Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders: The Perfect Post-Thanksgiving Treat

Thanksgiving leftovers are a culinary gift that keeps on giving. But after a day or two of the same old turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, even the most ardent Thanksgiving fan might crave something a little different. Enter the **Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders**. These bite-sized delights are the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make appetizer or light meal.

Imagine this: tender, juicy shredded turkey nestled on soft, toasted slider buns, topped with tangy cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and a melted layer of cheese. All baked to golden-brown perfection. Are you drooling yet? These sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers, making them a truly unique and personalized dish.

This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and adaptable. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. You can easily adjust the quantities based on how much you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying snack, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love These Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The combination of savory turkey, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic stuffing is a match made in heaven.
* **Easy to Make:** These sliders require minimal effort and are ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** A fantastic way to use up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Slider Buns:** 12-18 slider buns, depending on the size. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for their slightly sweet flavor.
* **Cooked Turkey:** 2-3 cups shredded or thinly sliced cooked turkey. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** 1 cup cranberry sauce, either homemade or store-bought. Whole berry or jellied both work well.
* **Stuffing:** 1-2 cups cooked stuffing. Use your favorite recipe or store-bought stuffing.
* **Cheese:** 1-2 cups shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere are all good choices.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
* **Poppy Seeds (Optional):** 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for topping.
* **Worcestershire Sauce (Optional):** 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce added to melted butter for extra flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs (Optional):** Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or sage for garnish.

## Equipment Needed

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For baking the sliders.
* **Mixing bowl:** For mixing the melted butter and spices.
* **Serrated knife:** For slicing the slider buns.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Pastry brush (optional):** For brushing the melted butter mixture over the sliders.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect baked turkey and cranberry sliders:

**1. Prepare the Slider Buns:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire rack of slider buns horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected. It’s like opening a book. This allows you to easily assemble the sliders and bake them all at once.
* Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the bottoms don’t stick and get nicely toasted.

**2. Layer the Ingredients:**

* **Turkey:** Spread the shredded or sliced cooked turkey evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. Make sure to distribute it so every slider gets a good amount of turkey.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Spoon the cranberry sauce over the turkey. Don’t be shy! The cranberry sauce adds a wonderful sweetness and tang that complements the turkey perfectly. Distribute it evenly.
* **Stuffing:** Sprinkle the cooked stuffing over the cranberry sauce. This adds a savory and aromatic element to the sliders. Gently press it down to help it adhere.
* **Cheese:** Top the stuffing with the shredded cheese. Make sure to cover all the stuffing for maximum cheesy goodness. The cheese will melt and bind all the ingredients together.

**3. Top with Slider Bun Tops:**

* Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese. Align the top half evenly with the bottom half.

**4. Prepare the Butter Topping:**

* In a small mixing bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat.
* Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and optional Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter. Stir well to combine. This mixture adds a delicious savory flavor to the tops of the sliders.

**5. Brush with Butter Topping:**

* Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly brush the melted butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
* Sprinkle the poppy seeds (if using) over the buttered tops. This adds a nice visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.

**6. Bake the Sliders:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps prevent the slider buns from browning too quickly and ensures the cheese melts properly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the slider buns are golden brown.

**7. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to cut.
* Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the sliders into individual portions. You can cut them along the natural seams of the slider buns.
* Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (if using) for a pop of color and freshness.
* Serve warm and enjoy! These sliders are best served immediately, but they can also be reheated.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sliders

* **Don’t overbake the sliders:** Overbaking can result in dry turkey and hard buns. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
* **Use room temperature ingredients:** If possible, use room temperature turkey and stuffing. This will help them heat up more evenly in the oven.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings to your liking. Taste as you go and make it your own!
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
* **Prevent soggy bottoms:** to avoid soggy bottoms, you can lightly toast the bottom buns before layering on the ingredients. This adds a layer of protection.

## Variations and Additions

* **Add different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or brie for a creamy texture.
* **Include vegetables:** Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Spicy kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the butter topping for a spicy twist.
* **Savory sauce:** Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish sauce into the melted butter for added flavor.
* **Different breads:** While slider buns are traditional, you can also use small croissants or dinner rolls.
* **Pesto:** Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bottom buns for an Italian-inspired twist.
* **Caramelized Onions:** Adding a layer of caramelized onions can bring a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Apple slices:** Thinly sliced apple pieces can complement the cranberry and turkey very well.
* **Gravy:** For extra moisture and flavor, serve the sliders with a side of warmed gravy for dipping.

## Serving Suggestions

These baked turkey and cranberry sliders are perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or party snack. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad or a cranberry walnut salad complements the richness of the sliders.
* **Offer a variety of dipping sauces:** Provide a selection of dipping sauces, such as cranberry sauce, gravy, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
* **Pair with sweet potato fries:** Sweet potato fries make a delicious and satisfying side dish.
* **Serve with coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.
* **Make it a slider bar:** Set up a slider bar with a variety of toppings and sauces so guests can customize their own sliders.
* **Soup:** A creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup would pair perfectly, especially during the colder months.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not be as crispy.
* **Freezing:** To freeze, let the sliders cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed above.

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12-18 sliders
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 12-18 slider buns
* 2-3 cups shredded or sliced cooked turkey
* 1 cup cranberry sauce
* 1-2 cups cooked stuffing
* 1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
* Chopped fresh herbs (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider buns horizontally.
2. Place bottom halves in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and cheese on bottom buns.
4. Top with slider bun tops.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce (optional).
6. Brush butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns. Sprinkle with poppy seeds (optional).
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve warm.

## Enjoy Your Delicious Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders!

These sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers in a new and exciting way. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying treat! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #TurkeyCranberrySliders – we’d love to see your variations!