There is something especially satisfying about opening the refrigerator the day after Thanksgiving and seeing containers filled with roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, sweet potatoes, and all the other flavors of the holiday feast. Instead of simply reheating the same plate again, you can transform those leftovers into warm, buttery, cheese-filled Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders.
These little sandwiches capture everything wonderful about Thanksgiving in a completely different form. Imagine tender slices of turkey layered onto soft rolls, followed by savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and melting cheese. Brush the tops with seasoned butter and bake them until the rolls are shiny and golden, the filling is hot, and the cheese stretches with every bite.
Leftover sandwiches have long been one of the simplest ways to reinvent a holiday meal. However, sliders make the idea even more fun because they are compact, customizable, and ideal for sharing. Furthermore, you are not limited to turkey and cranberry sauce. Sweet potatoes, gravy, bacon, pesto, apples, caramelized onions, spinach, and artichokes can all turn Thanksgiving turkey into something new.
This collection includes nine Leftover Thanksgiving Slider ideas, ranging from the classic turkey, stuffing, and cranberry combination to creamy spinach-artichoke sliders and sweet-savory turkey and apple sandwiches.
Whether you need an easy Black Friday lunch, a casual weekend dinner, or a game-day snack after Thanksgiving, these sliders make leftovers something everyone can look forward to eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the biggest advantages is ease. Most of the difficult cooking was already completed on Thanksgiving. Your turkey is roasted, the stuffing is prepared, and your sauces and sides are waiting in the refrigerator. Consequently, assembling a batch of sliders takes considerably less effort than preparing another full meal.
The recipe is also incredibly versatile. Think of the rolls and turkey as your starting point rather than a rigid formula. Cranberry sauce can be replaced by chutney, Brie can become cheddar, and stuffing can be exchanged for leftover mashed or sweet potatoes. Each batch can taste completely different.
Furthermore, these sliders deliver big flavor in a small package. Savory turkey, buttery bread, melted cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic stuffing create layers of flavor and texture. Toasting the sliders makes them even better because the tops become golden while the centers stay soft and juicy.
They are also budget-friendly because the main purpose is to use food you already purchased and prepared. Thanksgiving ingredients can be expensive, so transforming leftovers into another satisfying meal helps reduce waste while stretching your holiday grocery budget.
Finally, sliders have wonderful crowd appeal. Adults can enjoy sophisticated combinations such as Brie and cranberry, while children may prefer turkey and cheddar. Additionally, their small size makes it easy to serve several varieties on one platter.
Health Benefits
Leftover turkey provides high-quality protein as well as nutrients including selenium, phosphorus, and several B vitamins. Removing the skin before making the sliders can reduce some of the added fat if you prefer a lighter sandwich.
Spinach, arugula, apples, onions, and other vegetables or fruits used in the different variations add valuable variety. Leafy greens contribute folate and vitamins, while apples bring fiber and natural sweetness.
Cranberries provide plant compounds and a naturally tart flavor. Cranberry sauce generally contains added sugar, so a thin layer is usually enough to give a slider plenty of flavor.
Additionally, portion size is easy to control with sliders. One can work as a snack, while two or three with a large salad or vegetable soup can become a satisfying meal.
Because Thanksgiving leftovers can already contain substantial sodium, taste your filling before adding additional salt. Choosing lower-sodium cheese or using slightly less gravy can also help balance the finished meal.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
For one standard 12-slider batch, allow approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 20 to 25 minutes for baking, giving you a total time of around 35 to 40 minutes. One batch makes 12 sliders, generally serving about 6 people as a meal or more as an appetizer.
Nutrition varies significantly depending on which variation you prepare. A typical turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and cheese slider contains approximately 280 to 340 calories, 16 to 20 grams of protein, 30 to 35 grams of carbohydrates, 10 to 15 grams of fat, and 2 to 3 grams of fiber. Sodium may range from roughly 500 to 750 milligrams, particularly when stuffing, gravy, cheese, and seasoned turkey are combined.
These figures are practical estimates because homemade Thanksgiving recipes vary considerably.
Ingredients List
Basic Ingredients for 12 Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders
- 12 soft Hawaiian-style or dinner rolls
- 2½ cups cooked leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
- 6 to 8 ounces cheese of choice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Turkey, Stuffing & Cranberry Sliders
- 1½ cups leftover stuffing
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 6 ounces Brie, Swiss, or provolone
2. Turkey and Brie Sliders
- 6 ounces Brie, sliced
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
3. Turkey, Sweet Potato and Bacon Sliders
- 1 cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
4. Turkey Pesto Sliders
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 6 ounces mozzarella or provolone
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
5. Turkey, Gravy and Stuffing Sliders
- 1½ cups leftover stuffing
- ½ cup thick leftover turkey gravy
- 6 ounces provolone or Swiss cheese
6. Turkey and Caramelized Onion Sliders
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 6 ounces Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
7. Turkey and Apple Sliders
- 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or honey mustard
8. Turkey Club Sliders
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces cheddar or provolone
- 1 cup lettuce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
9. Turkey, Spinach and Artichoke Sliders
- 1 cup chopped cooked spinach, well drained
- ¾ cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
The rolls matter because they hold everything together. Soft Hawaiian-style rolls provide a subtle sweetness that complements cranberry sauce particularly well. However, regular dinner rolls, brioche rolls, or small potato rolls are equally suitable.
