If you love the flavors of Thanksgiving but want something quick, fun, and irresistibly tasty, these Turkey Sliders are your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft Hawaiian rolls filled with juicy turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty provolone cheese, all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. These sliders capture that festive spirit in every bite and are perfect for parties, game day, or just turning leftover turkey into an instant crowd-pleaser. Once you try this Turkey Sliders recipe, it’ll be a staple in your freezer and your heart!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing the sweet, savory, and creamy components that make these Turkey Sliders so unforgettable.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls provide the perfect pillowy base that holds all the flavors together.
- 2 cups stuffing: Adds a comforting, herbaceous layer that brings that classic Thanksgiving feel.
- 1 pound turkey, thick-sliced: Juicy and tender, this is the star protein that fills each slider.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Offers a tangy sweetness that brightens every bite.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and a subtle smoky flavor.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a bit of tang to keep everything luscious.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Combined with herbs and spices, it creates a golden crust bursting with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs bring brightness and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes: Infuse a mild, savory depth to the buttery topping.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and a subtle kick.
How to Make Turkey Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves snugly in the casserole dish, creating a perfect foundation for your sliders.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Spread the stuffing evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then, layer on the thick slices of turkey followed by generous dollops of cranberry sauce. Finally, lay slices of provolone cheese across the top to ensure every bite is creamy and melty.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer
Spread mayonnaise on the inside of the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls. Place these tops over the assembled fillings to complete each slider, pressing lightly so they hold together but won’t squish the bread.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chopped parsley, onion flakes, and garlic powder. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the top of the rolls. Cover the entire casserole dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes to warm everything through.
Step 5: Finish Baking for a Golden Top
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the tops of the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Be sure the sliders are heated through before serving; if needed, give them a few extra minutes.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the sliders apart between the rolls, so each guest gets a perfectly portioned, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Turkey Sliders
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of turkey gravy over each slider pairs beautifully with these flavors and adds a cozy touch that elevates the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
Turkey Sliders shine when paired with light, complementary sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or even a bowl of classic creamy mashed potatoes to keep the feast balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. You can also add a toothpick with a small festive decoration or herb sprig to each slider to make them easy to grab and impressive to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sliders are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for 2 to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
You can assemble the sliders in advance (up to 6 hours before baking) and store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap the entire casserole dish or individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual sliders wrapped in foil in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, unwrap and microwave single servings, but toasting in the oven helps maintain that lovely slightly crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar work wonderfully—just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the turkey’s flavor.
Are these sliders good for using leftover turkey?
Yes! These sliders were designed with leftovers in mind, making them an even easier and faster way to enjoy turkey after a big meal.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free buns or rolls, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without losing any deliciousness.
Is it necessary to add mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with a flavored aioli or simply butter the top rolls for a slightly different but still tasty experience.
How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Make sure the stuffing isn’t overly wet, and assembling the sliders shortly before baking helps keep the rolls from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
These Turkey Sliders are a warm hug in sandwich form, perfect for when you want the taste of a holiday feast without the fuss. They’re easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike. I can’t wait for you to make these favorites your go-to for gatherings or cozy nights in—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
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Turkey Sliders
These easy Turkey Sliders combine the comforting flavors of a Thanksgiving feast into single bites perfect for parties or using leftovers. Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, juicy thick-sliced turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful butter herb topping, these sliders are baked to golden perfection. They are simple to assemble and guaranteed to please a crowd as appetizers or main dishes.
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (12-count package, Kings Hawaiian butter rolls)
Fillings
- 2 cups stuffing
- 1 pound thick-sliced turkey
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Top Spread
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Prepare Roll Base: Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the halves intact as a slab. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared casserole dish, forming the slider base.
- Layer the Fillings: Evenly spread 2 cups of stuffing over the bottom rolls. Add the thick-sliced turkey on top of the stuffing, then evenly spoon 1 cup of cranberry sauce over the turkey. Finally, layer 6 slices of provolone cheese on top, distributing them evenly.
- Top with Mayonnaise and Rolls: Spread ¼ cup of mayonnaise on the cut side of the top half of the Hawaiian rolls. Carefully place this top half over the assembled fillings, completing the slider sandwiches inside the casserole dish.
- Prepare Butter Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon onion flakes, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Brush Butter Mixture: Generously brush the butter herb mixture over the top surface of the rolls to add flavor and help develop a golden crust during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This step heats the ingredients through without drying out the sliders.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the fillings are warmed completely. If the sliders were assembled cold, they might require a few extra minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the sliders apart along the original roll lines. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Notes
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- You can assemble sliders 4 to 6 hours ahead of baking; keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- To reheat, microwave individual servings or wrap tightly in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Warming or bringing ingredients to room temperature before assembling helps ensure even baking and warmth.
- Add a layer of mashed potatoes inside for an extra comforting slider variation.
- Serve with turkey gravy as a fun and flavorful dipping option.
- If you prefer, dinner rolls work great as an alternative to Hawaiian rolls.
- Use a serrated knife to achieve clean cuts without squashing the sliders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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