Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Introduction

I’ve always enjoyed finding creative ways to use up leftovers, especially after a big holiday meal. After Thanksgiving, we often have a ton of turkey left over, and I wanted to make something new with it instead of the usual turkey sandwiches. That’s when I came across the idea for Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders. These sliders quickly became a family favorite! The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled in a soft slider bun, creates an irresistible bite. I decided to serve these at a family gathering, and they disappeared in no time. My guests loved the unique twist on traditional turkey sandwiches, especially with the touch of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce that gives these sliders an extra burst of flavor. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to use leftover turkey, these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

To make these flavorful sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 slider buns
• 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 6-8 slices Havarti cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

The ingredients are simple, and you likely already have many of them at home. The slider buns provide the perfect base, while the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese combine to give the sliders a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors. The Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce in the butter mixture bring just the right amount of tang and depth.

Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the sliders from sticking to the dish.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
   Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer the turkey, cranberry sauce, and Havarti cheese on the buns. Make sure to spread the cranberry sauce evenly, and top the turkey with a slice of cheese. Then, place the top halves of the buns on the sliders.
3. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
   In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Brush the Sliders:
   Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the assembled sliders. Make sure the buns are well coated to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.
5. Bake the Sliders:
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the sliders are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm and enjoy these flavor-packed sliders!

These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are easy to make and perfect for gatherings, game days, or as a fun meal for the family. The balance of flavors and textures makes each bite satisfying and delicious.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 sliders (1 slider per serving)
• Calories per Serving: 250 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Calcium: 100mg

These sliders are moderately rich, making them a satisfying meal for any occasion. The calorie count is reasonable, especially considering the savory, cheesy filling and the buttered buns. The combination of turkey and cheese also provides a good amount of protein.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

These sliders come together quickly and don’t take much time to bake. They’re an ideal option when you’re looking for a quick meal or an appetizer to serve at a party or family gathering.

How to Serve

These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Course: Serve these sliders with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or French fries for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Cut each slider in half and serve as bite-sized appetizers for parties, gatherings, or holiday meals.
• With Extra Cranberry Sauce: If you’re a fan of extra cranberry sauce, serve it on the side for dipping, adding more of that sweet and tangy flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Turkey: While these sliders are great for leftovers, fresh, roasted turkey also works wonderfully in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor to the sliders.
2. Customize the Cheese: You can substitute Havarti with other cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
3. Add More Veggies: If you’d like to add more vegetables, try adding some fresh spinach or arugula between the turkey and cheese for a bit of crunch and freshness.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. This will save you time during your meal prep.
5. Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, try adding a few slices of jalapeños or some hot sauce to the sliders before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute the turkey with a plant-based alternative such as tempeh, and use dairy-free cheese to make a vegan version of these sliders. You can also swap the butter for olive oil.
• Turkey Cranberry Melt: If you like melted cheese, try adding extra cheese on top of the sliders before baking to create a cheesy crust.
• Bacon Addition: Add crispy bacon strips to the sliders for an extra savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the turkey and cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve these sliders with roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
• On a Buffet: These sliders are perfect for a buffet-style meal. Place them on a large platter alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs, chips, or a cheese board.
• Pair with a Drink: These sliders pair well with a cold beer, iced tea, or even a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These sliders can be frozen before baking. Assemble the sliders, brush with the butter mixture, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re fully heated through.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover baked sliders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Yes, you can use any type of small bun or roll, such as whole wheat, brioche, or even dinner rolls.
2. Can I use fresh cranberry sauce?
   Absolutely! Fresh cranberry sauce will work just as well as canned. It may even enhance the flavor of the sliders.
3. Can I make these sliders in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
4. How do I reheat leftover sliders?
   To reheat leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
5. Can I freeze the sliders?
   Yes, you can freeze these sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly and bake from frozen when ready.
6. Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover turkey?
   Yes, deli turkey will work fine in this recipe, though leftover turkey will give you a richer flavor.
7. How do I avoid soggy buns?
   Make sure to drain any excess cranberry sauce before layering it on the buns. This will help prevent sogginess.
8. Can I make these sliders spicier?
   Yes, adding some spicy mustard or hot sauce will kick up the heat. You can also add jalapeños inside the sliders.
9. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
   Yes, you can substitute the turkey with a veggie patty or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
10. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
    Havarti is ideal for its creamy texture, but you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal. The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy Havarti cheese, all wrapped in a golden, buttery bun, is a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re using it for leftovers, a party snack, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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