If you’re craving all the cozy, festive flavors of fall in one bite-sized delight, this Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack or party pleaser. Imagine tender turkey, tart-sweet cranberry sauce, savory stuffing, and rich brown gravy all layered perfectly on a soft slider bun—this little sandwich packs a punch of holiday magic anytime you want. It’s a perfect way to savor the spirit of Thanksgiving without needing a huge plate or hours in the kitchen, making it a winner for quick meals, gatherings, or just treating yourself to comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe. Each item was chosen to bring a different layer of flavor, moisture, or texture, so your sliders taste just like a holiday feast in miniature form.
- Slider bun: Choose soft, fresh buns that hold all the fillings without falling apart.
- Cranberry sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): This adds a tart and sweet zing that brightens every bite.
- Sliced turkey breast or thigh meat (2-3 oz): Moist, tender turkey is the star protein and heart of the slider.
- Stuffing (2-3 tbsp): A savory mix that adds comforting texture and herbaceous depth.
- Brown gravy (2 tbsp): Rich and luscious, it ties all the flavors together and keeps the slider juicy.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bun
Start by slicing the slider bun horizontally to create a perfect base and top. Spreading the cranberry sauce on the bottom bun first ensures that every bite has a wonderful balance of sweetness and tang, setting a flavorful foundation for the ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Assemble the Turkey and Stuffing
Next, carefully layer 2 to 3 ounces of your sliced turkey breast or thigh meat over the cranberry sauce. The turkey’s tenderness contrasts beautifully with the next layer – a generous helping of stuffing – which provides a delicious, herb-infused texture that elevates your slider to authentic Thanksgiving territory.
Step 3: Add the Brown Gravy
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of warm, savory brown gravy right over the stuffing. This is where the magic happens—the gravy seeps through and melds the turkey and stuffing, bringing moistness and a rich, comforting finish that captures the essence of a Thanksgiving dinner in every bite.
Step 4: Complete and Serve
Top your assembled layers with the remaining half of the slider bun, then gently press down so all the flavors combine without squashing the slider. Your Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe is now ready to delight family and friends with every scrumptious bite.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Consider fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant garnish that echoes the herbs in the stuffing. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top can add a subtle kick without overpowering the rich layers beneath.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a green salad with vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a real holiday spread vibe, add a small bowl of sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw to balance the juicy richness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For party platters, arrange multiple sliders on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce and gravy for dipping. You can also serve them with toothpicks topped with mini seasonal decorations like tiny fake pumpkins or fall leaves to add an extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep the flavors fresh and the bread from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended with this slider because the cranberry sauce and stuffing textures may change upon thawing, and the bread can become soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
To reheat your sliders, gently warm them in an oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain moisture. This helps the gravy and stuffing stay flavorful without drying out the turkey or bun. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using leftover turkey is one of the best ways to enjoy this recipe. Just slice the turkey thinly and assemble your sliders fresh for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a new Thanksgiving treat.
What type of stuffing works best in these sliders?
Traditional bread stuffing with herbs like sage and thyme works beautifully, but you can experiment with sausage or cornbread stuffing based on your preference. Just make sure it’s moist enough to complement the turkey without overpowering the slider.
Can I substitute cranberry sauce with something else?
If fresh cranberry sauce isn’t available, alternatives like lingonberry jam or even a light spread of raspberry preserves can offer a similar sweet-tart contrast that brightens the savory layers of the slider.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the turkey for a hearty grilled portobello mushroom or seasoned tofu slices, and use vegetarian gravy and stuffing. The cranberry sauce will continue to add that classic holiday flair.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for making individual sliders, but you can easily multiply the ingredients to make dozens for gatherings, making it a perfect appetizer or finger food for holiday parties.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe—it captures all the heartwarming flavors of the holiday in a fun and approachable way. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or feeding a crowd, these sliders are sure to bring smiles and full plates. Give this recipe a try and let the taste of Thanksgiving brighten up your day any time of the year.
Print
Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 slider
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Turkey Sliders are a delicious and easy way to enjoy classic holiday flavors all year round. Featuring moist sliced turkey, savory stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, and rich brown gravy, all nestled in a soft slider bun, these sliders are perfect for quick meals, parties, or holiday leftovers transformed into a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 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 piece. This provides a perfect base for assembling the layers of your slider.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Evenly spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce over the bottom half of the slider bun. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Layer the Turkey: Place 2 to 3 ounces of sliced turkey breast or thigh meat evenly over the cranberry sauce, ensuring good coverage for each bite.
- Add Stuffing: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of stuffing over the turkey layer, adding a traditional Thanksgiving texture and flavor.
- Drizzle Gravy: Pour 2 tablespoons of warm brown gravy over the stuffing to add moisture and rich flavor to the slider.
- Complete the Slider: Place the top half of the slider bun over the gravy, gently pressing down to combine all the layers without squishing the ingredients too much.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the slider immediately while the gravy is warm, and enjoy a tasty, mini Thanksgiving meal all in one bite!
Notes
- You can toast the slider buns if you prefer a crispy texture.
- Leftover turkey and stuffing from your holiday meal work perfectly for this recipe.
- If you don’t have cranberry sauce, consider substituting with a cranberry chutney or sauce with similar sweetness and tartness.
- Warm the brown gravy before drizzling so it seeps nicely into the stuffing and bun.
- For added flavor, add a slice of cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like sage or rosemary.
