These incredibly easy and unbelievably flavorful Turkey Sliders are your express ticket to a full Thanksgiving feast experience, all packed into one irresistible, bite-sized package – no fork required! Crafted with soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls, generous layers of succulent turkey, savory homemade or store-bought stuffing, vibrant, tangy cranberry sauce, and perfectly melted cheese, this Turkey Sliders recipe bakes to a glorious golden perfection. Whether you’re planning for lively parties, an exciting game day gathering, or simply looking for a brilliant way to transform those cherished holiday leftovers, these sliders are guaranteed to be a sensational crowd-pleaser.
Seeking more delightful holiday recipes to round out your celebrations? Don’t forget to explore these beloved favorites: our comforting Twice Baked Potato Casserole, charming Mini Pumpkin Pies, and the ever-popular Sweet Potato Casserole! Each recipe is designed to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Irresistible Turkey Sliders Recipe: A Taste of Thanksgiving in Every Bite
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our incredible Turkey Sliders recipe! These delectable bites offer a fantastic and effortless way to savor all your cherished Thanksgiving flavors without the extensive preparation of a full holiday meal. They are particularly ideal for transforming any leftover turkey and cornbread stuffing into a brand new, exciting dish. Each slider features tender, moist turkey, savory stuffing, a burst of sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a generous topping of gooey provolone cheese, all nestled between fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. Baked until beautifully golden brown and infused with a buttery glaze, these sliders are an absolutely effortless crowd-pleaser that will disappear from your platter in record time.
Whether your agenda calls for a fun and fuss-free game-day snack, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner solution, or a truly creative and delicious method to reinvent your holiday leftovers, these Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the perfect answer. With minimal preparation time and a handful of readily available ingredients, these warm, savory, and utterly satisfying sliders deliver the full spectrum of your favorite Thanksgiving tastes – ensuring every bite is a moment of pure culinary bliss. Forget the fancy silverware; these handheld delights are designed for enjoyment straight from your fingers!
For a truly memorable holiday feast, our tried-and-true Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is an absolute must-make! If you’re catering to a smaller gathering or prefer a simpler approach to your turkey, consider using our succulent Crockpot Turkey Breast or a perfectly seasoned Roast Turkey Breast for this versatile slider recipe. Each option ensures tender, flavorful turkey that will elevate your sliders.
Why These Turkey Sliders Will Become Your New Favorite
If the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving hold a special place in your heart, then these Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are destined to be an instant, unwavering favorite. They embody everything you love about the season – cozy, profoundly flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. They are truly the quintessential dish for maximizing your Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Effortlessly Quick and Easy: One of the greatest appeals of these Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders is how rapidly they come together. The process is straightforward: simply layer your ingredients, pop them into the oven, and in mere minutes, you’ll be enjoying a warm, savory masterpiece. There’s no need for complicated steps or extensive culinary skills, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous entertaining.
- The Ultimate Leftover Reinvention: After the holiday festivities, you’re often left with an abundance of delicious Thanksgiving components. These sliders provide the absolute best and most exciting way to utilize leftover turkey, stuffing, and that delightful cranberry sauce. Each slider encapsulates that ideal, perfectly balanced bite of holiday goodness, ensuring no valuable leftovers go to waste.
- Unforgettable Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Prepare for rave reviews! These sliders are a symphony of tastes, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and irresistibly buttery goodness in every single bite. The combination of tender turkey, aromatic stuffing, tangy cranberry, and melted cheese, all enrobed in a golden, herb-infused butter, creates a flavor profile that is universally loved and guaranteed to make them a standout hit at any gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Sliders Recipe
Crafting these mouthwatering Turkey Cranberry Sliders requires just a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing its unique deliciousness to create the perfect bite. Here’s a detailed look at the main elements you’ll need to gather:
- Turkey: The star of the show! While these sliders are famously perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving leftovers, you have several excellent options. We often prepare our favorite Turkey Recipe along with an additional turkey breast to ensure we have plenty of leftovers for dishes like this. Other fantastic choices include our tender Crockpot Turkey Breast, the delightfully crispy Air Fryer Turkey Breast, or a classic, flavorful Roast Turkey Breast. If fresh leftovers aren’t available, thick-sliced deli turkey can be a convenient substitute, though you might miss the hearty texture of carved turkey.
