This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Turkey sliders are a delicious option year-round, not just for Thanksgiving leftovers. Made with tender turkey, melted cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, this small batch recipe yields 4 sliders baked in a small dish. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for any day!
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving For One or Thanksgiving For Two, this leftover-inspired meal plan is just right. Begin with flavorful Thanksgiving sliders, pair them with a refreshing glass of Fall Sangria, and finish with spiced Pumpkin Pie Bars for dessert. This simple yet delicious lineup ensures a holiday meal that’s both special and satisfying, whether you’re enjoying it on your own or with a loved one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These sliders are simple to make, perfect for a meal without much effort.
- Versatile: Use whatever leftovers or ingredients you have on hand—turkey, chicken, ham, or even roasted veggies work great.
- Perfectly Portioned: Great for a quick snack or a light meal, these sliders hit the spot without leaving you too full.
- Creative Use of Leftovers: A tasty way to turn leftover turkey into something new and flavorful.
- Customizable: Adjust the fillings, cheese, or condiments to match your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
A turkey slider is a bite-sized sandwich that brings out the savory goodness of turkey in a fun, smaller portion. Our recipe takes it up a notch by adding layers of stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese, all tucked into soft rolls. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy turkey and stuffing in a few delicious bites, perfect for any day of the year—not just the holidays.
Ingredients And Substitutions
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch turkey sliders recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Leftover Turkey: The main ingredient for these sliders. Swap with roasted chicken or ham for a twist. For a vegetarian option, skip the turkey and load up on the other ingredients.
- Cranberry Sauce: Brings a sweet-tart balance to the sliders. You can substitute it with a different fruit preserve if you prefer.
- Stuffing or Dressing: Adds hearty texture. If you don’t have stuffing, mashed potatoes work well as a substitute.
- Havarti Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Feel free to use Swiss, cheddar, or any other melty cheese you enjoy.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: These condiments enhance the flavor, but you can adjust to your taste or swap in your favorites.
- Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls: Their soft texture and hint of sweetness are perfect for sliders. Any small rolls can work, and leftover rolls are great for making Ham and Cheese Sliders.
- Butter and Poppy Seeds: Brushed on top of the rolls for added flavor and a bit of crunch. You can use sesame seeds instead or leave them off.
This small batch Turkey Sliders recipe is a fantastic way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Customize it with additions like Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Carrot Soufflé to pack even more holiday flavor into every bite!
Perfect Turkey Recipes For Your Sliders
Choosing the right turkey recipe can elevate your sliders from good to unforgettable. The flavor and texture of the turkey play a key role in creating the ultimate mini sandwich. Here are three turkey recipes that pair perfectly with this slider recipe:
- Turkey Tenderloin – Tender and flavorful, this recipe is ideal for slicing into perfectly juicy pieces. Its mild taste allows the other ingredients in the sliders to shine, while adding a deliciously succulent base.
- Turkey Breast – For a leaner option, turkey breast is a classic choice. When cooked just right, it’s light, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls and savory toppings.
- Turkey Roast – If you’re craving a heartier slider, our turkey roast is packed with rich flavor and juicy texture. It creates a robust foundation that ensures each bite is satisfying and full of flavor.
Recipe Variations
These leftover turkey sliders are a perfect canvas for experimenting with flavors and textures. Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Cheese Swaps: Replace Havarti with Smoked Gouda for a smoky twist or Brie for a creamy, rich flavor. Each cheese adds its own unique flair to the sliders.
- Add Some Crunch: Layer in pickled onions, coleslaw, or pico de gallo for extra texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and use roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts for a vegetarian version.
How To Make Turkey Sliders
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of sliders. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Oven Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 5×5 inch baking dish by lightly buttering the interior. If you prefer, a 5×7 inch baking dish can also be used for a bit more space.
- Dijon-Mayonnaise Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Cut the dinner rolls in half and apply this mixture to the top halves of the rolls and set them aside for later.
