Thanksgiving Sliders

Thanksgiving Sliders are the ultimate way to turn holiday leftovers into a delicious, shareable snack. With layers of tender turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and a buttery, golden topping, these sliders pack all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors into one bite-sized delight.

Perfect for gatherings or casual meals, these sliders are easy to assemble and bake in under 30 minutes. Drizzled with a flavorful butter mixture featuring Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds, they come out of the oven crisp, warm, and irresistibly good. Serve them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a creative next-day treat!

Why You’ll Love It:

Effortlessly Elegant: These sliders elevate leftovers into a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort.
Flavor-Packed Layers: Savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and herby stuffing create an unforgettable bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a holiday party, these sliders fit right in.
Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs, and still enjoy a stellar dish.

Key Ingredients:

Slider Buns or Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls create the perfect base, balancing the savory and tangy flavors of the fillings.

Turkey: Thinly sliced leftover turkey adds a hearty, savory layer. You can also use deli turkey if leftovers aren’t available.

Stuffing: Prepared stuffing adds a herby, savory component that ties the sliders to classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey and stuffing perfectly.

Butter Mixture: A combination of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried onion ensures golden, flavorful tops on the sliders.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the Temperature:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the sliders bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns

Slice the Rolls:
Using a serrated knife, slice 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the rolls connected.
Layer the Bottom Buns:
Place the bottom halves of the rolls into a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Spread the Stuffing:
Evenly layer prepared stuffing over the bottom halves of the rolls.
Add the Turkey:
Place a layer of thinly sliced turkey (deli or leftover) on top of the stuffing, ensuring an even distribution.
Add Cranberry Sauce:
Mix cranberry sauce with 1.5 teaspoons of Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the turkey.
Top with Buns:
Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling, gently pressing them down.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Mix Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1/4 cup melted salted butter
1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon minced dried onion
Drizzle the Mixture:
Evenly drizzle or brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders.

Step 5: Bake the Sliders

Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
Rest:
Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing to help them hold together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and Serve:
Cut along the pre-sliced lines of the rolls using a serrated knife.
Serve the sliders warm from the baking dish or transfer them to a serving platter.

Serving Suggestions:

These sliders are great for parties, casual meals, or as a creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Pair them with a side of salad or chips for a complete meal.

These sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways to fit your occasion.

Party Platter Perfection

Arrange the sliders on a festive serving tray and pair them with chips, pickles, or a simple green salad. They’re ideal for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Casual Meals

Serve these sliders with a steaming bowl of soup, such as butternut squash or turkey noodle, for a comforting meal.

On-the-Go

Pack sliders for lunch or a road trip snack. Wrap them in foil for easy reheating.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigeration

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tip: Warm sliders in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their texture and flavor.

Freezing

Assemble sliders (excluding the butter topping) and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to bake, brush with butter topping and bake directly from frozen. Add 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Make-Ahead Magic

Prep the sliders and butter mixture a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Brush with the butter mixture just before baking.

Variations:

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these Thanksgiving sliders!

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Swap the turkey and stuffing for leftover ham and Swiss cheese. Use a honey-mustard glaze for the topping.

Vegetarian Version

Replace turkey with roasted vegetables (think sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms) for a plant-based delight.

Spicy Kick

Add a thin layer of spicy aioli or sriracha to the cranberry-Dijon mixture for a bold twist.

Cheesy Addition

Melt a slice of Gruyère or sharp cheddar on the turkey layer for extra indulgence.

Breakfast Sliders

Turn these into breakfast sandwiches by adding scrambled eggs and cheese to the filling.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving sliders are more than just a leftover recipe—they’re a celebration of flavors in every bite. With buttery, golden tops, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing and turkey, these sliders are the perfect excuse to keep the holiday spirit alive a little longer.

Why not make a double batch? They’re bound to disappear in no time, and trust me—you’ll be wishing you had more!

Looking for other creative ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers? Check out recipes like Turkey Pot Pie or Cranberry-Stuffed Crescent Rolls for more inspiration. Happy cooking!