Cranberry Turkey Sliders: A Delightful Holiday Treat
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey Cranberry Turkey Slider, where the sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce mingles perfectly with savory oven-roasted turkey and two types of melted cheese. This recipe is the culinary epitome of comfort food, eliciting nostalgic feelings of holiday gatherings and joyful celebrations. Not only are these sliders quick and easy to prepare, but they are also an exquisite way to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers. Within under 30 minutes, you’ll have a savory, saucy, and utterly addictive dish that no one can resist. Perfect for both adults and kids, these sliders promise to become a staple in your home as they whip up quickly and disappear just as fast!
Are You Ready for a Sliders Experience Like No Other?
Have you ever been caught in the delightful dilemma of knowing what to do with all that leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Or perhaps you’re just in the mood for a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary? Imagine hosting a casual get-together or simply wanting to enjoy a gourmet slider experience with your family. Exciting, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple Preparation: With minimal time spent in the kitchen, you can fully enjoy precious moments with your loved ones.
- A Taste Explosion: Combining savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and creamy cheese creates a flavor combination that dances across your palate.
- Family-Friendly: Who can resist a slider? Kids and adults alike will clamour for seconds!
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your own spin with different cheeses or even some greens for an extra crunch.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s game day or holiday get-togethers, these sliders will always impress.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Cranberry Turkey Sliders, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cooking spray: To ensure your sliders don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.
- 1 bag Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count): These pillowy, sweet rolls are the perfect foundation for your sliders.
- 1 lb. deli-style oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, thinly sliced: Savory turkey that lends both flavor and satisfaction.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet burst that captures the essence of the holidays.
- 4 oz. gouda, thinly sliced: Rich and creamy, this cheese melts wonderfully within the slider.
- 4 oz. mild cheddar, thinly sliced: Adds depth and gooey goodness!
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened: For brushing on top to ensure a rich, golden crust.
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives, plus more for serving: Adds a hint of freshness and color.
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling: A beautiful garnish that brings a crunchy texture.
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder: For an added layer of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce: A touch of complexity to elevate the taste.
These ingredients come together to create sliders so good that they will have everyone coming back for more!
Timing
The beauty of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders lies in their timing. They are an indulgent treat that can be prepared rapidly, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or late-night cravings. Expect the entire experience, from prepping to baking, to take only about 30-40 minutes! It’s fast and fun, yet the taste will leave you feeling as though you’ve indulged in a slow, luxurious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. To start, spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring that your sliders do not stick.
Step 2
Place still-attached rolls onto a cutting board, carefully cutting them in half without separating them. Set the top halves aside for later use.
Step 3
Spread the delectable turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then, layer on the whole berry cranberry sauce until it’s generously coated.
Step 4
Sprinkle the gouda and cheddar over the cranberry sauce, letting cheese melt into the sweet and savory layers. Once complete, cap it all off by placing the top buns back into place.
Step 5
Melt butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Mix in chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until well-combined.
Step 6
Brush this heavenly butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring each one is well-coated. Sprinkle additional poppy seeds for an added crunch. Cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 7
Bake your sliders for about 15 minutes. After that, uncover them and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the buns are a glorious golden brown and the cheese is melted beautifully.
Step 8
Finally, transfer your sliders to a platter and top with fresh chives, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each slider is a balance of sweet, savory, and indulgent flavors while still being relatively manageable regarding calories. While exact values can vary, one slider typically comes in at around 200 calories. Remember, though: indulgence is part of the experience! Treat yourself; after all, life is too short for compromises!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or dairy, there are fantastic alternatives you can consider.
- Use a low-sugar cranberry sauce to make a healthier version of this classic.
- Opt for a dairy-free cheese substitute such as cashew cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the rich flavor while accommodating lactose intolerance.
- Furthermore, replace the Hawaiian rolls with whole-grain or gluten-free options for a more nutritious twist.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders shine when served with a side of your favorite salad or a warm bowl of soup. For the ultimate dessert pairing, consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday parties or game day gatherings, these sliders could easily become your go-to recipe during the festive season!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: It’s crucial to keep an eye on them once you’ve uncovered the foil! Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
- Texture Issues: Ensure the rolls are cut carefully to maintain their structural integrity while loading them up with tasty fillings.
- Messes: If the sliders are overstuffed, they may ooze out while baking. Keep portion sizes just right for the best results.
Storing Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have any sliders left, they store well in the fridge for up to three days! For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each slider tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before popping them into the oven, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Tempting You to Bake It ASAP
With their irresistible combination of flavors, quick preparation, and family-friendly appeal, these Cranberry Turkey Sliders are calling your name. Don’t wait another moment to delight your taste buds and create delightful moments with this scrumptious recipe. Bake them up this week!
FAQs
1. Can I use other meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken or even ham can give you unique variations on the same delicious concept.
2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free rolls or bread; the flavors will shine through just the same!
3. Can I prepare the sliders in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh just before serving!
4. What can I substitute for gouda cheese?
Any melty cheese will work wonderfully! Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
5. Are these sliders suitable for kids?
Definitely! They are kid-friendly and delicious, perfect for lunchboxes or casual gatherings.
Dive into these Cranberry Turkey Sliders and bring joy to your table. With their delicious flavor and simple preparation, they are destined to become a household favorite!
Print
Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful holiday treat featuring savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on sweet rolls. Perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving leftovers!
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 bag Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count)
- 1 lb. deli-style oven-roasted turkey or Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 oz. gouda, thinly sliced
- 4 oz. mild cheddar, thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp. sliced chives, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the still-attached rolls onto a cutting board and carefully cut them in half without separating them.
- Spread the turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, then layer on the cranberry sauce until generously coated.
- Sprinkle the gouda and cheddar over the cranberry sauce and place the top buns back into place.
- Melt the butter in a medium heatproof bowl; mix in chives, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until well-combined.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with additional poppy seeds. Cover with foil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer the sliders to a platter and top with fresh chives before serving.
Notes
These sliders are perfect for parties and can be made in advance. Consider using other meats or cheeses for variations.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