- Prepare Rolls for Layering: Place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by adding a layer of stuffing over the bottom halves of the rolls placed in your baking dish. Next, layer the leftover turkey on top of the stuffing.
- Now, top the turkey with a generous spread of cranberry sauce.
- Place slices or shreds of cheese over the cranberry sauce.
- Top It Off: Finish assembling the sliders by placing the top halves of the dinner rolls onto the cheese layer.
Pro Tip: I recommend placing the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Butter and Poppy Seed Topping: Brush the tops of the dinner rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle them evenly with poppy seeds. This adds a delightful flavor and texture to the tops of the sliders, making them even more irresistible.
- Bake the Sliders: Transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the sliders turn golden brown and the cheese is nicely melted.
Pro Tip: If the tops of the rolls start browning too fast in the oven, cover them with a sheet of aluminum foil. This will allow the cheese inside to keep melting without the tops of the rolls burning.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the sliders stand for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the flavors to meld together. Then, remove from the oven and serve hot, enjoying the delightful blend of Thanksgiving flavors in each bite.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Dish: For 4 sliders, use a small baking dish like a 5×5 inch baking dish or a 5×7 inch baking dish. If you’re making more, select a dish that allows the rolls to fit snugly side by side.
- Snug Fit for Even Baking: Keep the rolls close together in the dish to ensure even baking and to help the sliders hold their shape.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Spread each ingredient evenly—stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese. This ensures every slider delivers a perfect bite filled with balanced Thanksgiving flavors.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply bake them. This make-ahead option is ideal for busy days or when hosting.
- Use Foil to Prevent Over-Browning: If the tops of the sliders brown too quickly in the oven, loosely cover them with foil for the remainder of the baking time. This helps achieve a golden crust without overcooking.
- Customize to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust ingredients based on what you have. Swap stuffing for mashed potatoes or experiment with your favorite cheese to make the sliders your own.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Tomato Soup: Dunk your slider into a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a comforting and flavorful combo.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and tangy dressing make this salad a perfect, refreshing match for the sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Serve with baked sweet potato fries for a sweet and crispy contrast. For an extra kick, try them with the tangy Remoulade sauce from our Crawfish Beignets recipe.
- Potato Salad: Whether you choose a classic potato salad or a warm German potato salad, this hearty side is a delicious addition to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate them. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal because of their size and slight sweetness, but any small, soft rolls will work.
Yes, wrap them individually in foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter the inside of a 5×5 inch baking dish, or use a 5×7 inch dish for extra room.
- Prepare the Rolls: In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally and spread the mixture on the cut sides of the top halves. Set the tops aside.
- Assemble the Bottom Layers: Place the bottom halves of the rolls snugly into the prepared baking dish. Spread an even layer of stuffing over the rolls, followed by a layer of sliced turkey.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey layer.
- Add Cheese: Place slices of cheese on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Finish Assembly: Place the top halves of the dinner rolls over the cheese.Pro Tip: To avoid messes, set the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips or spills during baking.
- Butter and Poppy Seeds: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with poppy seeds.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is melted.Pro Tip: If the tops of the rolls brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt fully.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the sliders warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose the Right Dish: For 4 sliders, use a small baking dish like a 5×5 inch baking dish or a 5×7 inch baking dish. If you’re making more, select a dish that allows the rolls to fit snugly side by side.
- Snug Fit for Even Baking: Keep the rolls close together in the dish to ensure even baking and to help the sliders hold their shape.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Spread each ingredient evenly—stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese. This ensures every slider delivers a perfect bite filled with balanced Thanksgiving flavors.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply bake them. This make-ahead option is ideal for busy days or when hosting.
- Use Foil to Prevent Over-Browning: If the tops of the sliders brown too quickly in the oven, loosely cover them with foil for the remainder of the baking time. This helps achieve a golden crust without overcooking.
- Customize to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust ingredients based on what you have. Swap stuffing for mashed potatoes or experiment with your favorite cheese to make the sliders your own.
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!