Thanksgiving Sliders are a delightful and inventive way to celebrate the holiday season, turning traditional Thanksgiving fare into a fun, bite-sized treat. These sliders combine the best elements of a Thanksgiving feast into one delicious sandwich, perfect for both entertaining and family dinners. The rich flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are all nestled between sweet, buttery buns, making every bite a nostalgic journey back to the holiday table. This recipe is especially meaningful to me because it brings together cherished memories of Thanksgiving dinners with family. The blend of savory turkey, flavorful stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce captures the essence of the holiday in a convenient, handheld form.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or create a new tradition, Thanksgiving Sliders offer a creative and easy way to enjoy the tastes of Thanksgiving in a new format. The sliders are not only delicious but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply as a special treat to enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients
12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
1 cup deli turkey or leftover turkey, thinly sliced
2 cups prepared stuffing
1 cup cranberry sauce
6 tablespoons melted salted butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (divided)
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons minced dried onion
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the sliders and achieving a perfectly golden-brown finish.
2. Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice the slider buns or Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. It’s important to keep the rolls connected at the sides so that they can be assembled as a single unit before baking. Use a serrated knife for a clean cut, which will help maintain the integrity of the rolls.
Layer the Bottom Buns: Lay the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish. If you’re using a 9×13-inch baking dish, it should accommodate the 12 slider buns comfortably. Make sure the buns are arranged in a single layer.
3. Assemble the Sliders
Spread the Stuffing: Evenly spread the prepared stuffing over the bottom halves of the rolls. This layer should be spread out so that each slider gets a good amount of stuffing, which will add a flavorful and hearty component to each bite.
Add the Turkey: Next, layer the thinly sliced turkey over the stuffing. You can use deli turkey for convenience or any leftover Thanksgiving turkey you have on hand. Arrange the slices evenly to ensure each slider has a generous portion of turkey.
Add Cranberry Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with 1.5 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. This blend adds a tangy twist to the sweet cranberry sauce, enhancing its flavor. Spread this mixture evenly over the turkey layer.
Top with the Buns: Place the top halves of the rolls over the layered ingredients, gently pressing down to ensure they are snugly fitted. This will help keep the filling together while baking.
4. Prepare the Butter Mixture
Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and minced dried onion. This mixture will provide a flavorful, golden topping for the sliders.
Drizzle the Butter Mixture: Drizzle the prepared butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it out and ensure every slider is coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, savory topping.
5. Bake the Sliders
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The sliders are done when the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake or burn.
Rest: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This brief resting period helps the sliders hold together better when you cut them into individual pieces.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and Serve: Using a serrated knife, cut the sliders along the pre-sliced lines. Serve them warm, either directly from the baking dish or transferred to a serving platter. These sliders are perfect for holiday gatherings, casual parties, or as a festive treat for family dinners.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats: You can easily substitute the turkey with other types of meat such as ham, chicken, or even roast beef. Adjust the seasoning and accompaniments accordingly to match the new protein.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use plant-based stuffing and replace the turkey with slices of roasted vegetables or a hearty mushroom filling.
Cheese Addition: Add a layer of cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or provolone, between the turkey and stuffing for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the cranberry mixture or sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls or buns and make sure the stuffing and sauces are gluten-free to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Sliders are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a fun, portable format. They capture all the classic tastes of Thanksgiving—from the savory turkey and stuffing to the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce—wrapped up in a deliciously buttery, poppy seed-topped bun. This recipe not only makes great use of holiday leftovers but also brings a festive touch to any meal.
The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the sliders make them an appealing choice for various occasions. They are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a special treat to enjoy with family and friends. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Thanksgiving Sliders are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing these sliders, and revel in the joy they bring to your holiday celebrations!
