Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe

If you ever find yourself surrounded by heaps of Thanksgiving leftovers and craving something fresh, comforting, and downright irresistible, this Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the best parts of your holiday meal—the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese—and wraps them into perfectly portioned, handheld sliders. These little flavor-packed sandwiches are wonderfully easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and the perfect way to turn those holiday extras into an entirely new, crave-worthy dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these ingredients together is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in building the irresistible taste, perfect texture, and vibrant colors that make these sliders shine. From the soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls to the savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce, every component brings something special to the table.

• Hawaiian sweet rolls or dinner rolls (12 count): The soft and slightly sweet base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
• Dijon mustard (3 tsp total): Adds a subtle zing and balances the richness in the spread and topping.
• Mayonnaise (2 Tbsp): Creamy binder that keeps the layers moist and flavorful.
• Cooked turkey (2-3 cups): The star of the filling, tender and perfect as slices or shredded bits.
• Leftover stuffing (1½ cups): Adds comforting texture and that classic Thanksgiving flavor.
• Cranberry sauce (½ cup): Provides a sweet and tangy contrast, spreadable for easy layering.
• Cheese slices (6 slices): Choose your favorite like provolone, Swiss, or cheddar for melty goodness.
• Gravy (½ cup, optional): Great for dipping or drizzling to amp up the savory factor.
• Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Forms the flavorful topping that crisps up the rolls beautifully.
• Worcestershire sauce (½ tsp): Brings depth to the butter topping with subtle umami notes.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses the topping with a savory punch.
• Onion powder (½ tsp): Adds gentle sweetness and aroma.
• Dried herbs (1 tsp; parsley, thyme, or rosemary): Fresh or dried herbs freshen up the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the layers just right.
• Poppyseeds (sprinkle): Gives a delightful crunch and lovely look on top.
• Grated Parmesan (optional, 1 Tbsp): Adds a nutty, salty twist if you want extra flavor.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a quarter sheet pan. Getting your pan ready upfront ensures a smooth assembly and easy cleanup after making these delicious sliders.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Carefully slice the entire set of rolls horizontally without separating them. Placing the bottom half evenly in the baking dish forms the perfect base for building your layers and keeps the sliders neat and compact.

Step 3: Brush on the Spread

Mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, then spread this creamy, tangy mixture evenly on both the cut sides of the rolls. Next, add a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half to create that iconic balance of sweet and savory that makes these sandwiches addictive.

Step 4: Layer with Turkey and Stuffing

Distribute the turkey evenly over the cranberry-spread rolls, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. On top of the turkey, layer the leftover stuffing, packing in all the holiday flavors in every bite.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Top Rolls

Lay slices of your chosen cheese over the stuffing layer—this will melt perfectly while baking. Then carefully place the top half of the rolls back on, sealing in all the delicious layers ready for baking.

Step 6: Make and Brush the Topping

Whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan. Generously brush this mixture over the top of the rolls, then sprinkle poppyseeds for a charming crunchy finish.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm everything through. Remove the foil and bake another 5 to 8 minutes to get that golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. When done, garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance flavor.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Slice into individual sliders while still warm and serve immediately. For an extra-special touch, offer warm leftover gravy on the side for dipping, turning each bite into a cozy comfort explosion.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your sliders dramatically. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprinkled just before serving brighten the flavors and add color. A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven gives a professional flavor lift and crunch that your guests will notice.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. Consider crisp coleslaw, a vibrant mixed greens salad with a tart vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables. If you want to keep things comfort-focused, a bowl of warm soup or a side of baked sweet potatoes complements the sliders beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings or party platters, stack these sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of gravy and extra cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also thread decorative toothpicks or mini flags in each slider for easy grabbing. For a fun twist, serve alongside a small tasting of different mustards or chutneys to perk up the flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these sliders, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a perfect next-day meal or snack.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, individually wrap the sliders in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy a quick Thanksgiving-inspired bite anytime you want.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap frozen sliders completely and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted again. For refrigerated leftovers, 8 to 10 minutes in the oven usually does the trick. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for the sliders?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a wonderful sweet contrast, you can experiment with other soft dinner rolls or even slider buns. Just choose ones that hold up well to the fillings without becoming soggy.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the spread?

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the flavors together, but if you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt or skip it entirely. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the texture and taste balance.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the turkey for roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or even a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable gravy. The stuffing and cranberry sauce still provide lots of hearty flavor.

What cheese works best in this Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe?

Choose cheeses that melt well and complement savory flavors. Swiss, provolone, Havarti, and mild cheddar are all excellent picks, but feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences.

Should I add gravy inside the sliders or just for dipping?

While the recipe suggests gravy on the side for dipping or drizzling, you can absolutely add a small amount inside if you love extra moisture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overdo it to keep the rolls from getting soggy before baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying and heartwarming as turning your Thanksgiving leftovers into something fresh, fun, and utterly delicious, and this Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe does exactly that. It’s simple to prepare, uses ingredients you already have, and tastes like a celebration in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to love those holiday flavors all over again!

Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Recipe

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4.1 from 26 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders (servings) 1x

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Description

These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders are a delicious and creative way to transform your holiday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with a savory spread of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheese, then baked to golden perfection with a buttery herb topping. Perfect for sharing and enjoying warm with a side of gravy for dipping.

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Ingredients

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Rolls and Spreads

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or dinner rolls
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (spreadable layer)

Filling

• 2–3 cups cooked turkey (sliced or shredded) or ham
• 1½ cups leftover stuffing
• 6 slices cheese (provolone, Swiss, cheddar, Havarti, gruyere, white cheddar, or choice)

Topping

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) or 1 Tbsp fresh herbs
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Sprinkle of poppyseeds
• Optional: 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Optional for Serving

• 1/2 cup gravy (for dipping or drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use a quarter sheet pan to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Slice rolls: Carefully slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the rolls, then place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish evenly.
3. Brush on sauce layers: In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly on both the cut sides of the rolls. Next, spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the bottom half of the rolls to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
4. Add meat and stuffing: Layer the cooked turkey or ham evenly over the cranberry-lined rolls. Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, then add a layer of leftover stuffing over the meat.
5. Top with cheese and rolls: Place slices of cheese evenly over the stuffing layer. Then carefully place the top half of the rolls back on to form the sliders.
6. Mix the topping and brush: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried or fresh herbs, salt and pepper, and optional grated Parmesan. Generously brush this flavorful topping over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with poppyseeds for a nice crunch and visual appeal.
7. Bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the rolls from drying out and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt such as Maldon for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve warm: Slice the baked sliders into individual servings and enjoy warm. Serve with warm leftover gravy on the side for dipping, or enjoy them as they are for a delicious, comforting bite.

Notes

• Use any favorite cheese that melts well such as Swiss, provolone, or cheddar.
• If you don’t have leftover turkey, ham is a great substitute.
• Make sure cranberry sauce is spreadable to avoid clumps—slightly warmed cranberry sauce spreads easier.
• The buttery herb topping adds great flavor but can be skipped if desired.
• Covering the sliders loosely with foil while baking helps keep them moist.
• Garnish with flaky sea salt to enhance the savory and sweet flavors.
• These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated covered with foil to maintain moistness.
• Adjust seasoning to taste depending on the saltiness of leftovers used.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American