If you ever wished you could capture all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a big holiday feast in one delightful little bite, this Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. These mini sandwiches bring together tender turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, hearty stuffing, and savory brown gravy—all nestled inside a soft slider bun. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself, these sliders turn classic Thanksgiving favorites into a fun, handheld treat that’s as satisfying as the full meal but so much easier to enjoy any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Thanksgiving turkey sliders is simple, and each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the tartness of the cranberry sauce to the richness of the gravy, every element plays a starring role in making this dish truly memorable.
- Slider bun: A soft, slightly sweet bun holds everything together while keeping each bite manageable and delicious.
- Cranberry sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds a bright, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the savory turkey.
- Sliced turkey breast or thigh meat (2-3 oz): Tender, juicy turkey is the heart of these sliders, bringing familiar holiday comfort.
- Stuffing (2-3 tbsp): Provides a warm, herb-infused texture that balances the sandwich beautifully.
- Brown gravy (2 tbsp): A rich, savory drizzle that moistens the stuffing and binds all the flavors together.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bun
Begin by slicing your slider bun horizontally in half, making sure the cut is even so the top and bottom layers sit nicely together. This simple step sets you up for a perfectly balanced slider that’s easy to eat without falling apart.
Step 2: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Once your bun is sliced, spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom half. This adds a pop of vibrant color and a sweet-tart kick that matches the richness of the turkey and gravy.
Step 3: Layer the Turkey
Next, pile on 2 to 3 ounces of your sliced turkey breast or thigh meat. Whether you prefer white or dark meat, this is the hearty centerpiece that turns these sliders into real turkey triumphs.
Step 4: Add the Stuffing
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of stuffing on top of the turkey. Its herby flavor and soft crumb add comforting texture and depth, making every bite taste like a miniature Thanksgiving dinner.
Step 5: Drizzle with Brown Gravy
Lightly drizzle 2 tablespoons of warm brown gravy over the stuffing. This step is crucial, as the gravy adds moisture and an irresistible savory element that ties all the flavors together.
Step 6: Assemble and Finish
Place the top half of the slider bun over the gravy-covered stuffing. Gently press down so all the layers meld into a neat, stackable slider ready for serving.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun, festive touch, consider adding a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a few dried cranberries on top of each slider. This not only looks lovely but enhances the aroma and flavor, making your sliders feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic holiday sides reimagined for casual dining, like crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even a small bowl of warm soup to round out the cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks for easy handling at parties, or arrange them in a baking dish warmed briefly in the oven to keep everything hot and melty. You could also create a slider platter with assorted toppings like mashed potatoes or cheese for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bun from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the components separately if you haven’t already assembled them.
Freezing
While assembled sliders don’t freeze well because of the wet ingredients, you can freeze the turkey, stuffing, and gravy separately. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and assemble fresh sliders when you’re ready for a quick, comforting snack.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders gently in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out the bread and turkey. You can also warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of gravy if needed.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe is an ideal way to transform leftover turkey into a quick, delicious meal without any extra cooking fuss.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work well. Choose one that has a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the savory layers.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
While the recipe highlights turkey, you can swap the turkey for a hearty veggie burger patty or roasted vegetables and use vegetarian gravy to create a delicious meatless version.
Is it better to use fresh or packaged stuffing?
Homemade stuffing offers the best flavor and texture, but high-quality packaged stuffing works just fine for convenience and still tastes great in the sliders.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe is easily scalable—one slider per bun. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of sliders you want to prepare, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger parties.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy all the beloved holiday flavors without the fuss of a full meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving comfort on a regular day, these sliders bring warmth, flavor, and smiles with every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become your go-to favorite!
Print
Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 slider
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a delightful mini sandwich perfect for using up holiday leftovers. Featuring tender sliced turkey, savory stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and rich brown gravy all nestled in a soft slider bun, they capture the essence of a classic Thanksgiving meal in bite-sized form. Ideal for casual gatherings or a festive appetizer, these sliders come together quickly and require no cooking, making them both convenient and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 slider bun
- 1 1/2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 2–3 oz sliced turkey breast or thigh meat
- 2–3 tbsp stuffing
- 2 tbsp brown gravy
Instructions
- Prepare the Bun: Cut the slider bun in half horizontally to create a top and bottom bun. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom half to add a sweet and tart base layer.
- Assemble the Slider: Lay the sliced turkey evenly over the cranberry sauce. Then spoon the stuffing on top of the turkey to add a hearty and savory component.
- Add Gravy: Drizzle the brown gravy over the stuffing to infuse moisture and deep, rich flavor into the slider.
- Complete the Slider: Place the top half of the slider bun over the gravy layer, pressing gently to combine all the elements without squashing the slider.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately to enjoy the combination of warm stuffing and gravy with cool, tender turkey and sweet cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey and stuffing for a quick and easy assembly.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute turkey with grilled vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
- If preferred warm, briefly heat the assembled slider in a microwave or oven before serving.
- Slider buns can be substituted with dinner rolls or small sandwich buns if sliders are unavailable.
- Adjust cranberry sauce quantity depending on personal taste preference for sweetness and tanginess.
