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After the big Thanksgiving feast, what’s better than finding creative ways to enjoy all those delicious leftovers? Enter the world of Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders! This recipe transforms your festive leftovers into scrumptious, bite-sized turkey sliders that are perfect for a relaxed post-holiday meal or snack.

Using simple ingredients like leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, we’re turning the remnants of your Thanksgiving dinner into a delightful new treat. With a small baking dish, you’ll whip up 4 mouth-watering sliders in no time. It’s a fun and easy way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.

a turkey slider on a plate filled with leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, cheese, and stuffing.

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 and cozy holiday experience, whether you’re enjoying it on your own or with a special someone.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Sliders

  1. Convenience: Utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers efficiently and deliciously.
  2. Versatility: Easily adjustable recipe to cater to your leftover supply.
  3. Perfect Size: Ideal for a snack or a small meal, especially when you’re still full from the holiday feast.
  4. Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  5. Quick Preparation: Simple and quick to assemble, making them a great choice for a hassle-free meal.
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What Is A Thanksgiving Slider?

A Thanksgiving slider is a mini sandwich that encapsulates all the classic flavors of a Thanksgiving dinner. These sliders typically include turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and cheese, all neatly packed into a small roll. It’s like enjoying the holiday feast in just a few bites!

Ingredients

thanksgiving leftover sliders ingredients on a kitchen counter.

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.
  • Butter and Poppy Seeds: For brushing on top of the rolls for added flavor and texture.

This Leftover Thanksgiving 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!

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 Thanksgiving leftover sliders. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

a lightly buttered 5 inch square baking dish on a kitchen counter.
  1. 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.
a mixture of dijon mustard and mayonnaise spread on top of four halves of Hawaiian rolls.
  1. 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.
half of 4 Hawaiian rolls in a red baking dish
  1. Prepare Rolls for Layering: Place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
a layer of stuffing and a layer of leftover turkey on top of four bottom halves of Hawaiian rolls in a red baking dish.
  1. 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.
cranberry sauce on top of turkey over bread slices in a baking dish.
  1. Now, top the turkey with a generous spread of cranberry sauce.
slices of cheese on top of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a baking dish.
  1. Place slices or shreds of cheese over the cranberry sauce.
four thanksgiving turkey sliders in a small red baking dish.
  1. 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.

melted butter and poppy seeds brushed over the tops of four leftover thanksgiving sliders.
  1. 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.
four baked thanksgiving leftover sliders in a baking dish.
  1. 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.

a thanksgiving slider on a metal spatula over a baking dish filled with more sliders.
  1. 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

Can turkey cranberry sliders be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them ahead and bake when you’re ready.

How long can I store Thanksgiving sliders?

Best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last in the fridge for up to two days.

Can I freeze leftover turkey sliders?

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.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

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!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Small Batch Thanksgiving Sliders

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sliders
Create delicious Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders with this easy small batch slider recipe. Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun, tasty way!

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
  • 4 Hawaiian rolls
  • ½ cup prepared stuffing
  • 4 ounces leftover 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

Serving: 1slider, Calories: 301kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 61mg, Sodium: 326mg, Potassium: 87mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 220IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 92mg, Iron: 0.5mg

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.

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3 Comments

  1. 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.