The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Hack: Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce

Looking for creative ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers? These Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce are the answer! This simple recipe transforms leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy into a delicious and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. But don’t limit yourself to Thanksgiving – these sliders are fantastic year-round using deli meat!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Easy Recipe Variations
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Delicious Leftover Recipes
• Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders Recipe Card

Do you have a refrigerator overflowing with Thanksgiving leftovers? Fear not! I’ve got the perfect solution: irresistible sliders that showcase not just one, but four amazing holiday remnants: succulent Thanksgiving turkey, flavorful stuffing, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and rich homemade gravy. These sliders are a symphony of flavors and textures, all nestled within soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls.

The assembly is incredibly straightforward. Start with those pillowy Hawaiian rolls and generously spread them with vibrant cranberry sauce. Next, pile on your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers and top it all off with a generous helping of cheese. For the finishing touch, drizzle a luscious garlic and poppy seed-infused butter over the top. A quick bake in the oven transforms these mini sandwiches into golden-brown perfection, with melted cheese and a crispy, buttery crust.

Perhaps the best thing about these delectable baked mini sandwiches is their incredible versatility. You can customize them to your liking all year round with a wide array of fillings. Don’t have cranberry sauce? No problem! Not a fan of stuffing? Swap it out for leftover mashed potatoes. Any deli meat works wonders, including rotisserie chicken (my secret weapon for countless quick and easy recipes!). These sliders are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce are more than just a way to use leftovers – they’re a delicious and versatile meal that everyone will love.

• Perfect for Leftovers: The ultimate way to transform those holiday leftovers into something new and exciting.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a fast lunch.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Easily adaptable to serve any size group, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Year-Round Delight: Not just for Thanksgiving! Enjoy these sliders any time of the year with deli meats and your favorite toppings.
• Completely Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to your personal preferences, from different cheeses to various sandwich toppings.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering sliders. Don’t be afraid to experiment and use what you have on hand!

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the foundation of this recipe. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, try other sweet dinner rolls, plain dinner rolls, or even pumpkin dinner rolls.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tangy glue that holds the sliders together. Its vibrant flavor adds a burst of freshness to each bite, creating a delicious contrast to the savory elements. You can use homemade or canned cranberry sauce.
• Stuffing: Instead of transforming leftover stuffing into crispy stuffing waffles, try spreading it atop these rolls. It adds a savory, herb-infused element to each bite.
• Turkey: I typically use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, but any cut of turkey works well. For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken or your favorite deli meat is a delicious substitute.
• Cheese: While cheddar and provolone are classic choices, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. Swiss, havarti, or gouda would all be fantastic!
• Butter: Melted butter, infused with garlic and poppy seeds, is brushed on top of the sliders before baking. This buttery mixture adds a savory and aromatic layer while creating a golden, crispy top.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Easy Recipe Variations

While the combination of turkey and cranberry is undeniably delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment with additional ingredients or personalize the sliders with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and whatever sandwich toppings you have in your refrigerator. The possibilities are endless!

• Breakfast Sliders: Use leftover turkey, a slice of cooked bacon, and a fried egg. Skip the cranberry sauce and add a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful breakfast twist.
• Italian Sliders: Swap the cranberry sauce for marinara sauce and omit the stuffing and poppy seed butter. Drizzle the sliders with olive oil and Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired flavor.
• Ranch and Bacon Sliders: For the ultimate indulgence, layer crispy bacon and drizzle ranch dressing on your sliders. The combination of smoky bacon and creamy ranch is simply irresistible.
• BBQ Chicken Sliders: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce. Top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
• Ham and Swiss Sliders: A classic combination! Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese, then brush with a Dijon mustard and poppy seed butter.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders

Follow these simple steps to create the easiest and most delicious turkey sliders on buttery Hawaiian rolls. Get ready to impress your friends and family!

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice and Layer: Using a serrated knife, halve the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Layer on the stuffing, turkey, gravy, and cheese. Return the tops to the rolls.

3. Butter and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and poppy seeds. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Bake until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Follow these expert tips for perfectly delicious sliders every time!

• Enjoy Immediately: While leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, these sliders are at their best when enjoyed straight from the oven. The cheese is gooey, the tops are crispy, and the flavors are at their peak.
• Score Before Baking: For easier serving, use a sharp knife to lightly score the sliders along the lines where you’ll eventually separate them, before baking. This makes it simpler to serve individual portions neatly.
• Ingredient Swaps: Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Instead of traditional turkey, try using ham or roast beef. Experiment with other leftovers, such as mashed sweet potatoes or creamy mac and cheese, for a comforting and cheesy layer.
• Add a Kick: For a spicier slider, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture or use pepper jack cheese.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Add the butter topping just before baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If using leftover turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Leftover Recipes

Looking for even more ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers? Check out these fantastic recipes:

• Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
• Leftover Stuffing Waffles
• Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust
• The Best Leftover Turkey Salad
• Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Muffins
• Leftover Cranberry Sauce and Apple Crisp

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Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce Recipe Card