Leftover turkey can be white meat, dark meat, or a mixture. Dark meat tends to remain especially moist during reheating, whereas sliced breast meat creates neat layers. If the turkey has become slightly dry in the refrigerator, toss it with one or two tablespoons of gravy or broth before assembling the sandwiches.
Cheese provides both flavor and moisture. Brie gives the sliders an elegant holiday character, while cheddar offers a stronger bite. Provolone and mozzarella are particularly useful when you want plenty of cheese pull.
Finally, avoid using excessively wet leftovers. Thick gravy and cranberry sauce work beautifully, but watery sauces can soak into the bottom rolls before they have a chance to toast.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Without separating the individual rolls, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire slab horizontally through the center. Place the bottom half in a lightly greased baking dish.
Keeping the rolls connected makes assembly easier and prevents individual sandwiches from falling apart.
Add the Turkey
Spread approximately 2½ cups of leftover turkey evenly over the bottom rolls.
Avoid creating very thick piles in individual areas. An even layer ensures every slider contains turkey and helps the sandwiches heat at approximately the same rate.
If your turkey seems dry, lightly moisten it with a few spoonfuls of broth or gravy first.
Choose Your Leftover Filling
For the Turkey, Stuffing & Cranberry Sliders, spread stuffing over the turkey, followed by small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce and slices of Brie or provolone. This is the most traditional combination and essentially places Thanksgiving dinner inside a buttery roll.
For Turkey and Brie Sliders, layer turkey with thick slices of Brie and cranberry sauce. Add arugula after baking if you want the leaves to stay fresh and peppery.
The Turkey, Sweet Potato and Bacon Sliders are richer. Spread a thin layer of mashed sweet potato over the turkey, then add cheddar, bacon, and small spoonfuls of cranberry sauce.
For Turkey Pesto Sliders, spread pesto over the bread before adding turkey and mozzarella. The basil and garlic make the leftover turkey taste entirely different from the original Thanksgiving meal.
Try the Savory Variations
For Turkey, Gravy and Stuffing Sliders, use a modest amount of thick gravy. Too much can make the bread soggy. Layer the turkey with stuffing, cheese, and just enough gravy to moisten everything.
For Turkey and Caramelized Onion Sliders, spread Dijon mustard over the rolls, followed by turkey, cheese, and deeply browned onions. Their sweetness works particularly well with savory roasted turkey.
The Turkey and Apple Sliders combine sharp cheddar with thinly sliced crisp apple. Keep the apple slices thin so they soften slightly without becoming mushy.
Make the Turkey Club or Spinach-Artichoke Version
For Turkey Club Sliders, layer turkey with cheese and bacon before baking. Add tomato and lettuce afterward because baking lettuce will cause it to wilt considerably.
For the Turkey, Spinach and Artichoke Sliders, combine cream cheese, drained spinach, chopped artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic. Spread the creamy mixture over the turkey before adding the top rolls.
Add the Buttery Topping
Place the top half of the rolls over your chosen filling.
Combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and black pepper. Brush the mixture generously across the tops.
Do not neglect the edges. Butter encourages the bread to become glossy and beautifully browned while also adding another savory layer.
Bake Until Golden
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Covering initially helps the centers become hot and allows the cheese to melt before the bread becomes too dark.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes.
The sliders are ready when the tops are deep golden brown, the filling is steaming, and the cheese is visibly melted around the edges.
Rest and Separate
Allow the sliders to rest for about 5 minutes.
Then use a sharp knife to separate them along the natural lines of the rolls.
Serve immediately while the bread is warm and the cheese remains gooey.
How to Serve
Arrange several varieties on a large wooden board or serving platter if you are entertaining. Labeling the combinations can also be useful, particularly when serving Brie, pesto, bacon, or spinach-artichoke versions together.
For an easy post-Thanksgiving lunch, serve two or three sliders per person with a green salad, pickles, or leftover roasted vegetables. You can also serve them alongside warm turkey soup for an especially cozy meal.
A small bowl of warm gravy makes an excellent dipping sauce. Cranberry sauce, honey mustard, and garlic mayonnaise are also delicious on the side.
For a casual family meal, there is no need for elaborate plating. Bring the baking dish directly to the table and let everyone pull apart a warm slider.
Pairing Suggestions
A crisp green salad with apple cider vinaigrette provides freshness against the cheese and buttery rolls. Likewise, roasted Brussels sprouts are particularly good with cranberry and Brie versions.
