Cranberry Turkey Sliders! Oh, my dears, where do I even begin? These little bites of heaven are what happen when Thanksgiving leftovers meet Italian ingenuity. Lucia recalled these from a family picnic back in Italy, using chicken of course, but the idea is all the same. Imagine sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and soft slider buns all coming together in one perfect bite. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for more. Think of them as little Thanksgiving sandwiches, perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in.
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Nonna's love to give old recipe's a new twist, like our Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, and these sliders are no different! We’ve been making these for our families for years, and now we’re thrilled to share this cranberry turkey sliders recipe with you. Get ready to taste a little bit of Nonna's kitchen magic!
Why You Will Love This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re a warm hug in slider form. There's nothing worse than dry turkey leftovers, these sliders solve that immediately! They're quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. They're a great way to use leftover turkey!
We love making these after Thanksgiving as a little treat. They bring all the comforting flavors of the holiday to smaller packages. They can be put together very quickly as well!
What makes this recipe special is the combination of sweet and savory. The cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the turkey. The soft slider buns tie everything together, creating a truly irresistible little sandwich. They warm our hearts every time, and we know they will warm yours too! Make sure to try these with the Perky Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip!
Ingredients Needed for This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe:
- For the Turkey:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store bought)
- For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled blue cheese (for topping)
How to Make This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Let's get to putting these delightful Cranberry Turkey Sliders together! Follow these simple steps for slider success:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Turkey Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Add Turkey: Top the cranberry sauce with a generous amount of the turkey mixture.
- Add Toppings: If desired, add lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, or crumbled blue cheese on top of the turkey.
- Cover and Bake: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the filling. Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. Arrange on a baking sheet. Tent with tin foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm.
How to Serve This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
These sliders are perfect for so many different occasions! Serve them at your next party, potluck, or game day gathering. Remember our Brie Cheese And Cranberry Christmas Wreath!
For a festive touch, arrange the sliders on a platter lined with colorful napkins. Consider serving them with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as extra cranberry sauce, different types of cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Play around and have fun with flavors!
How to Store This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Storing these sliders is easy! Here's how to keep them fresh and delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: We don't recommend freezing these sliders, as the buns may become soggy.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but the buns may not be as crispy.
Tips to Make This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Here are a few extra tips to ensure slider success:
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use different types of bread, such as Hawaiian rolls or pretzel buns. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Success Tips: Don't overbake the sliders, as the buns can become dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid using too much cranberry sauce, as it can make the sliders overly sweet.
- Pro Tips: For an extra touch of flavor, toast the slider buns before assembling. This will add a nice crunch.
Helpful Notes for This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
A few more notes to keep in mind:
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store bought cranberry sauce. Homemade cranberry sauce will always be better, but store bought in a pinch works great too.
- Turkey: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use store bought deli turkey slices. Just chop them up before mixing.
- Equipment: A good baking sheet is essential for baking these sliders. Make sure to use one that is nonstick to prevent the buns from sticking.
Variation of This Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Seasonal Twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the turkey mixture for a fall flavor.
- Optional Versions: Try adding a slice of Swiss cheese or provolone to the sliders for a cheesy twist.
- Creative Modifications: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cranberry turkey sliders?
Cranberry turkey sliders are small sandwiches typically made with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and slider buns. They are a popular and easy appetizer, especially during the holiday season.
What is the best way to use leftover turkey?
Cranberry turkey sliders are an amazing way to use leftover turkey! You can shred or slice the turkey and combine it with cranberry sauce and slider buns for a quick and delicious meal.
Can I make cranberry turkey sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cranberry turkey sliders ahead of time, but it’s best to add the cranberry sauce just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. You can also prepare the individual components in advance and assemble them when needed.
What are some good side dishes to serve with cranberry turkey sliders?
Cranberry turkey sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as sweet potato fries, coleslaw, green salad, or roasted vegetables. These can complement the savory and sweet flavors of the sliders.
Cranberry Turkey Sliders: The Easiest Holiday Appetizer!
These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey! Sweet cranberry sauce and savory turkey come together in a delicious little bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 12 slider buns
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled blue cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Slice the slider buns in half. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Top the cranberry sauce with a generous amount of the turkey mixture.
- Add lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion, or crumbled blue cheese on top of the turkey.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the filling. Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. Arrange on a baking sheet. Tent with tin foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh slider buns.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cranberry sauce to your liking.
- These sliders are also delicious with a slice of cheese, such as Swiss or provolone.
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