As the last echoes of laughter and clinking glasses from your Thanksgiving feast fade away, you may find yourself staring at an abundance of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. What to do with all those delicious leftovers? Enter the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders! These delightful mini-sandwiches are the perfect solution for transforming holiday remnants into something unforgettable.
Imagine soft rolls packed with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a velvety, tangy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. They’re not just simple to whip up; they’re fully customizable to please everyone at your table—from the traditionalists to the adventurous eaters. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just want a cozy night in, these sliders promise to be a crowd-pleaser without the fuss. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this quick and tasty recipe that will have you looking forward to your leftovers!
Why are Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders a Must-Try?
Delicious Transformation: These sliders take your holiday leftovers from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few simple steps.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, they come together in under 30 minutes, making meal prep a breeze.
Customizable Options: Tailor the sliders to your family’s taste by swapping sauces, cheeses, or even the turkey!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner, everyone will enjoy these flavorful bites that pack a punch.
Perfect for Leftovers: Stop letting your turkey go to waste and turn it into a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Ingredients
For the Sliders
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and moisture; substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Honey – Provides sweetness; maple syrup can work as a substitute.
- Mustard – Adds tanginess to balance flavors; Dijon or yellow mustard both work well.
- Melted Butter – Helps to add richness and aids in browning the rolls; olive oil offers a lighter alternative.
- Turkey – The star ingredient, providing protein; any leftover cooked turkey is ideal.
- Stuffing – Adds flavor and texture; feel free to use homemade or store-bought stuffing.
- Cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda) – Brings creaminess and an extra layer of flavor; mozzarella offers a milder taste.
- Cranberry Sauce – Provides sweetness and acidity to balance richness; any fruit preserves can be a great alternative.
- White Dinner Rolls – Soft base for sliders; whole grain or gluten-free rolls are excellent substitutes.
For the Topping
- Poppy Seeds – Adds crunch and visual appeal; simply omit if unavailable.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances depth of flavor in the sauce; try to use it for best results.
Each ingredient in these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders plays a crucial role in turning your holiday feast remains into a delightful new meal that your family will love!
How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. This will help create those warm, golden sliders everyone is craving!
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Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, melted butter, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and honey mustard sauce in a mixing bowl until smooth. This creamy mixture will become the heart of your sliders.
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Slice the white dinner rolls horizontally while keeping them connected at the bottom. This way, you can easily fill them without losing any of that lovely stuffing!
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Spread half of the sauce mixture generously on the bottom half of the rolls. This first layer adds flavor and moisture to your turkey sliders.
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Layer with turkey slices, then follow with stuffing and cheese. Make sure the layers are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite!
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Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese layer. This sweet and tangy touch elevates the flavor profile, making your sliders irresistible.
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Replace the top half of the rolls and spread the remaining sauce mixture generously over the top. This will create a delicious, flavorful crust as they bake.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes. This helps warm everything through while keeping the rolls soft.
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Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step will melt the cheese and brown the tops to a delightful golden color.
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Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm, optionally with extra cranberry sauce for dipping!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Variations
Get ready to add your personal touch to these scrumptious sliders that will have everyone’s taste buds dancing!
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Protein Swap: Use chicken or ham for a delightful twist, giving a fresh take on your sliders.
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Vegetable Boost: Sautéed spinach or arugula brings a burst of freshness, enhancing the flavor and adding nutrients, creating a vibrant meal.
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Cheese Change: Try tangy blue cheese or creamy Brie instead of cheddar for bold new flavors that will surprise your guests.
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Sauce Adventure: Swap classic cranberry sauce for zesty barbecue or flavorful garlic aioli for a fun twist on your sliders.
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Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
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Whole-Grain Upgrade: Opt for whole grain or gluten-free rolls instead of white dinner rolls, making your sliders a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.
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Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your sauce for an aromatic flavor boost that feels gourmet.
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Sweet Touch: Incorporate apple slices or pear chutney for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients.
Make Ahead Options
These Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal last-minute effort! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance—simply prepare them up to step 7, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. This helps maintain the freshness of the rolls and ensures the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover and pop them in the oven as directed in the recipe. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey sliders that are just as tasty and satisfying, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
What to Serve with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders?
Create a delightful meal that brings your family together around the table with comforting, flavorful sides.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the savory sliders, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
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Fresh Green Salad: Light and crisp, a mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette enhances the richness of the sliders, balancing the meal beautifully.
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Crispy Potato Chips: A classic companion, the salty crunch of potato chips adds a fun texture that pairs perfectly with the soft sliders.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy notes and slight bitterness contrast deliciously with the rich flavors of the turkey sliders, creating a well-rounded plate. Serve with a sprinkle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor!
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Creamy Coleslaw: The freshness and tanginess of coleslaw bring a delightful crunch and brightness to each bite, making it a perfect sidekick.
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Mini Fruit Tartlets: For a sweet ending, savory and sweet tartlets add a lovely finish while keeping with the festive vibe of the meal.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink adds a fruity effervescence that complements the flavors of the sliders, perfect for casual gatherings or festive celebrations!
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
Fridge: Store any leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheating!
Freezer: If you want to extend their life, freeze assembled sliders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before baking!
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy those delicious leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders once more!
Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders in advance, cover them with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop them in the oven for a quick savory meal.
Expert Tips for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
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Even Distribution: Ensure turkey slices are evenly spread throughout the sliders for a consistent flavor in every bite. This will enhance your leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders experience!
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Avoid Drying Out: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the sliders from becoming dry. The goal is a soft, gooey interior.
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Layering Essentials: Layer the ingredients thoughtfully, starting with the sauce, then turkey, stuffing, and cheese. This technique helps build flavor depth and moisture.
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Sauce Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mustard to add your unique twist to the leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders.
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Cheese Choices: Try mixing up your cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous! Different cheeses can create dynamic flavor profiles for your sliders.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best turkey for sliders?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey ensures that you make the most out of your Thanksgiving feast. Look for turkey pieces that are still moist and flavorful, ideally stored in the fridge for no more than 3 to 4 days. If you have the choice, thighs are great for slider recipes due to their juiciness!
What is the best way to store leftover sliders?
You can store your leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled down before sealing to keep the rolls from getting soggy. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in a zip-top bag, too!
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Can I freeze the leftover turkey sliders?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as per your recipe instructions for a delightful treat.
How can I prevent the sliders from drying out when baking?
Very good question! To prevent drying, keep an eye on the baking time. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 12 minutes to lock in moisture, then uncover for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly while keeping the rolls soft and inviting.
Are these sliders suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For gluten-free options, use gluten-free rolls. You can substitute dairy with plant-based cheese or sauces for lactose-intolerant friends. Always double-check ingredients for allergies, especially with condiments like mayonnaise and sauces.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble your leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders a day in advance, follow the first few steps of baking, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic way to save time on a busy day without sacrificing the delicious flavors!
Savory Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Your Family Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, melted butter, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and honey mustard sauce in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Slice the white dinner rolls horizontally while keeping them connected at the bottom.
- Spread half of the sauce mixture generously on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer with turkey slices, then follow with stuffing and cheese.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese layer.
- Replace the top half of the rolls and spread the remaining sauce mixture generously over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
