Creating Culinary Bliss: Thanksgiving Sliders
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers game with a mouthwatering twist! These Thanksgiving sliders are the ultimate way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a convenient and delicious package. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from your feast or simply craving a taste of Thanksgiving any time of year, these sliders are sure to satisfy. Join us as we explore this delectable recipe, perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply treating yourself to a little slice of comfort.
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 tbsp melted salted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (divided)
- 2 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoon minced dried onion
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sliders: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them intact. Place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Begin by layering the thinly sliced turkey on top of the bottom half of the buns. Next, spread the prepared stuffing evenly over the turkey.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the stuffing, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Top with Buns: Place the top half of the slider buns over the cranberry sauce, creating a sandwich with the layered ingredients in the middle.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and minced dried onion.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm and enjoy the burst of Thanksgiving flavors in every bite!
Cook’s Notes and Variations
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra indulgent twist, add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of the turkey before layering on the stuffing.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and substitute with roasted vegetables or vegetarian sausage for a meat-free alternative.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by mixing a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the butter mixture before brushing it over the sliders.
- Customize with Condiments: Experiment with different spreads such as mayonnaise, mustard, or aioli to complement the flavors of the sliders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I use homemade stuffing for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade stuffing recipe or any leftover stuffing from your Thanksgiving dinner.
- Can I freeze leftover sliders?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftover sliders for future enjoyment. Wrap them individually or as a whole in aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven until warmed through before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the slider buns with keto-friendly bread or lettuce wraps. Substitute the stuffing with cauliflower rice or a low-carb alternative. Use sugar-free cranberry sauce or cranberry relish to reduce the carbohydrate content.
Low-Carb Variation: Opt for low-carb slider buns or use large portobello mushroom caps as the “buns.” Replace the stuffing with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or cauliflower rice seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
In conclusion, these Thanksgiving sliders are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season in a convenient and irresistible package. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover Thanksgiving ingredients or simply craving a taste of comfort, these sliders are sure to become a favorite. Get creative with variations, customize them to suit your taste preferences, and share the joy of Thanksgiving with friends and family all year round. Happy feasting!