- Cranberry Sauce: This sweet-tart element is non-negotiable for that authentic Thanksgiving flavor profile. Millions adore our cranberry sauce recipe annually, and it truly provides the ideal tangy contrast to the rich turkey and savory stuffing in these sliders. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish, simplifying your prep. For an even easier approach, consider our Crockpot Cranberry Sauce.
- Stuffing: Stuffing (or dressing, depending on your region!) brings that essential comforting, herbaceous flavor. Our go-to is typically cornbread stuffing, which pairs wonderfully in this recipe. Alternatively, a rich sausage stuffing would add another layer of savory deliciousness. For convenience, store-bought stuffing or a box mix prepared according to package directions works perfectly if you don’t have homemade leftovers.
- Rolls: The foundation of any great slider! Hawaiian rolls are the beloved classic for this recipe, thanks to their irresistible sweetness and soft, fluffy texture that holds up beautifully to the fillings. However, feel free to experiment with our Dinner Rolls, savory Parker House Rolls, or even festive Pumpkin Dinner Rolls for a delightful twist.
- Cheese: Melted cheese adds a wonderful creaminess and a touch of savory richness. Provolone is our top pick for its mild flavor and excellent melt, but Swiss cheese also offers a delicious, slightly nuttier alternative. Feel free to use your favorite cheese or omit it entirely if you prefer a dairy-free version.
Simple Steps: How to Make Turkey Sliders at Home
One of the many charms of these delightful sliders is how quickly they come together, making them an ideal choice for those bustling weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. They are an absolute staple in our household for game day festivities – imagine the cheer when these warm, savory bites hit the table! There’s truly nothing quite like transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into such a universally adored and satisfying meal. Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of perfect Turkey Sliders:
Let’s walk through the straightforward process of making this recipe. For your convenience, the full printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions can always be found at the very end of this post.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with fragrant parsley flakes, savory onion flakes, and a touch of garlic powder. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well integrated, creating a flavorful topping for your sliders.
- Ready the Rolls: Carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms while keeping the rolls connected. Gently place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared casserole dish, forming an even base.
- Layer the Stuffing: Evenly spread a generous layer of your prepared stuffing over the bottom half of the rolls. Ensure it’s distributed right to the edges for flavor in every bite.
- Add the Turkey: Follow the stuffing with a layer of your sliced turkey. Arrange it neatly to cover the stuffing, providing a hearty, meaty foundation.
- Cranberry Goodness: Next, spread the tangy cranberry sauce over the turkey layer. Take care to distribute it evenly across all the rolls, ensuring that delightful sweet-tart burst in every slider.
- Melted Cheese: Finally, complete your filling layers with the provolone cheese, or your chosen cheese. Arrange the slices so they cover the cranberry sauce, anticipating a perfectly gooey melt.
- Top and Brush: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the top half of the Hawaiian rolls. Then, carefully place this top half back onto the assembled bottom layers, completing your slider formation.
- Apply the Glaze: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the prepared butter mixture over the entire top surface of the rolls. This golden glaze will give the sliders their irresistible aroma and beautiful crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow the sliders to cool for just a few minutes before using a serrated knife to cut them apart along the natural perforations of the rolls. Serve these warm, delicious Turkey Sliders immediately and watch them disappear!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Turkey Sliders
While these Turkey Sliders are undeniably at their peak when served fresh and warm straight from the oven, any leftovers you might miraculously have will store quite well. Knowing how to properly store and reheat them ensures you can enjoy these delightful bites for days to come or prepare them in advance for ultimate convenience.
- Refrigerator Storage: To maintain their freshness and flavor, any leftover Turkey Sliders should be transferred to an airtight container. Store them securely in the refrigerator, where they will remain delicious for approximately 2 to 3 days. This ensures they’re ready for a quick snack or meal whenever a craving strikes.
- Make Ahead Option: For stress-free entertaining or simply to get a head start on your meal prep, these sliders are excellent for assembling in advance. You can fully assemble the sliders, including the butter topping, up to 4 to 6 hours before you plan to bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pop them into the oven. This strategy is perfect for parties or game day!
