If you are wondering what to do with those thanksgiving leftovers, this is definitely the easy dinner recipe for you! This turkey sliders recipe transforms Thanksgiving side dishes into a tasty and cohesive sandwich that your family members will be begging to eat year after year! Turkey sliders might even be their new favorite Thanksgiving tradition!
What Sides Should I use In This Turkey Sliders Recipe?
When I make my Thanksgiving sliders, I use left over turkey, truffle mashed potatoes, parsnip puree and gravy. I omit the stuffing because there is already enough bread in the sliders, and I usually don’t make cranberry sauce (I don’t know why, but I’ve never liked it).
But don’t let my decisions limit you! That’s why this is one of my favorite recipes. There are endless possibilities. The sides that you might consider adding to your slider include, and are not limited to:
If you don’t have any gravy, you can always use melted butter for a butter sauce! Just note that this is not the healthiest option!
Let’s Break It Down:
I recommend using real turkey instead of deli counter turkey meat, but if you only have deli turkey meat, this will work fine. If possible, ask for a thicker cut, about 1/4 inch thick.
I also highly recommend using a high quality mustard because it adds a stout and strong bite that I feel this sandwich really needs. The mayonnaise is essential if the turkey is dry.
How to make leftover thanksgiving sliders:
These melted turkey sliders are so easy you guys. They are a stack and snack kind of sandwich.
First, spread the roll halves with mayonnaise and dijon mustard. Then, take out your thanksgiving leftovers, figure out what flavors go best together, and stack them on dinner rolls! Place the tops of the buns on, and bake.
You can also use any ‘cheese board’ ingredients that would go well. Getting creative with the type of cheese you use can really help enhance the flavors of these sliders. Brie cheese melts quickly and tastes AMAZING, as does swiss cheese, havarti cheese, goat cheese and any herb cheeses.
You can also top the leftover turkey sliders with a salami piece, if you have any left!
How To Make Turkey Sliders With Hawaiian Rolls
You can also make these as Hawaiian roll turkey sliders!
Simply place the bottom rolls inside the baking dish, and top with all of the ingredients. Place the top half of the rolls on, and bake according to the directions. When done, pull each individual sandwich apart, and serve! Simple as that.
You can use any brand, but I prefer sweet Hawaiian rolls if you can get your hands on them! Rolls with poppy seeds or a ‘soft roll’ are also always a good idea.
This is the Le Creuset baking dish / casserole pan that I have:
Is It Mediterranean Diet Friendly?
No, as it is, this recipe is not Mediterranean diet friendly due to the gravy and use of processed ingredients like mayonnaise and mustard.
To make this more MedDiet friendly, use whole wheat buns for the bread. Try swapping out the gravy for a balsamic vinegar glaze, and use plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice to replace the mayonnaise!
As for the sandwich ingredients, roasted turkey is definitely MedDiet friendly, as are vegetable sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and purees.
If you want to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet, check out this article – What Is The Mediterranean Diet, Evidence Based Research and Shopping List
What Is The Mediterranean Diet? Foods List, Evidence Based Research
So you are interested in the Mediterranean diet! I don’t blame you, it’s been voted the ‘Best Overall Diet’ in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, & 2018 by US News and World Report! Many people enjoying this lifestyle swear by the health benefits. But what is the Mediterranean diet? Let’s dive into some evidence based research …
When To Serve These Easy Turkey Sliders?
This is the best leftover turkey recipe, because you can make it up to 2-3 days after you roast a turkey. But don’t feel limited to the Thanksgiving holiday to make these delicious mini sandwiches!
You can make these cheese sliders year round for an easy appetizer, simple turkey dinner or as a treat for game days. If you don’t have fresh shredded turkey, you can definitely use turkey cold cuts!
These little sandwiches make for great weeknight dinners as well, and are a great way to use up any leftover turkey! Trust me, whoever you serve them to is going to say that this is their new favorite sliders recipe!
To Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To re-heat, remove the tops and place the open face sliders in the oven set to 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes until heated up.
Another great option for storing leftovers is to just wrap the outside of your baking dish with saran wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator! Just make sure the wrap or foil doesn’t touch the food, as these items can leach toxins into our food.
More Easy Recipes
Check out these other recipes that I think you will love!
Did you make this cheesy turkey sliders recipe? It would mean so much to me if you would rate it below the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work! @RecipeHippie
Turkey Slider Recipe
Ingredients
- 9-12 small dinner rolls
- 1/4 cup mustard (I recommend using country mustard, if you have it)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- enough leftover turkey to cover the buns, usually about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of shredded turkey (can also use cold cuts)
- 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup other leftover dish (I used parsnip puree)
- 4 ounces leftover cheese (brie is great with this, as is cheddar or any other 'cheese board' cheese)
- 3/4 cup leftover gravy
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut and separate the top and bottom halves of the dinner rolls. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom of the rolls and mustard on the top of the rolls. Place the bottom of the rolls in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet.
- Add a small handful of shredded turkey to the bottom half of each bun. Layer on top of that a couple of table spoons of mashed potatoes.
- Layer which ever other side you want to use on top of the mashed potatoes (I use parsnip puree). Top the slider with a slice of cheese, and place the top of the rolls on top.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- If you are using leftover gravy, spoon about 3/4 of a cup of gravy into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 60 seconds. Remove the tops of each slider. Using a spoon, pour a few spoon fulls of gravy over each slider.
- Place the tops back on and enjoy!
Purple Mashed Potatoes Recipe