Delicious leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders served on a plate with toppings

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders: A Cozy Flavorful Twist

ByJOHN
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Why Make This Recipe

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are not just a clever way to utilize your holiday leftovers; they are a delightful treat that combines familiar flavors into a cozy, handheld delight. After a day filled with cooking and feasting, the idea of whipping up something quick and delicious can seem overwhelming. These sliders are the answer! They are easy to prepare, allow for personalization based on your taste, and can even become a family favorite. The combination of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a hint of honey mustard creates a comforting fusion of flavors that reminds you of Thanksgiving dinner without the fuss of a full meal.

By transforming your leftover turkey and stuffing into sliders, you can add variety to your meals while reducing food waste. Plus, they are perfect for game day snacks, quick lunches, or a casual dinner option. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, these sliders will offer a warm and satisfying bite.

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders is straightforward, and most of the work is prepping the ingredients beforehand. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delicious sliders:

Ingredients:

  • 12 count White Rolls (Hawaiian) (for a sweeter touch)
  • 3 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded; can substitute with rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup Stuffing (any leftover; gluten-free optional)
  • 1 cup Cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda) (for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce (for sweetness and tartness)
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard Sauce (or Dijon mustard for a kick)
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (or soy sauce for umami)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the sliders will cook evenly and become wonderfully golden.

  2. Prepare the rolls: Take the package of Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally. Keep the rolls attached as one piece for easier assembly.

  3. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, cheese, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, honey mustard sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until all components are evenly mixed. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—feel free to add more cheese or cranberry sauce!

  4. Assemble the sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the rolls. Make sure to cover them as evenly as possible. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle poppy seeds over the filling.

  5. Top with rolls: Place the top half of the rolls back on top of the filling to create a sandwich effect.

  6. Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the tops of the rolls become golden and slightly crispy.

  7. Serve warm: Once the sliders are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting them into individual sliders.

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Serving Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders is a breeze! Cut them into individual pieces along the original rolls, and present them on a platter. They can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature if you’re serving them later.

For a more festive touch, serve them with additional sides of cranberry sauce or extra honey mustard on the side for dipping. You could also add a simple salad or some roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

These sliders are fantastic for casual gatherings, game day, or even as an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t require much cleanup. Their delightful combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

If you happen to have any sliders left after serving, storing them is simple! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

  1. Cool them down: Allow the sliders to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation which could make them soggy.

  2. Wrap or container: Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from drying out.

  3. Refrigerate: Store the sliders in the refrigerator if you’ll eat them within the next 3 to 4 days. Make sure they are completely sealed to maintain their moisture.

  4. Freezing option: If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen sliders, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through.

Tips to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

  • Customize flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on what you have. You can use different cheeses, switch out the mustard, or even add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.

  • Alternative rolls: While Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet touch, you can substitute them with other types of bread, such as bagels or pretzel buns, depending on your preference.

  • Crispy tops: For a golden, crispy top, consider brushing the tops of the sliders with melted butter mixed with herbs before baking.

  • Healthier twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version, and consider substituting low-fat cheese.

Variation

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations on the classic Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders:

  • BBQ Turkey Sliders: Use BBQ sauce instead of cranberry for a sweet and tangy taste. This gives the sliders a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the turkey.

  • Buffalo Turkey Sliders: Add buffalo sauce into the turkey mix for a spicy kick, and top with blue cheese or ranch dressing for a complete buffalo wing experience.

  • Veggie Sliders: For a vegetarian option, replace turkey with roasted vegetables or a veggie burger patty. Layer with cheese, stuffing, and sauce to maintain the flavors.

  • Sweet Potato Sliders: Instead of traditional stuffing, incorporate mashed sweet potatoes for a Southwestern twist. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the turkey nicely.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the turkey mixture and assemble the sliders a day in advance. Just cover the assembled sliders and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake them as directed.

2. What can I serve with the sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving with coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, sweet potato fries, or chips for a balanced meal.

3. Are these sliders good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are great for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to grab a quick lunch or snack throughout the week.

Enjoy your cozy and flavorful Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders—and share the love of your leftovers this holiday season! They’re sure to bring comfort on chilly evenings or anytime you crave something delicious!

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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Print Recipe

A delightful way to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers, combining turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a cozy slider.

  • Author: hbibamine1980
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 count White Rolls (Hawaiian)
  • 3 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded)
  • 1 cup Stuffing
  • 1 cup Cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda)
  • 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey, stuffing, cheese, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, honey mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
  4. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish and spoon the turkey mixture over them evenly.
  5. Top with the upper half of the rolls.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Once done, allow to cool slightly before cutting into sliders.

Notes

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Serve with extra cranberry sauce or honey mustard on the side.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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