Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders

Name: Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 package (12-count) KING’S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls, halved lengthwise; ⅓ cup leftover cranberry sauce; ¾ pound leftover turkey, shredded; 8 slices Havarti cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

After Thanksgiving, our fridge turns into a treasure chest of leftover delights, and one of our favorite creations is these Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders. They're the perfect solution to stretching out those holiday flavors without feeling like you’re on repeat. Plus, they’re a hit with everyone around the table. The warm rolls, savory turkey, and tangy cranberry sauce combine in a way that feels almost magical. Let me tell you, Alex loves seeing these pop out of the oven! They're a great way to ease back into the regular week with minimal effort and maximum taste. Check out my gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies for dessert inspiration.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders

Why you’ll love this recipe

These sliders are a lifesaver on those busy post-holiday nights. They take only 20 minutes to prepare and another 20 to bake, which means you get dinner on the table in under an hour. You’ll love how these sliders are incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand. The Havarti cheese gives a creamy balance to the tart cranberry sauce, and because everything gets packed into one dish, cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 package (12-count) KING’S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls, halved lengthwise
⅓ cup leftover cranberry sauce
¾ pound leftover turkey, shredded
8 slices Havarti cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and green onions. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Spread it over the top half of your dinner rolls and set them to the side.
Place the bottom half of your dinner rolls onto the prepared baking dish. Layer with cranberry sauce, turkey, and cheese before adding the top halves of the rolls.
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Place everything into the oven and bake until the sliders are golden brown and toasted, which should take about 15-18 minutes. Allow them to stand for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Recipe tips & variations

What's great about these sliders is how flexible they can be. Swap out the Havarti cheese for Swiss or cheddar if that's what you have. You can even add a touch of heat with some sliced jalapeños or a dollop of hot sauce if your family likes a kick. If you're short on turkey, mix in some shredded leftover chicken. Every version is delicious!

Storage & reheating

To store any leftovers, simply wrap the sliders in foil or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and cover the sliders with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy when using leftover turkey and cranberry sauce?

Make sure to not overdo it on the cranberry sauce and place it as the first layer over the bottom bun, which helps prevent sogginess. Also, eat them soon after baking for the best texture.

What other types of cheese can I use instead of Havarti for these Thanksgiving sliders?

You can easily swap in any mild cheese like mozzarella or even a sharp cheese like aged cheddar for a more robust flavor.

Can I prepare these leftover turkey sliders ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes since you'll be starting with a cold dish.

What side dishes pair best with warm leftover Thanksgiving sliders?

I find that a fresh salad or simple steamed green beans go beautifully with these sliders to balance out all the hearty flavors.

Recipes you may like

These sliders are a perfect way to enjoy a Leftover Thanksgiving meal in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Trust me, they’ll make the post-holiday transition so much tastier!