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Thanksgiving Sliders

 

Thanksgiving Sliders

Thanksgiving sliders are a relatively modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal. While Thanksgiving as a holiday dates back to the early 17th century, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast, sliders are a more contemporary culinary innovation. The term "slider" originally referred to small, greasy burgers that could be "slid" down quickly, popularized by White Castle in the early 20th century. However, the concept of mini sandwiches has evolved over the decades.

The idea of Thanksgiving sliders likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century, driven by the desire to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers in a creative and convenient way. The trend gained popularity through food blogs, social media, and TV cooking shows, where chefs and home cooks showcased how to transform traditional Thanksgiving dishes into fun, bite-sized sandwiches. Thanksgiving sliders have since become a beloved way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a new format, perfect for post-Thanksgiving meals, parties, or simply as a unique take on the classic dishes.

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sliders

Thanksgiving sliders are versatile and can be customized to include your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients. Here is a classic recipe to get you started.

Ingredients

Slider Buns:

12 slider buns or small dinner rolls

Turkey:

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or sliced

Stuffing:

2 cups leftover stuffing

Cranberry Sauce:

1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Gravy:

1 cup gravy (optional, for dipping)

Cheese:

6 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese, halved

Mashed Potatoes (optional):

1 cup leftover mashed potatoes

Butter:

4 tablespoons melted butter

Herbs:

1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional, for flavor)

Procedure

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Slider Buns:

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Layer the Ingredients:

Start with a layer of turkey on the bottom halves of the buns.

Add a layer of stuffing over the turkey.

If using, spread a layer of mashed potatoes over the stuffing.

Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each slider.

Place a half slice of cheese over the cranberry sauce.

Top the Sliders:

Place the top halves of the buns over the layers.

Butter and Herbs:

Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter.

Sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary over the buttered tops for added flavor.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Serve the sliders with a side of gravy for dipping.

Preparation Time

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20-25 minutes

Total: 35-40 minutes

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