- Reheating Instructions: When it’s time to enjoy your leftover sliders, you have a few easy reheating options. For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave will warm them through. For larger quantities, wrap the entire batch tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven. Alternatively, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
No Leftovers? No Problem! Enjoy Turkey Sliders Anytime
Craving the comforting flavors of these amazing Turkey Sliders, but find yourself without any holiday leftovers on hand? Don’t fret! You absolutely don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to roll around again. Here’s how you can “cheat the system” and enjoy these incredible sliders any time of the year, ensuring you always have the ingredients on hand:
- Turkey Alternatives: Our homemade Turkey Recipe will always yield the most flavorful, thick-sliced turkey, which is our first choice for these sliders. However, if a whole roast isn’t feasible, thick-sliced deli turkey can be used in a pinch. While it might lack the rustic charm of carved turkey, it still tastes delicious. A fantastic compromise if you have a warehouse club membership, like Costco, is their pre-cooked turkey breasts. These are significantly thicker and more flavorful than standard lunch meat and are perfect for shredding or slicing for your sliders.
- Cranberry Sauce Solutions: While our cranberry sauce recipe is incredibly quick to make (it often takes just five minutes!), if you’re truly pressed for time, a good quality canned jellied cranberry sauce can work. Just slice it and layer it onto your sliders. For a slightly more sophisticated but still convenient option, many gourmet stores offer ready-made fresh cranberry sauces that are excellent.
- Stuffing Substitutes: Preparing a batch of our cornbread stuffing or our rich sausage stuffing from scratch isn’t overly time-consuming and yields superior flavor. However, for ultimate convenience, you can always grab a box mix from your local grocery store. Simply prepare it according to the package directions, and you’ll have a quick and flavorful stuffing base for your sliders.
Exciting Variations to Elevate Your Turkey Sliders
One of the best things about these Turkey Hawaiian Roll Sliders is their incredible adaptability. They are effortlessly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand, your personal preferences, or to create exciting new flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Cheese Choices: While provolone is a classic, try experimenting with other cheeses like creamy Swiss, sharp cheddar, or mild mozzarella for a delightful change in flavor and texture in your sliders. Each cheese will bring its own unique character to the ensemble.
- Gravy for Extra Richness: For an added layer of moisture and a rich, traditional Thanksgiving touch, spread a thin layer of savory turkey gravy over the turkey and stuffing before adding the cranberry sauce. This creates an even more decadent slider experience.
- Chicken Swap: If turkey isn’t available, or you’re simply looking for a different protein, shredded rotisserie chicken makes an excellent substitute. It’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and incredibly convenient for quick assembly.
- Cranberry Mustard Twist: For those who love a bit of a zesty kick, try mixing your cranberry sauce with a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard. This adds a sophisticated, tangy twist that beautifully complements the other flavors.
- Stuffing Diversity: Beyond traditional bread stuffing, explore different stuffing types! Our hearty cornbread stuffing offers a sweeter, crumbly texture, while a robust sausage stuffing will infuse your sliders with even more savory depth and complexity.
- Cranberry Orange Relish: For a brighter, more citrusy note, consider swapping out the standard cranberry sauce for a refreshing Cranberry Orange Relish. This adds a vibrant tang and a wonderful aromatic quality that truly elevates the sliders – yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Sliders
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when preparing these delicious Turkey Sliders:
I don’t like cranberry sauce. Would these still be good if I leave it off?
Absolutely, they would still be incredibly delicious! While cranberry sauce adds that classic sweet-tart Thanksgiving element, the combination of turkey, stuffing, and cheese is fantastic on its own. If you prefer a different fruity note, you could try a thin layer of grape jelly, or for a more savory option, a light coating of thick brown gravy would be excellent. But rest assured, omitting it completely will still result in flavorful and satisfying sliders.
Is deli turkey or fresh turkey better to use?
Both deli turkey and fresh, carved turkey will work wonderfully for this recipe, and the choice largely comes down to personal preference and convenience. Freshly carved turkey from a whole roast (especially leftovers) will offer a more robust texture and deeper flavor. However, thick-sliced deli turkey is incredibly convenient for a quick assembly and still provides excellent taste. If you’re using deli turkey, opt for high-quality, thicker slices for the best results.
Will these sliders be soggy?
