Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious foods, and create lasting memories. But what happens when the big feast is over and you’re left with an abundance of leftovers? Say hello to our Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders with Cranberry Sauce – a creative way to breathe new life into those beloved holiday flavors. These mini sandwiches are a cozy, comforting, and utterly craveable way to enjoy the best of Thanksgiving, all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders are the perfect solution for using up those lingering holiday ingredients. Not only are they a delicious way to repurpose your leftovers, but they also offer a fun, handheld twist on the classic Thanksgiving feast. Packed with juicy turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese, each bite is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to assemble, making them a great option for quick and satisfying meals or appetizers. Get ready to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into an epic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delightful combination of Thanksgiving leftovers, including roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. You’ll also need some basic ingredients like Hawaiian rolls, cheese slices, and a few pantry staples to bring it all together.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls – split in half horizontally
- 2 cups shredded roasted turkey
- 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices cheese (cheddar or provolone)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Turkey: Shredded chicken or roast beef (same savory protein)
- Mashed Potatoes: Sweet potato casserole (for a twist on the classic)
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Follow these simple steps to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and easy-to-assemble slider feast.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gather all the necessary ingredients and slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, creating a top and bottom for each slider. Shred or slice the turkey into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on each roll, followed by a generous portion of shredded turkey. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a slice of cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the top half of the rolls on the assembled sliders. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake the sliders for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of additional cranberry sauce, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Options: Swap in different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a flavor twist.
- Add Stuffing or Gravy: For an even more indulgent experience, add a layer of stuffing or gravy to the sliders.
- Vegetarian Option: Use roasted sweet potatoes or a plant-based protein in place of the turkey.
- Bake in Muffin Tin: For a more portable option, bake the sliders in a muffin tin instead of on a baking sheet.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Thanksgiving leftover dishes.
Storage: Cooked and cooled sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or wrapped individually in foil or plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Place the frozen sliders in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season. Each slider provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. With the combination of turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, you’ll be getting a dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every bite.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 36 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of leftover meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for turkey, you can easily substitute shredded chicken, roast beef, or even pulled pork if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time?
To prepare these sliders in advance, simply assemble them up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze the leftover sliders?
Yes, you can! Cooked and cooled sliders can be wrapped individually in foil or plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen sliders in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
What other Thanksgiving leftovers can I use?
In addition to turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, you can also incorporate leftover stuffing, green bean casserole, or even sweet potato casserole into these sliders.
How can I make these sliders more portable?
For a grab-and-go option, you can bake the sliders in a muffin tin instead of on a baking sheet. This will give you individual, handheld portions that are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or on-the-go snacking.
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Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders are a delicious way to use up your holiday leftovers. Layered with turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce, these sliders are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 12 slider buns
– 2 cups shredded turkey
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 6 slices Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
4. 3. Layer the shredded turkey on the bottom half of the buns.
5. 4. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
6. 5. Place Swiss cheese slices on top of the cranberry sauce.
7. 6. Add the top halves of the slider buns.
8. 7. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
9. 8. Brush the butter mixture over the top of the buns.
10. 9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
11. 10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
12. 11. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
– Feel free to add other toppings like lettuce or sliced pickles.
– These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, leftovers, sliders, cranberry sauce