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Turkey sliders are perfect for any season, not just for Thanksgiving leftovers. These small batch sliders combine tender turkey, melted cheese, and zesty cranberry sauce for a delightful treat. Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, you can bake 4 irresistible sliders in a small dish. This recipe goes beyond holiday flavors, offering a tasty and convenient option for any day.
For those celebrating Thanksgiving For One or Thanksgiving For Two, this meal plan is perfect. Start with the delightful Thanksgiving sliders, enjoy them along with a refreshing Fall Sangria, and conclude with the spiced Pumpkin Pie Bars. This combination ensures a memorable holiday experience, whether you’re enjoying it on your own or with a special someone.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Turkey Sliders
- What Is A Turkey Slider?
- Ingredients And Substitutions
- Perfect Turkey Recipes For Your Sliders
- Recipe Variations: Customize To Your Taste
- How To Make Turkey Sliders
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Small Batch Turkey Sliders Recipe
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Sliders
- Convenience: Whether it’s after Thanksgiving or on a regular day, these sliders are a great way to use up leftover turkey in a delicious way.
- Versatility: This adaptable recipe can be tailored to whatever you have in your fridge, not just holiday leftovers.
- Perfect Size: They’re just right for a snack or a small meal, satisfying without being overwhelming.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Quick Preparation: Simple and quick to assemble, making them a great choice for a hassle-free meal.
What Is A Turkey Slider?
A turkey slider is a charming mini sandwich that highlights the savory flavor of turkey in a compact, enjoyable portion. In our version, these sliders are made even more delightful with the inclusion of stuffing, along with complementary ingredients like cranberry sauce and cheese, all nestled within a small roll. It’s a creative way to savor the essence of turkey and stuffing in just a few mouth-watering bites, perfect for any day, not just holidays.
Ingredients And Substitutions
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch sliders recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Leftover Turkey: Turkey is the star of these sliders. Can be substituted with roasted chicken or ham. For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and add more of the other ingredients.
- Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor. Substitute with a different fruit preserve if desired.
- Stuffing or Dressing: Feel free to use mashed potatoes instead.
- Havarti Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Feel free to use another melty cheese like Swiss or cheddar.
- Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: Enhances the flavor of the sliders but in the end, use your preferred condiments.
- Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls: Perfect for their size and sweetness. Any small rolls will do. Consider using leftover rolls to make Ham and Cheese Sliders.
- Butter and Poppy Seeds: For brushing on top of the rolls for added flavor and texture.
This Turkey Sliders recipe is a great base, but feel free to mix in other Thanksgiving leftovers. Add Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Cornbread Dressing to your turkey sandwich for added flavor and texture. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the full essence of your Thanksgiving feast in every bite!
Perfect Turkey Recipes For Your Sliders
Choosing the right turkey recipe is key to making your Turkey Sliders even more delicious. The turkey’s preparation brings out different flavors and textures, which can turn a basic slider into something special. Below are our top turkey recipe recommendations that complement our slider recipe beautifully:
- Turkey Tenderloin – This recipe results in tender, flavorful turkey that’s easy to slice for your sliders. Its succulence and mild flavor make it a versatile choice, ensuring that your sliders are juicy and delicious every time.
- Turkey Breast – Choosing a turkey breast brings a classic and lean option to your sliders. It’s simple, elegant, and when cooked to perfection, it adds a light yet satisfying quality to your mini sandwiches.
- Turkey Roast – For a heartier slider, our Turkey Roast recipe is the way to go. The rich flavors and juicy texture of the roast create a robust foundation for your sliders, making each bite a delightful experience.
Recipe Variations: Customize To Your Taste
Leftover turkey sandwiches offer a great opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some delicious variations to explore:
- Different Cheese Options: Swap Havarti with Smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor, or Brie for a creamy touch. Each cheese brings its unique taste and texture to the sliders.
- Add a Crunch: Introduce some texture by adding a layer of pickled onions or Pico de Gallo inside the sliders.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a spread of chipotle mayo or a few slices of jalapeño can really spice things up.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace turkey with roasted vegetables like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts for a vegetarian version.
- Breakfast Twist: Transform these sliders into a breakfast treat by adding a fried egg making it a hearty start to the day.
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
- Dish Size: Use a 5×5 inch baking dish or a 5×7 inch baking dish for 4 sliders, or adjust the size based on how many you’re making.
- Keep Them Close: Place the rolls side by side in the dish to ensure they bake evenly and stay together.
- Even Spread of Ingredients: Ensure that each layer – stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese – is spread evenly across the rolls. This guarantees that every slider has a balanced taste of all the Thanksgiving flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them in the oven. This makes the sliders a convenient option for a quick and easy meal, especially if you’re planning to serve them during a busy day.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey sliders are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some fantastic ways to turn them into a complete and satisfying meal:
- Creamy Soup Companion: Imagine dipping your slider into a warm, creamy tomato soup. The soup’s velvety texture and subtle sweetness beautifully complement the rich flavors of the sliders.
- Crispy Caesar Salad Match: A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine, savory Parmesan, and tangy dressing, makes an excellent pairing for the sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries Sidekick: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet and crispy contrast, especially when served with the tangy Remoulade sauce that we use in our Crawfish Beignets recipe.
- Hearty Potato Salad: Serve a traditional potato salad or a warm German potato salad alongside your sliders for a satisfying and classic combination that never fails to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, assemble them ahead and bake when you’re ready.
Best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last in the fridge for up to two days.
Yes, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Feel free to use any small, soft roll you have on hand.
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 these turkey sliders, 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Start by adding a layer of stuffing over the bottom halves of the rolls placed in your baking dish. Next, layer slices of leftover turkey on top of the stuffing.
- Top the turkey with a generous spread of cranberry sauce.
- Place the slices of cheese over the cranberry sauce.
- 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.
- Brush the tops of the dinner rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle them evenly with poppy seeds.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Dish Size: Use a 5×5 inch baking dish or a 5×7 inch baking dish for 4 sliders, or adjust the size based on how many you’re making.
- Keep Them Close: Place the rolls side by side in the dish to ensure they bake evenly and stay together.
- Even Spread of Ingredients: Ensure that each layer – stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese – is spread evenly across the rolls. This guarantees that every slider has a balanced taste of all the Thanksgiving flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them in the oven. This makes the sliders a convenient option for a quick and easy meal, especially if you’re planning to serve them during a busy day.
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!