Looking for a super easy Thanksgiving recipe? If you love turkey around the holidays, this turkey sandwich recipe is just for you! Quick to prepare and full of classic holiday flavors, these turkey sliders are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family get-together.
Holiday Entertaining
This recipe is ideal for holiday entertaining—simple to make, easy to serve, and crowd-pleasing. Fall is a great time to gather outdoors or cozy up inside, and these sliders fit either occasion. They take the familiar flavors of a Thanksgiving plate—turkey, stuffing, and cranberry—and turn them into handheld sandwiches that are perfect for casual meals, buffet tables, or potlucks.
Grill Recipes
Grilling turkey may not be the traditional approach, but it produces a nicely browned exterior and juicy interior when done properly. If you have access to a grill, this method keeps the meat tender and adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the stuffing and cranberry sauce. These sliders are also easy to adapt—if you prefer, you can roast or pan-sear the turkey instead.
Thanksgiving Turkey
You need just a few straightforward ingredients to make these sliders. Gather a 12-pack of dinner rolls, one can of whole cranberry sauce, a 24 oz. turkey tenderloin, Stove Top stuffing mix (6 oz. box), butter for the stuffing, and a couple of tablespoons of salted butter to brush the tops. Don’t forget mayo for a simple, creamy finish. The total hands-on time is short, and the results are flavorful and festive.
How to Grill Turkey Breasts
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Wrap the turkey tenderloin securely in foil to retain moisture, then place it on the warm grill. Cook for approximately 40 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. While the turkey grills, prepare the stuffing according to the package directions and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Turkey Sandwich Recipe
When the turkey is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice the tenderloin across the short way into even pieces that will fit the rolls. Split the roll package in half so you have a connected sheet of bottom rolls and a connected sheet of tops. Remove the tops and spread the cooked stuffing in an even layer over the bottom sheet. Place one slice of turkey on each roll. Spoon whole cranberry sauce over each turkey slice for a sweet-tart contrast. Spread mayo on the underside of the top roll, replace the tops, and brush each with melted butter.
Transfer the assembled sliders to a baking sheet and warm them in the preheated oven for 5–10 minutes, until the rolls are lightly browned and just a bit crispy. This step melds the flavors and gives the sliders a pleasant texture. Serve warm.
Ingredients
- 12-pack dinner rolls
- 6 oz. box Stove Top stuffing mix
- 1 can whole cranberry sauce
- 1 turkey tenderloin (about 24 oz.)
- 4 tablespoons butter (for stuffing)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (for brushing rolls)
- Mayo, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Wrap the turkey tenderloin in foil and place it on the grill.
- Grill about 40 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While turkey cooks, prepare stuffing according to package directions and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the rolls in half while keeping them together as a sheet. Remove the tops.
- Spread the prepared stuffing in an even layer on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Slice the cooked turkey across the short way and place one slice on each roll.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over each turkey slice.
- Spread mayo on the underside of each roll top, replace the tops, and brush with melted butter.
- Bake the sliders 5–10 minutes until the rolls are golden and slightly crispy. Serve warm.
Serving and Tips
This recipe is great for making ahead—grill or roast the turkey and prepare the stuffing in advance, then assemble and bake shortly before serving. For a bit more texture, add a slice of sharp cheddar or a pickle on the side. These sliders travel well, so they’re an excellent option for potlucks or holiday gatherings where you want a portable, tasty dish that still feels festive.
Author: Melissa Johnson
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own.