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!
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders
Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into mouthwatering sliders that are perfect for any occasion! These Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a delightful combination of tender turkey, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce nestled between soft rolls. Ideal for game day, casual gatherings, or satisfying snack cravings, these sliders are not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flavor-packed dish that will impress family and friends. Enjoy the holiday spirit in every bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/8 cup mustard
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 12 white rolls
- 9 thick slices of turkey
- 2 cups stuffing
- 12 slices white cheddar cheese
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, melted butter, poppy seeds, honey mustard sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Slice the white rolls horizontally while keeping them connected at the bottom. Spread half of the sauce mixture on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer turkey slices followed by stuffing and then cheese on top. Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese layer before placing the top half of the rolls back on.
- Spread remaining sauce on top of the assembled sliders. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 12 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg