauce, creating a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying these sliders as a cozy lunch or serving them up at a casual gathering, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry sliders are a breeze to whip up. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit your tastes – from swapping in different cheeses to adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, give this recipe a try and savor the delicious flavors of the holiday season all over again.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient: Perfect way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal for a crowd or a casual gathering.
• Balanced Flavors: Offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory with the combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese.
• Versatile: Can easily swap ingredients like turkey for roast chicken, cheese options, and buns to suit personal preferences.
• Make-ahead: Ideal for planning ahead and freezing, ensuring a quick and tasty meal during busy times.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich Recipe

• Balanced Flavors: The sliders offer a perfect balance of sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and melty cheese, making each bite a delicious treat for your taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: This recipe is a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers quickly and effortlessly, perfect for a hassle-free meal after the holiday feast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: These sliders are a hit with both adults and kids, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings, casual meals, or game day snacks.
• Buttery and Crispy: The buttery crispy tops of the sliders add a delightful texture to the soft buns and melty cheese, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the sliders with different cheeses, sauces, or even alternative meats like ham or roast chicken, making it easy to adapt based on your preferences and what’s in your fridge.
• Make-Ahead Option: The sliders can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and then baked fresh before serving, allowing you to plan and prepare in advance for busy days or upcoming gatherings.
• Festive and Nostalgic: Reminiscent of Thanksgiving flavors, these sliders bring a touch of holiday nostalgia to your post-Thanksgiving meals, giving you a reason to gather around the table and savor the season a little longer.

Ingredients for Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Turkey and Cheese

• 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced

Bread

• 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns

Sauces and Flavorings

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Pro Tips for Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Pro Tip 1: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the butter topping. This will infuse the sliders with a cozy autumn aroma.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure the sliders stay deliciously crispy, lightly toast the bottom rolls before assembling the sliders. This step helps prevent sogginess, especially if you plan on making them ahead of time.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t limit yourself to just Swiss or provolone cheese; cheddar or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that offer a melty texture and can provide a different balance of flavors with the sweet cranberry sauce. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination!

How to Make Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

With a serrated knife, cut the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottoms in the baking dish.

Step 3: Mix and Spread Sauce

Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, then spread evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.

Step 4: Layer Turkey and Cranberry

Distribute the shredded or sliced turkey on the rolls and then spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Top Rolls

Place halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese on top of the turkey and cranberry. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.

Step 6: Prepare Butter Topping

Combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Baking

Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Allow to cool briefly, then use a sharp knife to separate the sliders. Serve while warm.

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Storage Tips

Once the leftover Thanksgiving turkey cranberry sliders are made, any extras should be stored properly to maintain their freshness. It is recommended to store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and warm them in a low oven until the cheese is melty again. It’s best to avoid microwaving them to help the buns retain their structure.

If you wish to freeze the sliders for longer storage, assemble and bake them as directed, then allow them to cool completely. Wrap the sliders tightly and freeze. To serve, thaw the sliders overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven. This method ensures that the sliders retain their flavor and the buns remain soft, making them a convenient option for busy nights or planning ahead for future meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have turkey, roast chicken is a great substitute in this recipe. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the butter topping for a hint of autumn flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for a variety of melty textures and flavors.

While brioche slider rolls are recommended for their buttery softness, you can use Hawaiian rolls or mini dinner rolls as tasty alternatives. Smooth cranberry sauce or even leftover chutney can be used instead of whole berry cranberry sauce for a different sweetness in the sliders. Remember to lightly toast the bottom rolls before assembly to prevent sogginess, especially if you plan to prepare the sliders ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, try serving these Turkey Cranberry Sliders at your next holiday gathering. The combination of tender turkey, melty cheese, and sweet cranberry sauce on buttery brioche buns is sure to please a crowd. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for an extra burst of flavor.

To take your sliders to the next level, try serving them alongside a tangy cranberry aioli dipping sauce or a side of savory gravy for dipping. You can even turn these sliders into a decadent brunch dish by topping them with a fried egg and serving with a side of crispy hash browns. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a game day get-together, these sliders are a delicious way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

FAQs for Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Can I use a different type of cheese in these sliders?

Yes, Swiss or provolone are classic, but cheddar or mozzarella also work well for a melty texture and balanced flavor.

What are some alternatives to brioche slider rolls for this recipe?

Brioche slider rolls offer a soft, buttery base, but Hawaiian rolls or mini dinner rolls are tasty alternatives.

Can I use a different type of cranberry sauce?

Whole berry adds texture, but smooth cranberry sauce or even leftover chutney can be used for sweetness.

Is it recommended to toast the bottom rolls before assembling the sliders?

Yes, lightly toasting the bottom rolls before assembly helps prevent sogginess, especially if preparing ahead of time.

Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate covered, then bake fresh before serving for best results.

Conclusion

As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, consider adding these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry sliders to your menu. Not only are they a delicious way to enjoy your leftovers, but they also bring a touch of joy to the days following Thanksgiving. The combination of tender turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on buttery buns is sure to become a new family favorite.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, looking for a quick lunch idea, or simply want to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving a little longer, these sliders are a perfect choice. Embrace the tradition of transforming leftovers into something special with these delightful and easy-to-make treats. Here’s to creating new memories and enjoying every last bite of your Thanksgiving feast with these delightful Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry sliders.

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Delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

“Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into melty handheld sliders with a perfect balance of sweet cranberry and savory turkey, a crowd-pleasing post-holiday tradition.”

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Prep Time15 min

Cook Time20 min

Total Time35 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 sliders)

Ingredients

Turkey and Cheese

• 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced

Bread

• 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns

Sauces and Flavorings

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Rolls: With a serrated knife, cut the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottoms in the baking dish.
3. Mix and Spread Sauce: Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, then spread evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
4. Layer Turkey and Cranberry: Distribute the shredded or sliced turkey on the rolls and then spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
5. Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Place halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese on top of the turkey and cranberry. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
6. Prepare Butter Topping: Combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
7. Brush and Bake: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
8. Finish Baking: Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
9. Serve: Allow to cool briefly, then use a sharp knife to separate the sliders. Serve while warm.