Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are the ultimate way to turn your holiday leftovers into something truly crave-worthy! Imagine layers of juicy turkey, savory stuffing, gooey cheese, and a pop of sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all tucked inside soft slider buns and brushed with buttery, herby goodness. These sliders come together in a snap, making them perfect for parties, laid-back dinners, or anytime you want to relive those Thanksgiving flavors in a totally new (and delicious) way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders is a breeze, and every element brings something special to the table. Each one contributes to that irresistible combination of savory, sweet, creamy, and golden-toasty flavors that make these sliders unforgettable.
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls (12): Their soft, slightly sweet texture is the perfect foundation for holding all the flavorful fillings together.
- Cooked turkey (2 cups, shredded or sliced): This is your star protein – use leftover roast turkey for the juiciest, most flavorful bite.
- Prepared stuffing (1 cup): Adds a homey, herby heartiness that makes every slider taste just like Thanksgiving dinner.
- Cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): The sweet-tart zing cuts through the richness and brightens up every bite.
- Provolone or Swiss cheese (6 slices, halved): Melty cheese brings everything together and adds a luscious, creamy finish.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a little extra moisture and tang if you like your sliders extra creamy.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top for golden, buttery perfection.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the buns with subtle savory depth.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Evokes classic holiday flavors in every bite.
- Poppy seeds (1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top for a bit of crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Buns
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls and, keeping the tops and bottoms attached, slice them horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. If you’re feeling a little extra, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the buns for a creamy foundation.
Step 2: Layer on the Turkey
Spread the cooked turkey evenly across the bottom buns. Whether your turkey is sliced or shredded, make sure every bun gets a generous helping. This is where those Thanksgiving leftovers really shine!
Step 3: Add Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the stuffing over the turkey layer, pressing it down lightly so you can pile on even more flavor. Next, dollop the cranberry sauce over the stuffing – don’t worry about perfection here, a little mess just means more flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
Lay the halved slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the cranberry sauce, making sure each slider will get a gooey, melty layer. The cheese acts as the delicious glue that holds everything together.
Step 5: Top and Butter
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheesy filling. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, dried thyme, and poppy seeds. Brush this savory mixture generously over the tops of the buns, ensuring every roll gets a glossy, flavorful finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat everything through. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is irresistibly melted. Serve these Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops with a little fresh chopped parsley or chives after baking. A light dusting of flaky sea salt or a few extra poppy seeds can also add a pop of flavor and make your Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted Brussels sprouts. If you’re serving them at a party, classic potato chips or a tangy slaw make great companions for balancing out the rich, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders on a rustic wooden board for a casual, communal feel, or arrange them on a platter lined with fresh herbs for a fancy holiday touch. Toothpicks or festive skewers keep everything together and make them easy to grab at a buffet or potluck!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left (which is rare!), let them cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making these perfect for next-day snacking.
Freezing
Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are surprisingly freezer-friendly! Assemble the sliders but hold off on baking. Wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, uncover for the last few minutes. You can also microwave individual sliders for a quick snack, though the bread will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully in place of turkey if you don’t have leftovers on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sliders will still be delicious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, try to use thicker bread (Hawaiian rolls are great) and avoid overloading with cranberry sauce or overly wet stuffing. Spreading a thin layer of mayo (or gravy) can also create a barrier between the bread and fillings.
Can I make Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and keep refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, just brush on the butter mixture and bake as directed. This is a lifesaver for busy holiday entertaining.
What other cheeses can I use?
You can swap in just about any good melting cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, Havarti, or even a little brie for a gourmet twist. Just be sure to use something that will melt nicely and complement the turkey and stuffing.
Are Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders good for kids?
Kids love these sliders! They’re small, easy to handle, and packed with familiar flavors. If your kids are picky, you can always leave out the cranberry sauce or swap in their favorite cheese to make them just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, flavorful way to enjoy the best of Thanksgiving in just a few bites, these Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a must-try. They’re warm, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. Give them a spot on your holiday menu or whip them up with leftovers — your friends and family will thank you!
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Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform your holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Featuring tender turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted provolone or Swiss cheese, all piled on soft slider buns and baked to golden perfection, they capture the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or sliced)
- 1 cup prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (halved)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the bottom and top halves intact, then place the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
- Spread Mayonnaise: If desired, spread mayonnaise evenly over the cut side of the bottom buns; this adds moistness and flavor but can be omitted or substituted with gravy.
- Layer Ingredients: Layer the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns, followed by a layer of prepared stuffing, then spoon cranberry sauce over the stuffing for tangy sweetness.
- Add Cheese and Top Buns: Lay halved slices of provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the cranberry sauce, then carefully place the top halves of the buns over everything to form the sliders.
- Mix Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, dried thyme, and poppy seeds to create a flavorful butter glaze for the buns.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the slider buns generously with the butter mixture, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the sliders warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- These sliders are a fantastic way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers, saving time and minimizing waste.
- You can prepare the sliders ahead of time, refrigerate them before baking, and then bake when ready to serve.
- For extra flavor, substitute mayonnaise with gravy spread on the bottom buns.
- Choose either provolone or Swiss cheese based on personal preference for a milder or nuttier taste.
- Ensure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent the buns from sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