A light vegetable or turkey soup turns two sliders into a comforting cold-weather meal. Furthermore, leftover roasted carrots or green beans can help use even more of the Thanksgiving feast.
Sparkling apple cider is a particularly festive nonalcoholic pairing because its acidity and fruitiness cut through the rich cheese.
For something unexpected, serve the sliders with a crunchy vinegar-based cabbage slaw. Its sharp, crisp character provides an excellent contrast to warm bread, turkey, stuffing, and melted cheese.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
Because these sliders are made from leftovers, storage time should be calculated from when the original turkey was cooked, not from when the sliders were assembled. Refrigerated cooked turkey is generally best used within 3 to 4 days after cooking.
Keep assembled sliders covered in the refrigerator and reheat them thoroughly before serving.
For reheating, place the sliders in a 325°F (165°C) oven, cover loosely with foil, and warm until hot. Remove the foil for the final few minutes to restore some crispness to the tops.
The microwave works for individual portions, although the bread will be considerably softer.
Freezing works best with simpler turkey-and-cheese sliders. Variations containing fresh lettuce, tomato, arugula, or raw apple do not freeze particularly well. Instead, freeze the turkey-and-cheese portion and add fresh vegetables after reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common problem is using too much wet filling. Gravy and cranberry sauce taste wonderful, but excessive amounts soak into the bread. Use thin, controlled layers and provide additional sauce for dipping.
Another mistake is starting with very dry turkey. If your refrigerated turkey has lost moisture, mix it with a spoonful of broth or gravy before assembling the sandwiches.
Avoid overloading the sliders. These sandwiches should remain easy to pick up. If you pile turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, gravy, cheese, and cranberry sauce into one slider, the filling will slide out before you take the first bite.
Do not bake uncovered for the entire cooking time. The bread may become dark before the refrigerated filling is properly heated. Foil during the first portion of baking solves this problem.
Finally, be thoughtful about cold toppings. Lettuce, arugula, and some fresh vegetables are usually better added after baking so they remain crisp.
Pro Tips
Warm very cold stuffing or mashed sweet potatoes briefly before assembling the sliders. This helps the centers heat more evenly and reduces the chance of overbrowning the bread while waiting for the filling to become hot.
Additionally, place cheese both below and above particularly moist fillings. As it melts, the cheese can create a partial barrier that helps protect the bread from cranberry sauce or gravy.
For more flavorful tops, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter.
Toast the cut surfaces of the rolls very lightly before assembling exceptionally saucy variations. This small step provides additional protection against sogginess.
Use a mixture of white and dark turkey whenever possible. The breast provides structure while the darker meat adds moisture and deeper flavor.
Finally, do not feel obligated to reproduce Thanksgiving dinner exactly. The best leftover recipe often changes the original ingredients enough that the meal feels genuinely new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best leftovers for Thanksgiving sliders?
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, sweet potatoes, and cooked vegetables are all excellent choices. However, you do not need to use everything simultaneously. Two or three complementary leftovers plus cheese usually create the best balance.
Which cheese is best with leftover turkey?
Brie pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce, while cheddar works especially well with bacon, apple, and sweet potatoes. Provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, and Gruyère are also excellent melting cheeses.
How do I prevent leftover sliders from becoming soggy?
Use thick sauces sparingly, drain wet vegetables thoroughly, and avoid assembling the sandwiches too far ahead. Additionally, placing cheese between the bread and moist ingredients can help.
Can I make Thanksgiving leftover sliders ahead?
Yes. You can assemble them several hours before baking and refrigerate them covered. However, for the best bread texture, wait until shortly before baking to brush the tops with melted butter.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free dinner rolls and verify that the stuffing, gravy, sauces, and seasonings you add are also gluten-free.
Can I make them without cheese?
Certainly. Increase moisture with a little gravy, mustard, pesto, or cranberry sauce. Avocado can also provide creaminess in versions served immediately.
How many sliders should I make per person?
Plan approximately two to three sliders per adult when serving them as a meal with sides. For appetizers, one to two per person is generally appropriate.
Which version is best for using lots of Thanksgiving leftovers?
The turkey, stuffing, and cranberry version uses several classic leftovers at once. The turkey, gravy, and stuffing variation is another practical choice when you have multiple containers to use.
These 9 Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders prove that Thanksgiving dinner does not have to end when the main feast is over. With soft rolls, leftover turkey, a good melting cheese, and a little imagination, yesterday’s dishes can become a completely new meal.
Start with the classic turkey, stuffing, and cranberry combination, or branch out with Brie, bacon and sweet potato, pesto, caramelized onions, apples, club-style toppings, or creamy spinach and artichokes. Furthermore, feel free to mix and match the ideas according to what is actually waiting in your refrigerator.
Save this collection for the day after Thanksgiving, choose your favorite combination, and turn those holiday leftovers into a tray of warm, golden sliders. When the leftovers taste this good, the second feast might become a tradition of its own.