Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Got Thanksgiving leftovers? These Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the perfect way to put them to good use! Just layer that leftover turkey with creamy white cheddar, tangy dijon spread and a touch of sweet cranberry sauce, then sandwich it all between soft Hawaiian rolls.

These Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls bring together all the flavors of Thanksgiving in one perfect bite. Soft dinner rolls stuffed with juicy turkey, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. These pull-apart sliders are cheesy on the inside and golden and toasty on the outside. Serve these sliders warm at your next holiday gathering and watch how quickly they disappear!

Serve these delicious turkey sliders with some of my favorite fall dishes, Apple Fennel Slaw with Candied Pecans, Crispy Prosciutto Salad with Apples and Feta, and Fall Pasta Salad with Candied Bacon.

Why You’ll Love These Leftover Thanksgiving Sliders

• Perfect size- These sliders are bite-sized, which makes them ideal for snacking or serving at holiday parties.
• Customizable- Add your favorite cheese, swap out the turkey for sliced ham, add caramelized onions, or throw in some stuffing for an extra touch. These sliders are incredibly easy to adjust based on your personal preferences.
• Great for leftovers- Use up your leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and any other holiday bits you’ve got lying around to create a new dish with minimal effort.
• Quick and easy- Ready in a flash, these sliders are as easy to make as they are delicious. With just a few ingredients, they’re perfect for when you need a tasty bite in a hurry.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

• Hawaiian rolls- My favorite rolls are these sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls. They’re the perfect size and easy to find. But, you can also use your favorite dinner rolls or slider buns.
• Turkey- I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey in my sliders, but you can also use sliced deli-turkey, ham, bacon, or even rotisserie chicken.
• Cheese- I love the creamy, sharp flavor of white cheddar. You can substitute with Gruyere, Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Cranberry sauce- I always make homemade cranberry sauce for the holidays, but feel free to use store-bought if that’s easier. You can also use chutney for a different twist.
• Dijon mustard- I love the tanginess of dijon mustard, but you can also use whole grain mustard or honey mustard.
• Mayonnaise- Just a small amount adds creaminess to these sliders.
• Garlic- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. I use a microplane to grate it, so you do not have big chunks of garlic in your spread.
• Honey- I use sage honey to add just a touch of sweetness and herby flavor to the spread. Use whatever you have on hand.
• Butter- For a golden, crispy finish, I brush the rolls with melted butter before toasting.
• Everything bagel seasoning- I put this stuff on everything, from boiled eggs to avocadoes. It adds a beautiful crunch to the top of the sliders and additional flavor. You can also use poppy seeds or flaky sea salt.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350℉. Then, lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking pan.

STEP 2: Make the spread. In a small bowl, combine dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until combined.

STEP 3: Prepare the rolls. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Then, place the bottom half in the baking dish.

STEP 4: Layer the ingredients. Spread a thin layer of the dijon mustard spread on the bottom half of the rolls. Then, layer the leftover turkey evenly across the rolls, followed by the cranberry sauce and white cheddar.

STEP 5: Top sliders. Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings to finish off each slider.

STEP 6: Brush the tops. Melt butter and brush over the tops of the rolls. Then, lightly sprinkle with poppy seeds.

STEP 7: Bake. Cover lightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden and toasty.

STEP 8: Serve. Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice along the lines of the rolls, and serve them warm. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks For Success

• Use Hawaiian rolls for perfect sliders. Hawaiian rolls are on of my go-to’s when I’m making sliders. They’re soft, sweet, and fluffy. Not to mention, they bake up beautifully golden and toasty on top while staying soft and moist on the inside. They’re also the perfect size for individual servings.
• Make ahead recipe. Assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can make them up to 4 hours in advance.
• Melt cheese evenly. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking to help the cheese melt smoothly without over-toasting the tops of the rolls. Then, uncover to let the tops get golden.
• Layer wisely. Place the cranberry sauce between the cheese and turkey instead of directly on the roll to prevent the rolls from getting to soggy.

Recipe FAQ’s

Recipe Variations

While the turkey and cranberry make a fantastic pairing, you can easily customize the sliders by adding or swapping ingredients to suit your personal preference.

• Spicy kick- Add pickled sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
• Add pickles- Sliced dill or bread-and-butter pickles for a tangy twist.
• Swap cranberry sauce- Use fig jam, apple chutney, pesto, or barbecue sauce for a unique flavor.
• Add bacon- Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything taste better. Add some crispy bacon strips for a nice crunch.
• Herb butter- Brush the rolls with garlic or rosemary-infused butter for extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Once baked, let these Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the sliders loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat them for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.