No, when prepared correctly, these sliders should absolutely not be soggy. They will be wonderfully buttery and moist, but not saturated or wet. If you are particularly concerned about sogginess, a simple trick is to gently toast the cut sides of the Hawaiian rolls for a few minutes before adding the fillings. This creates a slight barrier that can help prevent them from absorbing too much moisture. However, this step is entirely optional and not typically necessary for a perfect outcome.
Can these be put together ahead of time?
Yes, these Easy Turkey Sliders are fantastic for make-ahead preparation! You can fully assemble them, including the flavorful butter topping, up to 4 to 6 hours before you plan to bake. Once assembled, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just remove them from the fridge and bake as directed. This makes them an excellent option for entertaining.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely! These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders are a renowned holiday staple in our home precisely because they scale up so beautifully for larger gatherings. To serve a crowd, simply double or triple the recipe as needed. You can use multiple 9×13 inch baking dishes or a larger roasting pan to accommodate more sliders. They are perfect for potlucks, parties, and any event where you need to feed many hungry guests.
Trish’s Expert Tips for Perfect Turkey Sliders
- I’ve found that these sliders consistently bake up best when all the ingredients are at least warmed or at room temperature before assembly. This ensures more even heating and a perfectly melted, gooey center without over-baking the rolls.
- It’s important to always check to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly heated through before removing the foil during baking. If your ingredients were particularly cold when you assembled the sliders, they may require a little extra baking time to reach that ideal internal temperature and melty consistency.
- For an unbelievably decadent and truly “Thanksgiving dinner in a bite” experience, consider adding a thin layer of creamy mashed potatoes between the stuffing and turkey layers. It’s a seriously delicious addition!
- Elevate your serving by offering a small bowl of warm, rich turkey gravy on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of moisture and a fun, interactive twist for your guests.
- While Hawaiian rolls are the classic choice, if you’re not a fan of their sweetness or just want to try something different, these sliders are equally phenomenal with my homemade dinner rolls! They offer a more savory and rustic foundation that pairs perfectly with the fillings.
More Essential Holiday Favorites to Complete Your Feast
Enhance your holiday table with these beloved classic recipes that pair perfectly with our Turkey Sliders, or stand magnificently on their own:
- Creamy and comforting Baked Mac and Cheese
- Our celebrated and savory Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
- The quintessential sweet-tart Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Rich and flavorful Cornbread Dressing
- Perfectly soft and fluffy Dinner Rolls
Turkey Sliders
These easy Turkey Sliders bring all the comfort and flavor of a Thanksgiving feast together in one irresistible bite – no fork required! Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, juicy turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce and melted cheese, this Turkey Sliders recipe is baked to golden perfection and perfect for parties, game day, or using up leftovers.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls 12-count package Kings Hawaiian butter rolls
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 pound turkey thick-sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
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Slice the package of Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom half in the casserole dish.
12 Hawaiian rolls
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Spread the stuffing evenly onto the rolls and top with the sliced turkey, cranberry sauce and cheese.
2 cups stuffing, 1 pound turkey, 1 cup cranberry sauce, 6 slices provolone cheese
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Spread the mayonnaise on the top half of the rolls. Place the top half on the sandwich.
¼ cup mayonnaise
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Mix the butter, parsley flakes, onion flakes, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls.
4 tablespoons salted butter, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil, and then bake another 5 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. (Check to make sure that all ingredients are heated through before removing foil. They may require a little extra time if they were cold when assembling the sliders.)
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Use a serrated knife to cut the sandwiches apart. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storage Information
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers store well!
- Refrigerator: Turkey Sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Make Ahead: Assemble 4 to 6 hours before you’re ready to bake, and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake and serve.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave single servings or wrap tightly in foil and place in the oven. For larger servings, place in an oven-safe dish and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly reheated.
Tips
- I find these bake up best when the ingredients are warmed or at room temperature.
- Check to make sure that all ingredients are heated through before removing foil. They may require a little extra time if cold when assembling the sliders.
- Add a layer of mashed potatoes for a seriously delicious slider.
- Serve with a side of turkey gravy for a fun twist!
- Not a fan of Hawaiian rolls? These are sooo good with my dinner rolls!
Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | 9 x 13 Baking Dish
Please see post above for more information, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.