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These small batch Turkey Sliders are made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, layered on soft Hawaiian rolls with melted cheese and a buttery topping. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and a delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A delicious way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Versatile: Swap in roasted chicken, ham, or vegetables for an easy variation.
- Perfectly Portioned: Makes just enough for a satisfying small meal or snack.
What I love most about these turkey sliders is how they bring the flavors of Thanksgiving into something simple and satisfying any time of year. I’ve always enjoyed finding ways to use every bit of a holiday meal, and this recipe does exactly that.
The layers of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce come together with melted cheese and soft rolls to create the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Every bite reminds me of the warmth of the holidays, but without all the fuss.
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving for one or Thanksgiving for two, this leftover-inspired meal plan is a perfect fit. Start with these flavorful turkey sliders, add a glass of fall sangria, and finish with small batch pumpkin pie bars for dessert. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy a special holiday meal on your own or with someone you love.
Ingredients And Substitutions
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Thanksgiving sliders recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Leftover Turkey: The star of this recipe. Use oven-baked chicken or a ham steak instead, or skip the meat and pile on extra fillings for a vegetarian version.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet-tart contrast. Substitute with your favorite fruit preserve if preferred.
- Sausage Stuffing or Cornbread Dressing: Brings hearty texture and flavor. Mashed potatoes make a good alternative.
- Havarti Cheese: Melts easily and adds creaminess. Swiss, cheddar, or another meltable cheese can be used instead.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: Add tang and richness. Adjust the amounts or swap for your favorite condiments.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together perfectly. Any small rolls will work. Leftover rolls are great for ham and cheese sliders.
- Butter and Poppy Seeds: Brushed on top for extra flavor and light crunch. Use sesame seeds or omit them if you prefer.
This small batch turkey sliders recipe is a delicious way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Try adding green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or carrot soufflé for even more holiday flavor.
Best Turkey Recipes For Sliders
The right turkey can take these sliders from simple to unforgettable. Here are three options that work beautifully:
- Turkey Tenderloin: Tender and juicy, this recipe slices perfectly for sliders and lets the other ingredients shine.
- Turkey Breast: A lean, flavorful choice that pairs wonderfully with the sweet rolls and savory toppings.
- Turkey Roast: Rich, hearty, and full of flavor – ideal if you want a more satisfying, robust slider.
Recipe Variations
These leftover turkey sliders are a simple and flexible way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Each variation brings a new flavor or texture to this easy recipe.
- Cheese Swaps: Replace Havarti with smoked gouda for a smoky flavor, brie for a rich, creamy bite, or Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Add Some Crunch: Layer in pickled onions, coleslaw, or pico de gallo for extra texture and freshness.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and use vegetables like roasted butternut squash or roasted Brussels sprouts for a vegetarian version.
- Italian-Inspired: Add pesto, fresh basil, tomato slices, and mozzarella.
- Thanksgiving Brunch Twist: Top a warm slider with a soft-poached egg and drizzle with hollandaise sauce for a fun brunch-style version.
How To Make Turkey Sliders
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of Thanksgiving turkey sliders. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5-inch baking dish, or use a 5×7-inch dish for extra space.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Slice the dinner rolls in half and spread the mixture on the top halves. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish so they fit snugly. Layer the stuffing over the rolls, followed by the turkey and then the cranberry sauce.
- Add Cheese: Top with slices or shreds of cheese, then place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Set the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Add the Topping: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted. If the rolls brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to blend together.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Dish: For 4 sliders, use a 5×5-inch or 5×7-inch baking dish. If making more, use a dish that keeps the rolls snug and side by side.
- Fit Rolls Snugly: Keeping the rolls close together helps them bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Layer Evenly: Spread each ingredient – stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese so every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. A great option for busy days or when hosting.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the tops darken too quickly, cover loosely with foil to allow the cheese to melt without burning the rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey sliders pair perfectly with simple sides that turn them into a complete meal. Try one or mix and match a few favorites:
- Tomato Soup for One: Enjoy with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a warm, comforting combination.
- Small Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and tangy dressing balance the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Small Batch Sweet Potato Fries: Add a sweet and crispy contrast. For extra flavor, serve with the tangy Remoulade Sauce from our small batch crawfish beignets recipe.
- Potato Salad For One: Choose a classic or warm German potato salad for a hearty, satisfying side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Soft Hawaiian rolls are ideal because of their slight sweetness and fluffy texture, but any small dinner rolls or slider buns work well.
Yes. Wrap the baked sliders tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made this turkey sliders recipe, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Small Batch Turkey Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 4 Hawaiian rolls
- ½ cup prepared stuffing
- 4 ounces cooked turkey
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 slices havarti cheese
- 1 tablespoon salted butter -melted. Plus more for buttering the baking dish.
- ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5-inch baking dish, or use a 5×7-inch dish for extra space.
- In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Slice the dinner rolls in half and spread the mixture on the top halves. Set aside.
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish so they fit snugly. Layer the stuffing over the rolls, followed by the turkey and then the cranberry sauce.
- Top with slices or shreds of cheese, then place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Set the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted. If the rolls brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to blend together.
Notes
- Choose the Right Dish: For 4 sliders, use a 5×5-inch or 5×7-inch baking dish. If making more, use a dish that keeps the rolls snug and side by side.
- Fit Rolls Snugly: Keeping the rolls close together helps them bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Layer Evenly: Spread each ingredient – stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese so every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. A great option for busy days or when hosting.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the tops darken too quickly, cover loosely with foil to allow the cheese to melt without burning the rolls.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can’t wait to try. One of my grands is not a big eater. But made himself a slider on his own! No stuffing, cheese etc. Thought it a pretty good idea.
Great recipe.
Thank you so much!