Thanksgiving Sliders Hawaiian Rolls

Thanksgiving sliders are the perfect answer when you want an easy way to enjoy all that classic holiday flavor in a single bite. These are layered with savory turkey or chicken, juicy cranberry sauce, gooey cheese, and stuffing tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls, then drizzled with a buttery sweet and tangy sauce. They turn leftovers or deli staples into something festive, fun, and delicious for a party or family lunch.

I make these every year with my kids after the big holiday feast. The combo of sweet rolls and tangy cranberry always brings everyone back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft and fluffy with a touch of sweetness. Look for ones with a tender crumb that do not dry out easily
• Leftover turkey, chicken, or deli turkey: Brings rich protein and classic flavor. Shred or slice as preferred
• Prepared stuffing: Adds a herby, savory layer. Use your favorite homemade or a good quality store brand
• Cranberry sauce: Offers tartness and a touch of sweetness. Whole berry or jellied both work. Pick a sauce with real berries if possible
• Provolone or Swiss cheese: Melty richness with just enough tang. Slice it thin for perfect coverage
• Butter: The base for the magical topping. Use unsalted for better control of flavor. Look for rich yellow fresh sticks
• Mustard: Lending zip and depth. Dijon or yellow both work but Dijon brings a bit more character
• Poppy seeds: Classic to slider toppings. Choose fresh seeds for best flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami that ties the butter topping together. Grab a bottle that lists anchovies high in the ingredients for classic taste
• Brown sugar: Balances everything with earthy sweetness. Use soft moist brown sugar that is not clumpy

Instructions

Cut and build the sliders:

Cut all the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally and lay the bottom half neatly in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Press gently so they hold together but do not mash

Layer in the fillings:

Layer the rolls with slices or shreds of turkey then scatter stuffing evenly on top. Add dollops of cranberry sauce. Spread gently for even coverage

Add cheese and top layer:

Lay slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the cranberry then place the tops of the rolls over the cheese, lining them up so each slider is complete

Make the sauce:

In a small saucepan melt the stick of butter over medium heat. Stir in mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Let the mixture come just to a gentle boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar fully, then remove from heat

Slice and sauce:

Run a sharp knife around and between the sandwich tops to separate them slightly. This helps the sauce seep in evenly. Using a spoon, carefully distribute the warm sauce over each roll so tops are well moistened. Avoid pouring directly to keep sauce from pooling on the bottom

Chill for best flavor:

Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate the sliders for two hours or overnight. This lets all the flavors soak into the bread

Bake and serve:

To bake cover the dish with foil and place in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for fifteen minutes or until the cheese is melted and sliders are warmed through. Remove foil and bake five minutes more or until roll tops are lightly browned. Serve hot and pull apart easily

These sliders disappear quickly at potlucks so I always double the recipe. My favorite part is the warm buttery sauce soaking into the bread. My little ones love watching the cheese pull when we slice into the fresh baked sliders. There is always laughter around the table when we pull apart the sticky tops.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sliders wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat well in the oven at 325 degrees for ten minutes to crisp up the tops again.

Ingredient Substitutions

No leftover turkey? Use rotisserie chicken or even ham for a different twist. Swiss cheese gives a nutty flavor but mozzarella melts nicely as well. For a tangier bite, try adding a handful of pickled onions with the stuffing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad, simple roasted vegetables, or even a mug of soup for a comforting meal. They also make a perfect party snack or easy lunch for a holiday movie night.

Cultural Historical Context

Sliders as a party food have roots in American diner and potluck traditions. This version brings in Thanksgiving elements for a nostalgic celebration in every bite. Hawaiian sweet rolls began as bakery staples in Hawaii then spread across the mainland where cooks quickly noticed how well they soak up sauces and fillings.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use leftover roast chicken and apple chutney for a fall twist. Swap in fresh basil and mozzarella for a spring slider. Try pulled pork and tangy barbecue sauce at summer family gatherings.

Kids can help with every step from layering to spooning the sauce and they are always proud to serve the first hot slider. Pull these out at your next get together and you will have as many smiles as empty plates.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, both leftover chicken or deli turkey work well and offer great flavor in these sliders.

→ Is it necessary to refrigerate sliders before baking?

Chilling the assembled sliders allows the sauce to soak in, enhancing flavor and texture before baking.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

Absolutely. Swiss or provolone are classic, but feel free to use your preferred melting cheese.

→ How can I prevent soggy rolls?

Layer ingredients as instructed, and refrigerate before baking to help keep the rolls from getting soggy.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.