Oh, the joy of Thanksgiving leftovers! After the big feast, I always look forward to transforming all those delicious remnants into something special. That’s where my *thanksgiving sliders* come into play! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm slider filled with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing to bring back those cozy family memories. I remember my grandma would make these for our post-Thanksgiving gatherings, and we’d all gather around the table, laughter filling the air as we devoured them. They’re not just food; they’re a comforting hug on a bun!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Sliders
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your delicious thanksgiving sliders. Each one plays a vital role in creating that mouthwatering flavor combination we all adore!
- 1 pound leftover turkey, shredded: This is the star of the show! Use any cooked turkey you have on hand, shredded into bite-sized pieces—perfect for layering.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Whether homemade or from a can, this tangy sauce adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory turkey and stuffing.
- 1 cup stuffing: Use your favorite stuffing—be it traditional bread stuffing, cornbread, or even wild rice! It adds texture and that comforting holiday flavor.
- 8 slider buns: I love using soft, fluffy slider buns for these! They’re the perfect size to hold all those delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 1/2 cup gravy: Drizzle this over the turkey mixture for added moisture and flavor. Use your homemade gravy or a store-bought version if you’re short on time.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushing this on the top of the buns gives them a beautiful golden color and that irresistible buttery flavor.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sliders
Let’s get ready to bring these delicious thanksgiving sliders to life! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll have these sliders assembled and baking in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be treating your taste buds to a warm, cozy meal!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures our sliders bake evenly, becoming warm and melty throughout. Trust me, a properly preheated oven makes all the difference in achieving that perfect golden-brown top!
Mix the Filling
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine your shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. I like to use a fork to blend it all together gently; you want the ingredients to mix without mashing them too much. The turkey should be well-coated with the cranberry sauce, and the stuffing should add just the right amount of texture. It’s like a holiday party in a bowl!
Assemble the Sliders
Next, slice your slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves in a baking dish. Make sure to use a dish that fits them snugly! Then, spoon your turkey mixture evenly over each bun. Don’t be shy—load them up! Finally, place the top halves of the buns on each slider. This layering is key to creating that delicious, gooey bite we all crave.
Bake and Serve
Now it’s time to bake! Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter to give them that lovely golden hue. Pop the baking dish into the oven and let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the sliders are heated through and the tops are golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone excited to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these sliders ready in no time!
- Delicious: The combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing creates a flavor explosion that’s pure comfort food.
- Perfect for utilizing leftovers: Transform your Thanksgiving feast into something new and exciting with these sliders.
- Family-friendly: Everyone will love these tasty bites, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your thanksgiving sliders turn out perfectly every time! First, don’t skimp on the gravy; it adds moisture and richness that elevates the sliders. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the turkey mixture. Also, be sure to let the sliders cool for a few minutes after baking before serving; this helps them set up beautifully. And if you have any leftover cheese, feel free to sprinkle some on top before baking for that melty goodness! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for each of these delightful thanksgiving sliders. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 12g
These sliders make for a satisfying and balanced meal, perfect for using up those holiday leftovers while still keeping things delicious. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Sliders
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! These thanksgiving sliders are super versatile. While turkey is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for leftover chicken, ham, or even beef. Just make sure whatever meat you use is shredded or sliced thin—it’ll blend perfectly with the other ingredients. Get creative and make it your own!
How can I make these sliders healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are some easy swaps you can make! Try using whole grain slider buns for added fiber, or opt for a lower-fat turkey or chicken. You could also use homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar, and replace traditional stuffing with a veggie-based alternative. These small changes can make a big difference while still keeping all that delicious flavor!
What sides pair well with thanksgiving sliders?
Pairing sides with your thanksgiving sliders is a breeze! I love serving them with a fresh garden salad for a nice crunch, or you could go for classic roasted vegetables for that warm, comfort vibe. Another favorite is sweet potato fries—sweet and savory is always a winning combo! And don’t forget extra gravy on the side; it’s perfect for dipping!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover thanksgiving sliders (though I doubt they’ll last long!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. First, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through. This helps maintain that soft bun texture and melty filling. You can also microwave them, but be cautious to not overheat, as that can make the buns a bit chewy. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
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Thanksgiving Sliders: 5 Comforting Recipes to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Delicious sliders perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup stuffing
- 8 slider buns
- 1/2 cup gravy
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
- Slice slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the buns.
- Drizzle gravy over the turkey mixture.
- Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Brush melted butter over the top of the buns.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Use any leftover Thanksgiving meats.
- Adjust the quantity based on your needs.
- Serve with extra gravy on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sliders, turkey sliders, holiday recipes
