Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

There’s something magical about the day after Thanksgiving. The house still carries the aroma of roasted turkey and warm stuffing, and the fridge is packed with leftovers begging to be reborn into something delicious. Enter these Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders — a bite-sized, flavor-packed way to relive the feast in one handheld creation. With savory slices of turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and a hint of stuffing nestled between golden, buttery buns, this recipe turns yesterday’s meal into today’s irresistible snack.

Behind the Recipe

Growing up, the day after Thanksgiving was always my favorite. Not just for the quiet calm that replaced the holiday buzz, but for the leftovers. My mom would throw together the most creative meals using what we had, and her sliders were always the standout. Warm, messy, and overflowing with flavor, they felt like the comfort of the holiday packed into a few perfect bites. These sliders carry that same spirit, built on nostalgia and the joy of stretching a celebration just a little bit further.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While sliders trace their roots to early 20th-century diners, these mini sandwiches have taken on countless variations over the years. What makes Thanksgiving sliders special is their ability to repurpose iconic holiday dishes into a fresh experience. Using ingredients like roasted turkey, cranberry relish, and stuffing isn’t just practical, it’s a nod to American tradition and culinary ingenuity. These sliders are a modern, playful twist on post-holiday cuisine, embodying the resourceful and celebratory spirit of Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

Let me tell you why these will become a post-holiday favorite.

Versatile: You can customize with whatever leftovers you’ve got, from sweet potatoes to green beans.

Budget-Friendly: Using what’s already in the fridge means no extra spending.

Quick and Easy: With most ingredients pre-cooked, they come together in minutes.

Customizable: Make them cheesy, spicy, or even vegetarian — the choice is yours.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family lounging around or surprise guests the next day.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and just warm them up when ready.

Great for Leftovers: A smart, tasty way to clear out your fridge without waste.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Let’s get those sliders from “good” to “I need another one.”

• Toast your buns lightly before assembling to keep them from getting soggy.
• A little layer of mayo or mustard under the turkey keeps everything juicy.
• Brush the tops with melted butter and herbs for bakery-style golden buns.
• Don’t overload — a balanced bite makes all the flavors shine.
• Use a baking dish to keep them snug while baking, so they stay stacked and moist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much to make magic happen here.

Baking Dish: Keeps sliders compact and warms them evenly.

Sharp Knife: For slicing turkey and splitting buns cleanly.

Mixing Bowl: To toss any stuffing or extras before layering.

Basting Brush: For buttering the tops to golden perfection.

Oven or Toaster Oven: To melt everything into gooey, crispy harmony.

Ingredients in Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

These ingredients work together like a symphony of the best Thanksgiving memories.

1. Slider Buns: 12 count. Soft and slightly sweet, they hold everything together beautifully.
2. Cooked Turkey: 2 cups, sliced or shredded. The hearty star of the show.
3. Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup. Adds sweet-tart brightness that cuts through the richness.
4. Stuffing: 1 ½ cups. Earthy, herby, and comforting.
5. Swiss or Cheddar Cheese: 6 slices. Melts into creamy, flavorful goodness.
6. Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. For brushing and adding richness.
7. Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. Adds subtle depth to the butter topping.
8. Dried Parsley: ½ teaspoon. Brings color and a light herbal note.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something — here are some easy swaps.

Turkey: Rotisserie chicken or ham.

Cranberry Sauce: Fig jam or a touch of honey mustard.

Stuffing: Mashed potatoes or sautéed veggies.

Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella.

Buns: Hawaiian rolls or any soft dinner roll.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberry Sauce: This tangy gem isn’t just for turkey carving time. Its sweet and tart profile brings balance and brightness to these sliders, lifting the heaviness of the stuffing and cheese.

Stuffing: More than just a side, stuffing acts as a savory, sponge-like base that holds moisture and flavor. When baked into the slider, it becomes almost patty-like and deeply satisfying.

Instructions for Making Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

Let’s transform your holiday haul into something truly special. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   If your stuffing is dry, toss it with a little broth or melted butter in a bowl to rehydrate it slightly.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Slice the slider buns in half horizontally (keep tops and bottoms connected). Place the bottom halves in the greased dish.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Layer on turkey slices, a scoop of stuffing, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a slice of cheese on each bun. Cap them with the top bun layer.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush generously over the tops. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything settle and hold together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm, maybe with a little extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These sliders are the best kind of messy — the kind that makes you lick your fingers. The buns are buttery on the outside and soft inside, while the turkey adds meatiness and chew. Cranberry sauce gives a zing that wakes everything up, and the cheese melts into every nook. The stuffing adds bulk and that nostalgic holiday herb flavor, pulling it all together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make them even better:

• Toast the bottoms of the buns slightly before layering if you like a crispier base.
• Add a touch of Dijon mustard to balance sweetness.
• Use two types of cheese for more depth and meltiness.
• For a vegetarian version, swap in roasted vegetables and omit the turkey.

What to Avoid

A little care goes a long way — here’s what to watch out for:

• Don’t overstuff or the sliders will fall apart.
• Avoid using cold stuffing straight from the fridge. Warm it up first.
• Skip dry turkey slices. Moisten them with a little gravy or broth.
• Don’t forget the butter topping — it makes all the difference in texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 360

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers (yes, leftover leftovers) can be stored in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. These also freeze well — wrap individually in foil and warm them up when the craving hits.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders

Serve these warm and melty alongside a simple side salad or a bowl of leftover soup. Add sweet potato fries or a pickle spear for crunch. They’re great for brunch, lunch, or even midnight snacking while binge-watching holiday movies.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Sliders not your thing tomorrow? No problem.

• Chop them up and mix into a stuffing frittata.
• Slice and use as filling for a savory waffle sandwich.
• Flatten into a Thanksgiving panini with extra gravy drizzle.
• Crumble and mix with eggs for a breakfast scramble.

Additional Tips

• Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the top after baking for added flavor pop.
• Add a few fresh arugula leaves if you want a peppery bite.
• Don’t skip the resting step after baking — it really helps the structure.

Make It a Showstopper

Want to wow your guests or Instagram followers? Serve these sliders on a wooden board with rosemary sprigs and tiny bowls of cranberry dip. Add a drizzle of honey over the buns right before serving for a glossy, golden finish.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Gravy Soaked: Drizzle warm gravy inside before baking.
• Sweet & Savory: Use sweet potato mash in place of stuffing.
• Veggie Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Southern Style: Use cornbread stuffing and a hot honey glaze.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use other meats besides turkey?

A1: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or even leftover roast beef works well.

Q2: Do these freeze well?

A2: Yes. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?

A3: Just use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based butter substitute.

Q4: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

A4: Toast the bottoms first and go easy on the wet ingredients.

Q5: What’s the best cheese for this?

A5: Swiss or sharp cheddar melt beautifully and add flavor.

Q6: Can I bake them in an air fryer?

A6: You can, in batches. Reduce baking time and keep an eye on them.

Q7: Are these good cold?

A7: They’re best warm, but still tasty cold as a snack.

Q8: What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?

A8: Try fig jam, apple butter, or a bit of chutney.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?

A9: Yes, sub roasted veggies for turkey and skip the meat.

Q10: How long do they last in the fridge?

A10: Store up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Thanksgiving Leftovers Sliders are more than just a clever use of leftovers — they’re a celebration of everything we love about the holiday, packed into a warm, satisfying, handheld bite. Trust me, once you try them, they might just become your favorite part of Thanksgiving.

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