Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Why Make This Recipe

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a wonderful and creative way to use up any turkey that remains after your holiday feast. Instead of letting that delicious turkey go to waste, you can transform it into a fun and tasty meal that pleases both kids and adults. These sliders are not only delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. They combine the classic flavors of Thanksgiving in a compact form, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners. Plus, they are a great option for meal prep!

Using the sweet Hawaiian rolls adds a unique twist, giving these sliders a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory turkey, rich stuffing, and zesty cranberry sauce. They are simple to assemble and can be made in large batches, making them an ideal choice for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack, serving them at a gathering, or making them for dinner, these sliders are sure to impress.

How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Making Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders is straightforward. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an oven. These sliders take less than an hour from start to finish, so you can enjoy your meal quickly! Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare these tasty treats.

Ingredients:

• 12 count White Rolls (Hawaiian)
• 3 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded)
• 1 cup Stuffing
• 1 cup Cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda)
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard Sauce (or Dijon mustard)
• 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (or soy sauce)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it is hot and ready when it’s time to bake your sliders.

2. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, but keep them attached. This makes it easier to assemble the sliders later.

3. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, cheese, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir this mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.

4. Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom half of the sliced rolls in a baking dish. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. If you’re using poppy seeds, sprinkle them on top of the turkey mixture for added flavor.

5. Top It Off: Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on to create a complete slider.

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

7. Serve: Once they are done baking, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them into individual portions. This makes them easier to handle and prevents the filling from spilling out.

How to Serve Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving ideas:

1. As a Main Dish: Serve the sliders with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

2. As Appetizers: If you are hosting a gathering, present the sliders on a platter for guests to enjoy as appetizers. People can grab one or two as they mingle.

3. With Dipping Sauces: Add small bowls of additional cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce as dips on the side. This adds a fun touch and lets everyone customize their slider experience.

4. Kid-Friendly Meal: These sliders are perfect for kids. Serve them with some fruit slices or homemade potato wedges for a balanced plate.

How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

Storing your Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders is easy. Here are some steps to keep them fresh:

1. Refrigerator: If you have leftover sliders, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3–4 days.

2. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake frozen sliders, simply add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your sliders again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If they look dry, consider covering them with foil to maintain moisture.

Tips to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh turkey, stuffing, and other ingredients. This enhances the flavor and quality of your sliders.

2. Customize Cheese: You can easily switch up the cheese based on your preferences. Cheddar, gouda, or even mozzarella can be excellent choices. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

3. Add Vegetables: If you have vegetables like spinach or green beans, feel free to chop them finely and mix them into the turkey filling for added nutrition.

4. Make Ahead: You can mix the turkey filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble and bake the sliders the next day.

5. Spice It Up: If you prefer a little kick, consider adding some minced jalapeños or hot sauce into your turkey mixture.

Variation

While this recipe is already delicious, you could consider some easy variations by modifying a few ingredients:

• BBQ Style Sliders: Replace the cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce and omit the stuffing for a fun BBQ twist.

• Cheesy Loaded Sliders: Add extra cheese on top of the filling for an even cheesier treat.

• Vegetarian Option: Instead of turkey, use chickpeas and add cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian slider.

• Breakfast Sliders: Turn these sliders into breakfast treats by using turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese between the rolls.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of roll for these sliders?

Yes, you can use a variety of rolls! While Hawaiian rolls add sweetness, you can opt for dinner rolls, slider buns, or even homemade bread. Adjust the baking time based on the size of your rolls.

2. How can I make these sliders more flavorful?

To amp up the flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme and rosemary to the turkey mixture. You can also mix in some cooked bacon for an added crunch.

3. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! Instead of turkey, consider using cooked mushrooms, beans, or a veggie burger patty. Pair them with stuffing and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.

4. How can I get the sliders extra crispy?

For extra crispy sliders, you can brush the top of the rolls with melted butter before baking, or you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking process. Just watch them closely to avoid burning!

5. What’s the best way to reheat these sliders?

The best way to reheat sliders without drying them out is to wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the bread chewy rather than crispy.

With this guide and recipe, you’re all set to enjoy delicious Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders. They’re guaranteed to be a hit, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a hearty meal that’s as delightful as your Thanksgiving feast!

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