Turkey and Stuffing Sliders Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The smell of warm, buttery stuffing mingled with savory turkey always makes me think of holiday dinners surrounded by loved ones. But sometimes, you want to enjoy those flavors without committing to an entire feast. Enter these irresistible Turkey and Stuffing Sliders! They’re the perfect bite-sized solution for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even using up leftovers in the most delicious way possible.

I first made these sliders after Thanksgiving one year, staring at a fridge full of leftover turkey and stuffing. Instead of reheating everything like usual, I thought, “Why not turn these into little sandwiches?” And let me tell you, they were a hit! My family devoured them faster than I could plate them. They’re easy to make, packed with holiday flavor, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite.

Whether you’re hosting, attending a holiday party, or just looking for a fun way to repurpose leftovers, these sliders are your answer. Let’s dive into the recipe, and I’ll show you just how simple and incredible these can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These sliders come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Got extra turkey and stuffing? This recipe transforms them into something new and exciting!
• Kid-Friendly: Little hands love these bite-sized sandwiches, and they’re a great way to make leftovers more appealing to picky eaters.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these sliders always get compliments.
• Festive Flavors: Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce combine to deliver all the holiday vibes in one perfect bite.

What makes these sliders special is how they balance the flavors and textures. You’ve got the juicy turkey, the savory stuffing, the tangy cranberry sauce, and the buttery slider buns—it’s holiday magic in miniature form. Plus, they’re so customizable! You can add gravy, cheese, or even tweak the stuffing to your liking. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll make them every year.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand after a holiday feast. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Cooked turkey: About 2 cups, shredded or sliced (dark or white meat works).
• Stuffing: 2 cups, warmed (any type of stuffing will work).
• Cranberry sauce: ½ cup (homemade or store-bought).
• Slider buns: 12 buns (Hawaiian rolls are a great option for their slight sweetness).
• Butter: ¼ cup, melted (for brushing the buns).
• Optional: Gravy for dipping or drizzling.

If you’re missing any ingredients, don’t worry! You can easily swap things out. For example, use chicken instead of turkey, or try a store-bought stuffing mix if you didn’t make your own.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools to make these sliders, which is part of their charm. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the buns and turkey.
• Pastry brush: For brushing butter on the buns.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the sliders while baking.
• Spatula: Useful for lifting the sliders out of the dish.

If you don’t have a pastry brush, simply use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter over the buns. As for the baking dish, any oven-safe dish of similar size will work.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the slider buns: Slice the buns in half horizontally to create tops and bottoms, keeping them connected for easier assembly.
3. Layer the turkey: Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in the baking dish. Spread the shredded turkey evenly over the buns.
4. Add the stuffing: Spoon the warmed stuffing over the turkey, pressing gently to create an even layer.
5. Add the cranberry sauce: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the stuffing for a touch of sweetness and tang.
6. Top with the buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns over the filling.
7. Brush with butter: Use the melted butter to generously brush the tops of the buns. This helps them turn golden and adds richness.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
9. Serve: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with gravy for dipping if desired.

Pro tip: If your stuffing is dry, add a splash of chicken broth before layering it on the turkey to keep everything moist.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip the butter: Brushing melted butter on the buns ensures they’ll bake up golden and delicious.
• Reheat leftovers properly: If you’re reheating sliders, cover them with foil to prevent the buns from drying out.
• Test stuffing moisture: If your stuffing feels dry, mix in a little gravy or broth before assembling the sliders.
• Make ahead: You can assemble these sliders a few hours in advance and bake them right before serving.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a slice of cheese or a dollop of gravy between the layers for extra indulgence.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns and stuffing to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the turkey for roasted veggies like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
• Flavor Boost: Add a layer of melted Swiss or cheddar cheese for a gooey, decadent twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce into your cranberry sauce for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
• Seasonal Swap: Use leftover chicken and cornbread stuffing for a southern-style variation.

I’ve tried adding a sprinkle of rosemary to the melted butter before brushing, and it gave the sliders a lovely herby aroma—highly recommend!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These sliders are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Arrange them on a festive platter for a holiday presentation, and pair them with a side of gravy for dipping. They’re perfect alongside a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) sliders for up to a month—just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen as they sit, so don’t be afraid to enjoy these sliders the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one slider:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

Turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, while cranberry sauce adds antioxidants. These sliders are filling but not overly heavy, making them a balanced treat for any holiday occasion.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to combine all the best holiday flavors into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish, these Turkey and Stuffing Sliders are the answer. They’re simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re a great way to make those leftovers feel exciting again!

I love how this recipe brings holiday cheer to any occasion, and I hope you’ll give it a try. Let me know how you customize your sliders in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make sliders that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Happy holidays!

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and pairs well with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat sliders?

Cover them with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the buns soft and the filling warm.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything a few hours before and store in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What type of buns should I use?

Hawaiian rolls are a great choice for their sweetness, but any slider buns will work.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and stuffing for a delicious gluten-free alternative.

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