Leftover Turkey Sliders are the perfect way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal using your Thanksgiving leftovers. These sliders combine the familiar flavors of turkey, cranberry, and stuffing into a fun, bite-sized dish that’s great for any occasion—whether it’s game day, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner. Their gooey cheese and warm, buttery tops make them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you can have a delightful meal ready in no time.
Flavorful Combination: The blend of turkey, cranberry sauce, and provolone cheese creates a savory-sweet flavor profile that is sure to please everyone.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, these sliders fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or gatherings; everyone loves sliders, and they’re easy to grab and enjoy.
Leftover Friendly: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey without feeling repetitive.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Leftover Turkey Sliders effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

9×13-inch baking dish
Nonstick cooking spray
Small mixing bowl
Pastry brush

Why These Tools Matter

9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for accommodating all your sliders at once while ensuring even cooking.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after enjoying your delicious sliders.
Small mixing bowl: Allows you to easily mix ingredients like butter and seasonings without making a mess.
Pastry brush: Helps evenly distribute the butter mixture over the slider tops for optimum flavor.

Ingredients

Leftover Turkey Sliders give you all the flavors and components of a Thanksgiving dinner at your fingertips.

Ingredients:
– 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
– 1 pound leftover turkey breast (or deli turkey)
– ½ cup cranberry sauce
– 1 cup stuffing
– 6 slices provolone cheese
– ½ cup gravy
– ¼ cup butter (melted)
– ½ teaspoon garlic salt
– ½ teaspoon fresh parsley (minced)
– ½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Leftover Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Split the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients

Top the bottom buns with:
1. Slices of turkey breast
2. A spread of cranberry sauce
3. A generous amount of stuffing
4. Layers of provolone cheese
5. Drizzle with gravy

Step 4: Mix Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. The melted butter
2. Garlic salt
3. Fresh parsley
4. Salt

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place the top halves of the rolls on top of your layered ingredients. Brush them generously with the melted butter mixture for added flavor.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

Remove the foil from the dish and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the sliders turn golden brown.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Once baked, remove from oven, slice through each slider, and serve immediately while warm! Enjoy your delicious Leftover Turkey Sliders!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Sliders

Leftover Turkey Sliders are a delightful way to enjoy your holiday feast in a fun and portable format. These sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

Casual Gathering

Game Day Treats: Perfect for game days, these sliders can be served on a platter for guests to grab and enjoy while cheering for their favorite team.
Picnic Delight: Pack the sliders in a picnic basket along with fresh fruit and drinks for an easy outdoor meal.

Family Dinner

Easy Weeknight Meal: Pair the sliders with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a quick family dinner.
Holiday Leftover Feast: Serve alongside other Thanksgiving leftovers to create a festive family meal that everyone will love.

Parties & Celebrations

Finger Food for Parties: Slice the sliders into smaller portions for easy snacking during parties or gatherings.
Buffet Style Serving: Place the sliders on a buffet table with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches.

How to Perfect Leftover Turkey Sliders

Making your Leftover Turkey Sliders truly memorable involves a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

Bold Flavor Additions: Consider adding some spicy mustard or tangy mayonnaise to enhance the flavors of the turkey and cranberry sauce.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique taste profiles that complement the turkey well.
Fresh Herbs Finish: Garnish your sliders with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary right before serving to add freshness and aroma.
Bread Choice Matters: While King’s Hawaiian Rolls are sweet, you can also try whole grain or ciabatta rolls for a heartier option that balances sweetness.
Adjust Texture: For added crunch, include some crispy lettuce or finely chopped roasted vegetables inside the sliders.
Make Ahead Convenience: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for warm, cheesy goodness.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Turkey Sliders

To complement your Leftover Turkey Sliders perfectly, consider these delicious side dishes. They will round out your meal and impress your guests.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Air-fried or baked, these fries add sweetness and crunch that pair exceptionally well with turkey flavors.
Classic Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing adds crispness to each bite of slider.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that everyone loves alongside sandwiches.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and sea salt, roasted Brussels sprouts provide earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of the rolls.
Vegetable Medley Salad: A colorful salad featuring assorted veggies dressed in vinaigrette brings freshness and vibrant colors to your plate.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is sweet and juicy, making it an excellent addition to any slider-focused meal.
Baked Beans: Savory baked beans offer a rich flavor profile that complements the turkey while adding protein to your spread.
Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser and adds a comforting element to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Leftover Turkey Sliders, a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for.

Using stale rolls: Fresh rolls enhance the overall flavor and texture of the sliders. Always opt for fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls for the best result.
Not layering ingredients properly: Layering is key for even distribution of flavors. Make sure to add turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cheese, and gravy in that order.
Skipping the butter mixture: The butter mixture adds flavor and helps crisp up the tops. Don’t skip this crucial step; it elevates your sliders.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time to avoid dry sliders. Remove them once the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
Ignoring serving size: These sliders are filling! Be mindful of portion sizes to ensure everyone gets their fair share.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Sliders

Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover Turkey Sliders

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and wrap in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat one slider at a time on medium power for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid, until warmed through (about 5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Leftover Turkey Sliders?

You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try different cheeses or add veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

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

What sides pair well with Leftover Turkey Sliders?

These sliders go perfectly with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or a warm soup for a complete meal.

Are Leftover Turkey Sliders suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They are great for meal prep as they store well and reheat easily, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. They allow you to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors all year round while being easy to customize according to your preferences. Try this recipe today and make it your own!