Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders are an easy and delicious way to turn your holiday meal into a fun handheld feast. Layered with stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then topped with a buttery glaze on soft Hawaiian rolls, they transform leftovers into something everyone will ask for again and again.

I first made these when I wanted to use up leftover turkey and stuffing without making a boring sandwich. My family loved the burst of flavor from the glaze, and now these sliders are a go to tradition every year.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: soft and slightly sweet, ideal for sliders and bulk sandwiches, look for fresh bakery rolls if possible for best texture
• Prepared stuffing: adds that classic holiday flavor and moist texture, homemade or good quality store bought works well
• Carved turkey slices: lean protein that ties the layers together, use freshly carved or deli style turkey
• Cranberry sauce: the sweet tartness complements the turkey perfectly, jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce are both tasty options
• Dijon mustard: adds tang and depth, split between cranberry mixture and butter glaze for balanced flavor
• Salted butter: makes the glaze rich and helps brown the tops of the rolls, choose real butter for best results
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami and a savory kick to the glaze, enhances the overall flavor complexity
• Minced dried onion: provides subtle sweetness and texture to the glaze
• Poppy seeds: add a delicate crunch and pretty speckles to the finished slider tops

Instructions

Slicing the Rolls:

Slice the 12 count Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves evenly into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, lining them up without gaps.

Layering the Stuffing:

Spread 2 cups of prepared stuffing evenly over the bottom rolls. This moist base keeps the sandwiches flavorful and prevents dryness.

Adding the Turkey:

Layer 8 ounces of carved turkey slices evenly over the stuffing. Make sure to cover all the rolls to get turkey in every bite.

Preparing the Cranberry Mixture:

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce with 1 and a half teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Stir well and set this aside for spreading.

Making the Butter Glaze:

In a microwave safe bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of salted butter. To this melted butter, add the remaining 1 and a half teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons minced dried onion, and 2 teaspoons poppy seeds. Whisk until fully combined.

Assembling the Sliders:

Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the turkey layer in the baking dish. Then gently place the top halves of the rolls over the cranberry layer.

Applying the Glaze and Baking:

Brush the butter and spice glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with nonstick foil, or spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Finishing the Crisp:

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are toasted and lightly browned. This step adds a beautiful golden finish and concentrates the flavors.

Serving:

Allow the sliders to cool slightly for easier handling. Cut between the rolls to separate before serving warm.

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the buttery glaze. The poppy seeds and minced onions add a surprising little crunch and sweetness that really bring the sliders to life. I remember making these for a family movie night the day after Thanksgiving and watching everyone happily munch on these as they relived the first day's feast in slider form.

Storage tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or toaster oven to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls or slider buns can work. Chicken or ham can replace the turkey, and if cranberry sauce isn’t your thing try a tangy chutney or fruit preserves.

Serving suggestions

Serve these sliders with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or a crisp coleslaw for texture contrast.

These sliders are a simple, delicious way to make the most of Thanksgiving leftovers and are sure to become a repeat favorite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use store-bought ingredients?

Yes, prepared stuffing, deli turkey, and canned cranberry sauce work perfectly if you don't have leftovers on hand.

→ Can I substitute the turkey with other meats?

Absolutely, sliced ham or cooked chicken are great alternatives or additions to turkey in these sliders.

→ What else can I add to enhance these sliders?

You can add mashed potatoes or a spicy kick with jalapeños or banana peppers for extra flavor and texture.

→ Is adding cheese recommended?

Yes, Swiss, Gruyere, or cheddar cheeses complement the flavors well and melt nicely during baking.

→ How important is the glaze topping?

The glaze is key to elevating these sliders beyond basic leftovers, providing a flavorful and glossy finish.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat using an air fryer, toaster oven, or microwave.