Leftover turkey sliders are a baked, shareable way to use leftover meat and leftover rolls at the same time. Use leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or that was frozen and thawed in the refrigerator. How long leftovers last explains that window. The turkey in the finished dish should reach 165°F, per USDA leftover reheating guidance. They are a different format from a leftover turkey sandwich made one at a time. If you have leftover dinner rolls, this is a good use for them besides bread pudding; see also what to do with leftover dinner rolls.
Assemble the slab
Heat the oven to 350°F. If your rolls are still connected, split the whole slab horizontally with a serrated knife rather than separating every roll first. Set the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer leftover turkey, a thin layer of leftover cranberry sauce or a little leftover gravy, and a modest amount of cheese. If you use leftover gravy, remember that a larger amount of gravy reheated on its own should come to a rolling boil; here it is a thin layer inside a dish that will be baked to 165°F. Put the top slab of rolls back on. Brush the tops with a little melted butter if you like.
Bake until the turkey is hot
Cover the dish with foil and bake until the center is hot, then uncover for a few minutes so the tops can toast. Time varies with how thick the turkey layer is and whether the rolls started cold, so check a center slider with a thermometer. The leftover turkey should reach 165°F. Let the pan rest for a minute, then cut or pull the sliders apart.
Serve a crowd, then pack leftovers
Sliders work well the day after Thanksgiving and also as a casual Friendsgiving leftover lunch if your gathering was the weekend before. Refrigerate extras within 2 hours and reheat them covered until the filling is again 165°F. For leftover packing, see how to store Thanksgiving leftovers. More leftover recipes are in the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A 9×13 holds a slab of sliders and can be covered with a lid or foil.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Check a center slider to confirm the leftover turkey is at 165°F.
- OXO Good Grips Slicing Knife — A serrated knife splits the rolls evenly and later separates the baked sliders.
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — A ceramic baking dish also works if you prefer it to glass.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I make leftover turkey sliders with Hawaiian rolls or leftover dinner rolls?
Either works. Keeping the rolls in one slab makes the pan easier to assemble and bake evenly.
Should I use cranberry sauce or gravy?
A thin layer of either one adds moisture. Too much gravy can make the bottoms soggy.
How do I reheat leftover sliders?
Cover and warm them in the oven or microwave until the turkey filling reaches 165°F.