Pin it
I stumbled on the most amazing way to jazz up holiday extras with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders. After hunting for smart uses for Thanksgiving leftovers, I created these, and now my family actually looks forward to day-after meals! There's something magical about juicy turkey, tart cranberry, and gooey cheese all packed into warm buttery buns that just hits the spot.
What Makes These Sliders Extra Special
These little sandwiches capture all the best Thanksgiving tastes and wrap them into something totally fresh. The flavors blend together so nicely, and you won't believe how simple they are to put together. They're perfect whether you've got friends dropping by or just need a quick, satisfying bite.
Your Shopping List
- Buns: I go for brioche rolls because they're incredibly soft and fluffy.
- Cheese: While Swiss is my go-to, any cheese that melts well will do the trick.
- Turkey: Using holiday turkey gives these an unbeatable flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: This tart-sweet layer really makes everything pop.
- Butter: This helps get that beautiful brown crust on top.
- Mustard: A bit of Dijon gives a nice little kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds amazing richness.
- Spices: These tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Let's Start Cooking
- Prep Your Pan
- Using foil to line your pan will save you tons of cleaning time later.
- Stack Everything Up
- Go slow and be generous with each ingredient for the best flavor.
- Mix Your Topping
- The butter mixture on top is what really takes these from good to amazing.
- Time to Bake
- You'll know they're done when the cheese gets all bubbly and the tops turn a lovely golden color.
Storage Tips
They taste amazing straight from the oven, but don't worry if you have extras. Just wrap them up tight and keep them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, warm them up with a dab of butter and they'll taste almost fresh-made.
Try Different Flavors
Feel free to play around with the recipe. I've thrown in different cheeses and sometimes add some sweet onions. The basic idea works so well that it's hard to mess up. I've even made them with leftover ham and they turn out great too.
Great Side Dishes
These sliders go really well with something light and fresh like a green salad or something crunchy like homemade chips. The contrast really brings out the flavors in both dishes. They're just right for casual get-togethers or watching sports on TV.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far in advance can I prepare these?
These taste best hot out of the oven, but you can prep the shapes and toppings ahead. Simply bake when ready to serve.
- → What if I don’t have a tree cutter?
Use a handmade cardboard template and cut the shape with a knife. Any festive shape works too!
- → Can I swap out the toppings?
Of course! Go with whatever toppings you love—just keep them small enough to fit the dough cutouts.
- → What if my puff pastry isn’t rising correctly?
Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed and your oven is preheated. Avoid piling on too many toppings.
- → Can I replace puff pastry with pizza dough?
Sure, though puff pastry brings a flaky, light texture. It’s also simpler to shape and cooks faster.
Conclusion
Use puff pastry to craft adorable mini pizzas shaped like Christmas trees. These delicious, easy-to-make snacks are ideal for any festive gathering.