As the last remnants of Thanksgiving dinner linger in the air, I find myself in the kitchen, excited to transform those delicious leftovers into something new and delightful. One of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey is by making Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders. These sliders are not just a meal; they are a celebration of flavors that remind me of family gatherings and the warmth of the holiday season.
Picture this: tender, shredded turkey mingling with sweet, tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled between soft slider buns. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. It’s a dish that brings back memories of laughter, storytelling, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is approachable and satisfying. So, let’s dive into the world of sliders that will not only please your palate but also make your heart sing!
What are Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders?
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful way to repurpose the delicious turkey and cranberry sauce that often remain after the holiday feast. This recipe draws inspiration from the classic American tradition of using leftovers creatively, a practice that has roots in many cultures around the world. In fact, many cuisines celebrate the art of transforming yesterday’s meals into something new and exciting, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
These sliders combine the savory richness of shredded turkey with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberry sauce, all nestled between soft, pillowy buns. The result is a comforting dish that not only satisfies hunger but also evokes the warmth of family gatherings. The sliders are versatile, allowing for various toppings and flavors, making them a perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A delightful blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberry flavors.
- Great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- A creative way to reduce food waste and enjoy leftovers.
Who It’s For
These sliders are ideal for busy families looking for a quick meal solution, health-conscious cooks who want to enjoy leftovers without compromising on flavor, and food lovers eager to explore new ways to savor traditional dishes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few, these sliders are sure to please everyone at the table.
When to Cook It
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions. They shine as a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for holiday parties, or a comforting meal during family gatherings. No matter when you choose to make them, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table.
How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 8 slider buns
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey with the cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed. The sweet and savory aroma will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water!
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. This is where the magic happens, as the buns will soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Make sure to cover them generously; you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Add the cheese: Top the turkey mixture with Swiss cheese slices. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture to your sliders.
- Complete the assembly: Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders, creating little sandwiches that are ready to be baked.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps to keep the sliders moist and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Finish baking: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. The sight of those sliders will make it hard to wait!
- Serve and enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, serve the sliders warm. They’re perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes
- Stevia: A natural sweetener that has no calories and won’t spike blood sugar levels.
- Monk fruit: Another great option that provides sweetness without calories or carbs.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but is not metabolized by the body.
It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup, as they can significantly increase sugar levels.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
Top Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Use Quality Ingredients: Chef Gordon Ramsay emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for homemade cranberry sauce if you can; it elevates the flavor of your sliders.
- Don’t Overstuff: Chef Ina Garten advises against overfilling your sliders. A generous but manageable amount of turkey and sauce ensures that each bite is balanced and easy to eat.
- Toast the Buns: Chef Alton Brown suggests lightly toasting the slider buns before assembly. This adds a delightful crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Cheese: Chef Rachael Ray loves to mix it up! Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Make Ahead: Chef Julia Child often prepared dishes in advance. You can assemble the sliders a day ahead and bake them just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick meal.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place frozen sliders in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual sliders for 30-60 seconds, but be aware that this may make the buns a bit softer.
- Oven for Best Results: For the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended. This helps to restore the crispiness of the buns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Sliders: While it’s tempting to pile on the turkey and cranberry sauce, overstuffing can make them difficult to eat and cause them to fall apart.
- Skipping the Foil: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps keep the sliders moist. Skipping this step can lead to dry sliders.
- Using Stale Buns: Fresh slider buns are key to achieving the perfect texture. Stale buns can result in a less enjoyable eating experience.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.
- Ignoring Flavor Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning of your turkey mixture. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers? Yes, you can use fresh turkey if you don’t have leftovers. Just cook and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Do these sliders require extensive cooking skills? No, these sliders are simple to make and do not require advanced cooking skills. They are perfect for cooks of all levels!
- Can I add more toppings to the sliders? It depends on your preference! Feel free to add toppings like lettuce, pickles, or even a slice of avocado for extra flavor.
- Can these sliders be frozen for later enjoyment? Yes, they can be frozen! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Do I have to use Swiss cheese? No, you don’t need to use Swiss cheese. Other cheeses like cheddar or provolone work wonderfully too!
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders
In conclusion, Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders are not just a delicious way to use up leftovers; they are a heartwarming reminder of the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. With their perfect blend of flavors and easy preparation, these sliders are sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own! If you enjoyed this post, please share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the love by sharing it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders: A Delicious Way to Use Leftovers!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious way to use Thanksgiving leftovers with turkey and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 8 slider buns
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded turkey with cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
- Top with Swiss cheese slices.
- Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy your sliders!
Notes
- Feel free to add other toppings like lettuce or pickles.
- These sliders can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders