Leftover Turkey Sliders

Posted on November 16, 2025

Leftover Turkey Sliders are a delightful way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving in a fun and easy-to-eat format. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or casual dinners, these sliders combine tender turkey, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce all nestled between soft rolls. They not only satisfy cravings but also reduce food waste, making them a win-win for your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Delicious Flavors: Enjoy the classic taste of Thanksgiving with every bite.
Versatile Servings: Perfect as an appetizer, dinner, or side dish for any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: These sliders are easy to hold and eat, making them a hit with children.
Minimal Cleanup: Bake everything in one dish for a hassle-free cooking experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Leftover Turkey Sliders successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Baking dish (9×13-inch)
Nonstick spray
Mixing bowl
Pastry brush

Why These Tools Matter

Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish provides ample space for the sliders to bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
Nonstick spray: Prevents the sliders from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal after baking.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like melted butter and seasonings before applying them to your sliders.
Pastry brush: Helps evenly spread the butter mixture over the tops of the buns for added flavor and golden color.

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

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How to Make Leftover Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Split the rolls in half horizontally, placing the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish. This creates a sturdy base for your delicious fillings.

Step 3: Add Your Fillings

Layer on top of the buns with your leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, provolone cheese, and drizzle with gravy. Each ingredient adds its unique flavor profile that complements each other perfectly.

Step 4: Mix Butter Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter with garlic salt, minced parsley, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble Sliders

Place the tops of the rolls back onto each slider. Brush generously with your garlic butter mixture for extra flavor and a lovely golden finish once baked.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This step ensures that the cheese melts beautifully while keeping everything moist.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the tops of your sliders to turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm. Enjoy these crowd-pleasing Leftover Turkey Sliders at your next gathering!

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Sliders

Leftover Turkey Sliders are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that elevate this delicious dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

Casual Gathering

Finger Food Delight: Perfect for parties, serve sliders cut into smaller pieces on toothpicks for easy handling.
Buffet Style: Place the sliders on a platter alongside an assortment of sides, allowing guests to build their own plate.

Game Day Treat

Snack Platter: Serve with chips and dips to create a fun game day snack spread that complements the flavors of the sliders.
Mini Slider Bar: Set up a slider bar with different toppings like lettuce, tomato, and extra cranberry sauce for customization.

Family Dinner

Comfort Food Combo: Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a warm family meal that brings everyone together.
Festive Presentation: Arrange on a decorative platter with fresh herbs for a visually appealing centerpiece at dinner.

How to Perfect Leftover Turkey Sliders

Making Leftover Turkey Sliders is simple, but these tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Bold Flavor Boost: Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cheese Choice Matters: Opt for sharp cheddar or gouda instead of provolone if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
Moisture Control: Ensure the turkey is well-coated in gravy to keep the sliders moist during baking.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the stuffing for an aromatic twist.
Crispy Top Layer: Broil the sliders for a minute after baking to achieve an extra crispy top without drying them out.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover Turkey Sliders

Complement your Leftover Turkey Sliders with delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs well with the sliders.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil offer a healthy and flavorful addition to your plate.
Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet and savory fries add crunch and sweetness that contrast nicely with the savory sliders.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the turkey sliders.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs provide an elegant touch to your meal.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette offers freshness and cuts through the richness of the sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Leftover Turkey Sliders, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of turkey can change the flavor. Always opt for well-cooked leftover turkey or high-quality deli turkey.
Bold forgetting the seasoning: Skipping garlic salt and parsley can lead to bland sliders. These ingredients enhance flavor, so be sure to include them.
Bold not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before starting.
Bold overcrowding the dish: Trying to fit too many sliders in one pan can cause uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended number of rolls for best results.
Bold neglecting to cover with foil: Skipping foil during the first baking phase can dry out your sliders. Cover them initially to keep them moist and tender.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Leftover Turkey Sliders

Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover Turkey Sliders

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Bold Microwave: Place a slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds, then check and add more time if needed.
Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. This keeps them moist while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of turkey should I use for Leftover Turkey Sliders?

You can use either leftover cooked turkey breast or high-quality deli turkey slices for these sliders.

Can I customize Leftover Turkey Sliders?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or different cheeses for added flavor.

How do I make Leftover Turkey Sliders healthier?

Consider using whole grain rolls, low-fat cheese, and adding veggies like spinach or avocado for extra nutrients.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Conclusion

Leftover Turkey Sliders are a delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors anytime. They are versatile and easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sides. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!