Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are the perfect way to transform your holiday feast leftovers into a delicious meal. Ideal for casual gatherings, game day, or simply satisfying snack cravings, these sliders are packed with flavor and easy to make. With layers of turkey, stuffing, and creamy sauces nestled in soft rolls, they stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These sliders take just 10 minutes to prep, making them a fast option for busy days.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of turkey, stuffing, and honey mustard sauce creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
Versatile Serving: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a party snack.
Leftover Magic: An excellent way to repurpose your Thanksgiving turkey into something new and exciting.
Customizable Options: Feel free to switch up the cheeses or add extra toppings based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful sliders, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will simplify the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Baking dish: Perfect for layering your sliders and ensuring even cooking.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your sauces and ingredients thoroughly.
Whisk: Helpful for blending liquids smoothly without lumps.
Knife: Useful for slicing rolls and turkey evenly for perfect assembly.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 Cup Mayonnaise
1/4 Cup Honey
1/8 Cup Mustard
1/2 Cup Butter (unsalted, melted)
1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds
1 1/2 Tablespoons Honey Mustard Sauce
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

For the Sliders

12 White Rolls
Honey Mustard Sauce (from above)
Mayonnaise
9 Thick Slices of Turkey
2 Cups Stuffing
12 Slices White Cheddar Cheese (or havarti or munster)
1-1 1/2 Cups Cranberry Sauce

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your sliders bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine mayonnaise, honey, mustard, melted butter, poppy seeds, honey mustard sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

In a baking dish:
1. Slice the white rolls horizontally but keep them connected at the bottom.
2. Spread half of the prepared sauce mixture on the bottom half of the rolls.
3. Layer with turkey slices followed by stuffing.
4. Add slices of cheese over the stuffing.
5. Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the cheese layer before placing the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 4: Bake

Spread remaining sauce over the top of the assembled sliders:
1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 12 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts and tops are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
2. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side if desired.

Enjoy these tasty Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders as a delightful way to savor holiday flavors in each bite!

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

These delicious sliders are perfect for serving at gatherings or as a quick meal. Their versatility allows you to pair them with various sides and dips, making them a hit for everyone.

Classic Pairings

Cranberry Sauce: A generous helping of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.
Stuffing: Serve extra stuffing on the side for those who crave that traditional Thanksgiving taste.

Dipping Sauces

Honey Mustard: This sweet and spicy sauce enhances the flavors of the sliders and provides a delightful dipping option.
Mayonnaise: Offer mayonnaise as a creamy option that adds richness to each bite.

Fresh Additions

Pickles: Crunchy pickles add a zesty kick that balances the richness of the turkey and cheese.
Lettuce and Tomato: Fresh lettuce and juicy tomato slices can be served on the side for those wanting a refreshing crunch.

Creative Twists

Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado can be added for an extra layer of flavor and health benefits.
Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, jalapeños provide a spicy contrast to the sliders.

How to Perfect Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Crafting the ideal slider is all about balance and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your sliders shine.

Bold seasoning: Make sure to season your turkey well before assembling. It enhances overall flavor.
Fresh ingredients: Use fresh rolls and toppings. Freshness makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Layer wisely: Start with mayonnaise, then turkey, cheese, stuffing, and finish with cranberry sauce for balanced flavors.
Toast your rolls: Lightly toasting the rolls adds crispness, preventing sogginess from moist toppings.
Serve warm: These sliders are best enjoyed warm; consider reheating if they’ve cooled down too much.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Complement your sliders with these tasty side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Each dish offers unique flavors that pair beautifully.

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping alongside the sliders.
Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the sliders.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy touch that balances out your meal.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers comfort food vibes that are always welcomed at gatherings.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad brings lightness to your plate with fresh greens and veggies.
Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are easy to make and always loved by guests, adding heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders can be a hit if prepared correctly. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the Sauce: Not adding enough honey mustard sauce can lead to dry sliders. Always spread a generous amount on each roll for flavor.
Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many sliders in one pan can result in uneven cooking. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold turkey or cheese may prevent even melting and warmth. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking can make the sliders tough. Keep an eye on the timer and remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.
Not Toasting the Buns: Skipping bun toasting can make them soggy. Lightly toast them for a crispy texture that holds everything together.

Refrigerator Storage

Store sliders in an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake sliders for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter, and cook sliders for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders?

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders are small sandwiches made with cooked turkey, cheese, stuffing, and sauces, all nestled in soft rolls.

How do I customize my Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders?

You can add different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella, use various sauces such as cranberry or aioli, or include vegetables like spinach or arugula.

Can I make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What sides go well with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders?

Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or classic potato chips for a complete meal.

How long do Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or sauces. They make a perfect quick meal or appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Give this recipe a try and elevate your leftover game!