Sliders: Turkey Cranberry
Great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving
3 cranberry sauce choices
Ingredients
- 12 count package of Hawaiian rolls (or use slider buns 9 to a pkg.)
- 3 c. cooked, sliced leftover turkey (see Note below)
- 1 c. prepared cranberry sauce (purchased or homemade, see choices)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 Tbls melted butter
- 1 t. Dijon or yellow mustard
- ½ t. garlic powder
- ½ t. poppy seeds
3 Choices for Cranberry Relish
- Purchased
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Homemade Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Instructions
ASSEMBLE SLIDERS: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick foil, or prepare with baking spray.
Separate the Hawaiian Rolls, and place the bottom half of each roll into the prepared baking dish.
Layer with turkey, cranberry sauce of your choice and cheese, then place the top half of the rolls back on top.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mustard, garlic powder and poppy seeds. Pour mixture over the top of the buns, and use a brush or spoon to spread evenly over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove the foil and bake for 3 more minutes, uncovered. Serve immediately.
Cranberry Sauce
½ lb. (1-3/4 to 2 cups) frozen cranberries
1/2 c. white sugar
¼ c. pineapple juice
¼ c. fresh orange juice (save zest)
1-1/2 Tbls. orange zest
To prepare the cranberry sauce, add cranberries, sugar, pineapple juice and orange juice to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring often, until the cranberries begin to break down (8 to 10 minutes). Don't overcook, it will thicken up as it cools. Stir in the orange zest.
Transfer the cranberry relish to a bowl; cover and refrigerate until needed (or store in an airtight container until ready to assemble sliders).
Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
12 oz. package of fresh cranberries
1/3 c. white sugar (decrease a little for less sweetness)
½ c. brown sugar
6 Tbls. fresh squeezed orange juice (save zest)
6 Tbls. water
1-1/2 Tbls. Makers Mark bourbon
1 Tbls. orange zest
Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook on med-high for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced, stirring constantly. Once most of the cranberries have popped, remove from heat, stir in orange zest and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week (rewarm a little to serve)
Makes 2 cups (save leftovers to eat on the side or make more sliders)
NOTE: You can use sliced deli turkey instead of leftover turkey. Whichever you choose, slice or dice into thin, small pieces.
You don't have to use Hawaiian buns, you can use any type (I like whole wheat)