Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
220kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced Makes use of leftovers and adds lean protein.
- 6 slices Swiss cheese or provolone cheese, halved Melts beautifully and adds creamy, savory flavor.
- 12 pieces slider rolls or mini brioche buns Soft, buttery bread that holds fillings without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce Provides sweet-tart brightness that defines the holiday flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds creaminess and helps bind flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Lends tangy depth and balances the sweetness of cranberry.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Encourages a golden, rich top crust.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, optional Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional Fresh herb lift and a pop of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Boosts savory umami with minimal effort.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Enhances overall savory flavor and rounds out seasoning.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the individual rolls attached so they form a single sheet of tops and bottoms.
- Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Spread the mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Assembly
- Distribute 2 cups of cooked turkey evenly over the prepared buns.
- Spoon 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey, spreading gently.
- Layer the halved slices of cheese over the turkey and cranberry layers.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
- In another small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (if using), and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (if using).
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls so they brown nicely while baking.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow the sliders to cool briefly.
- Use a sharp knife to separate the sliders into individual servings.
- Serve the sliders warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories220kcalCarbohydrates18gProtein10gFat12gSaturated Fat7gSodium450mgFiber1gSugar2g
Notes
Don't overload with cranberry: a thin, even layer keeps each bite balanced and prevents soggy bread. Use room-temperature butter mixture for easy brushing and even browning. Keep rolls attached while slicing to make assembly faster and ensure even portions when serving. For extra flavor, warm the turkey briefly in a skillet with a splash of broth or pan juices before layering.