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Here’s one of my best tricks to clear out those post-holiday leftovers. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are serious cozy food. I stack sweet, pillowy rolls with leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, loads of gooey cheese, and then slather the tops with this dreamy, seasoned melted butter before popping them in the oven. They crisp up golden and every bite is just unreal—you might end up cooking extra turkey just for these sandwiches.
Irresistible Reasons You'll Love These Sliders
Seriously, these sandwiches hit all the right notes. You get sweet, cheesy, tart, and savory all at once. They’re super flexible—I’ll make them for a quick meal, pack ‘em up for lunch, or even reheat for a breakfast treat. They make leftover turkey feel brand new, and honestly, everyone ends up asking for seconds.
What Goes Into Them
- Soft Rolls: Use those Hawaiian buns or grab brioche—they’re fluffy and just a little sweet.
- Cheesy Goodness: I usually go for Swiss but cheddar, provolone, or Havarti all totally work.
- Main Event: Leftover turkey is perfect here, but if you need to, deli turkey works too.
- Zingy Fix: Any cranberry sauce you like—homemade or from a can is fine.
- Buttery Topping: Melted butter gets brushed all over and makes the magic happen.
- Punch of Flavor: Mix in some Dijon mustard and Worcestershire for another layer of yum.
- Spice It Up: Dried basil and garlic powder really wake things up.
- Fancy Touch (Optional): Sprinkle some poppy seeds on top for fun.
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Easy Steps For Tasty Sliders
- Get Ready
- Fire up your oven to 375°F, line a pan with foil, and give it a bit of nonstick spray.
- Layer Everything Up
- Saw the rolls in half, keeping them together, lay the bottoms in the pan, toss on cheese, add turkey, spread cranberry sauce, then more cheese, and cap it with the tops.
- Whip Up That Buttery Mix
- Melt your butter, stir in Dijon, Worcestershire, and seasonings, then brush it over the buns so they’re totally coated.
- Bake To Perfection
- Cover the tray and let them bake about 15 minutes, then take off the foil and cook 5-10 minutes more until the cheese melts and tops turn golden.
- Dig In
- Slice those sliders up and let everyone grab their share.
Pro Tips To Make Yours Awesome
Get a block of cheese and shred it yourself for a dreamy melt. Want an extra crunch? Toast your rolls before stacking everything. Like things sweeter? Add a drizzle of honey into your butter mix. And trust me—you’ll wish you made double because they go so fast at any get-together.
Getting The Most Out Of Them
If you’ve got some left, store them in a sealed container in the fridge—they’ll be good for about three days. They even freeze well for up to three months. To reheat, toss them in a 350°F oven for around 15 minutes, or go for a quick microwave reheat if you’re in a rush.
Switch Things Up Your Way
Feel free to play around. Pick different rolls, grab other cheeses, or use ham or chicken instead of turkey. When I’m craving heat, I’ll add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha. Make ‘em your own with whatever sounds good to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can deli turkey replace leftovers?
Yep, deli turkey works perfectly, especially if it's thick-sliced for that hearty bite.
- → Which rolls are best?
Hawaiian rolls are a favorite, but any soft, attached rolls do the trick. Keeping them whole while prepping makes assembly easier.
- → Can these be prepped ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble up to a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and pour the butter sauce over when you're ready to bake.
- → What’s a good Swiss cheese swap?
Try provolone, Havarti, or mild white cheddar. Any creamy, melting cheese pairs well with turkey.
- → Are these freezer-friendly?
It’s best to eat them fresh, but you can freeze before baking. Let them thaw overnight, then bake with butter topping added fresh.