Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders

The Best Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders (Easy, Messy & Worth It)

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into the ultimate comfort food with these sweet roll sliders—kid-friendly, no-cook, and totally crave-worthy.

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Why These Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders Work

After all the prepping and cooking that comes with Thanksgiving, the last thing you want to do is cook again. These sliders are your no-fuss solution. They’re:

  • Quick and mess-free (well, mostly)
  • Perfect for kids to assemble themselves
  • A great way to use up all those leftovers
  • Built on sweet rolls for a craveable bite

Grab a napkin—these are juicy, stacked high, and unapologetically messy. And yes, that’s a good thing.

Thanksgiving leftover sliders stacked on a sweet roll, dripping with gravy and cranberry sauce.

Make-Your-Own Slider Bar (Even the Kids Can Handle It)

After Thanksgiving, my energy is gone—and so is my patience for cooking. That’s why I love setting out a slider bar with:

  • Turkey slices
  • Stuffing
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Mashed potatoes or gravy
  • Cheese (optional but delicious)
  • A swipe of mayo or mustard (optional)

Let the kids build their own. It keeps them busy and fed, while I reclaim some couch time.

Overhead shot of kids assembling sliders with various Thanksgiving leftovers.

Pro Tip: Cold Cereal is Plan B

Let’s be real—if my boys are too lazy to make a sandwich, cereal it is. But the beauty of these sliders? They usually go for them before whining starts.

Leftovers don’t last long in our house, and these little stacks are a big reason why.

Keep Leftovers Fresh Longer

Thanksgiving leftovers can be a gift or a curse—depending on how you store them.

I always use Rubbermaid’s EasyFindLids for a few solid reasons:

  • BPA-free and microwave safe
  • Freezer-safe and dishwasher-friendly
  • Modular design = easy stacking and lid-matching
  • Keeps food fresh and organized

They save me fridge space, cabinet space, and—honestly—my sanity.

Rubbermaid EasyFindLids filled with organized Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge.

Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Makes: 4 sandwiches | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Easy, kid-friendly sliders layered with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, warm gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayo on soft Hawaiian rolls.

Ingredients

  • 4 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4–6 slices roasted turkey (about 4 oz)
  • ½ cup leftover stuffing
  • ½ cup mashed potatoes
  • ÂĽ cup gravy, warmed
  • 2 tbsp cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rolls: Slice rolls and spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on each bottom half.
  2. Layer the turkey: Add 1–2 slices of turkey on top of the mayo.
  3. Add stuffing: Spoon about 2 tablespoons stuffing over turkey and press lightly.
  4. Spread potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons mashed potatoes over the stuffing.
  5. Drizzle gravy: Spoon about 1 tablespoon warm gravy over the potatoes.
  6. Add cranberry & assemble: Spread ½ tablespoon cranberry sauce on the top halves, close, press gently, and serve warm (extra gravy for dipping).

Tips

  • Toast rolls at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for extra sturdiness.
  • Tray-bake for a crowd: assemble, cover, and warm 8–10 minutes.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders — FAQ

What bread works best for leftover sliders?

Soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls (like Hawaiian rolls) hold together well and balance the savory turkey, stuffing, and gravy.

Can I make these ahead for a crowd?

Yes. Assemble on a parchment-lined sheet, brush tops with melted butter, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Warm at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

How do I reheat without drying out the turkey?

Add a thin layer of gravy under the turkey and cover the pan with foil while warming. Steam keeps the meat juicy.

What if I’m out of cranberry sauce?

Swap in apple butter, fig jam, or a quick mix of mayo + Dijon + a splash of maple syrup for sweetness and tang.

How should I store assembled sliders?

Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Set up a mini slider bar so kids can choose their fillings and build their own.

Yield: 6

Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders

Thanksgiving leftover sliders stacked on a sweet roll, dripping with gravy and cranberry sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4–6 slices roasted turkey (about 4 oz)
  • ½ cup leftover stuffing
  • ½ cup mashed potatoes
  • ÂĽ cup gravy, warmed
  • 2 tbsp cranberry sauce

Instructions

    1. Prepare the rolls: Slice each Hawaiian roll in half. Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll.
    2. Layer the turkey: Place 1–2 slices of turkey on top of the mayo.
      Add the stuffing: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of stuffing over the turkey, pressing it down slightly to help it stick.
    3. Spread the potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes over the stuffing.
    4. Drizzle with gravy: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of warm gravy over the mashed potatoes.
    5. Finish with cranberry sauce: Spread about ½ tablespoon of cranberry sauce on the top half of the roll.
    6. Assemble: Close each sandwich, press gently, and serve warm with extra gravy for dipping.

Notes

Tips for the Best Sliders
* Toast the rolls in the oven for 3–4 minutes at 350°F for extra sturdiness.
* Make it melty: Add a slice of cheese (Swiss or provolone) and bake sliders covered for 10 minutes.
* Party style: Double the recipe and serve as a pull-apart tray bake for a crowd.

 

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