Leftover Turkey Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A Clean-Out-the-Fridge Win

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that comes together not because you planned it—but because your fridge dared you to make something good.

That’s exactly how these leftover turkey sliders were born.

By the time dinnertime rolled around one particular evening, I was turkeyed out. We had just processed 15 turkeys a week prior, right before Christmas. Then, of course, we began the non-stop Christmas celebrations with extended family and friends. Which included turkey, of course!! The day before, my husband and I had spent hours deboning turkeys, canning meat, grinding pounds of it, and getting a big batch of turkey stock going in the slow cooker to simmer overnight. The following morning, I canned the stock. All total, we ended up with around 15 lbs of lunch meat, 30 lbs of ground turkey—and nearly 20 jars total between meat and broth—after already using every mixing bowl, sheet pan, and counter space in the house.

Filling freezers and pantry shelves is deeply satisfying work… but it’s also exhausting. When dinner came, I needed something fast, easy, and hands-off—no chopping, no extra dishes, and absolutely no culinary ambition required. These sliders were exactly the kind of meal that lets you feed your people well without undoing a full day of hard, honest work.

I went looking for inspiration on how to use up sliced turkey and found myself drooling over all kinds of ideas: turkey pot pie with a cheddar crust, croque monsieur, pesto turkey club sandwiches, and sliders of every variety. Meanwhile, reality checked in. I had two pounds of homemade roasted turkey, a package of 24 Hawaiian rolls left over from a friend’s party, and a fridge that said, “Use what you’ve got.”

So I did. And friends… this one’s a keeper.

These sliders are buttery, garlicky, slightly sweet, and incredibly kid-friendly. The adults love the savory richness, and the kids are all about that honey mustard + Hawaiian roll combo. Win-win!!

🥪 Leftover Turkey Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 package (24 count) Hawaiian rolls

• ~2 lbs sliced roasted turkey (thick-cut works great)

• Honey mustard (homemade or store-bought)

• 10 slices gouda cheese (or whatever cheese you have on hand)

• ½ cup salted butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Oil spray (for the pan)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Prep the pan. Lightly spray a sheet pan with oil.

3. Slice the rolls. Without separating them individually, cut the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.

4. Build the base. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the sheet pan. Generously goop (yes, that’s the technical term) honey mustard over the rolls.

5. Layer it up.

   • Add all 2 lbs of sliced turkey evenly over the rolls.

   • Lay the gouda slices on top of the turkey.

   • Place the roll tops back on.

6. Make it buttery.In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with dried parsley and garlic powder.Brush the tops of the rolls generously, then pour the remaining butter over everything, letting it soak into all the nooks and crannies.

7. Bake.Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

8. Rest & serve.Remove from the oven and let the sliders sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.Remove foil, slice into individual sandwiches with a sharp knife, and serve warm.

Why This Works So Well

• The butter + garlic gives it rich, savory depth

• The honey mustard adds just enough sweetness for kids

• Gouda melts beautifully without overpowering the turkey

• Hawaiian rolls soak up flavor while staying soft inside

  
  

Why This Is a Homestead-Where-You-Are Weeknight Win

• Uses what you already have Leftover turkey. Extra rolls. Odds-and-ends cheese. No special trip to town required.

• Minimal prep, minimal dishes One pan. One bowl. One knife. When you’ve already processed food all day, this matters.

• Feeds a crowd effortlessly Perfect for big families, unexpected helpers, or hungry kids who don’t care how tired you are.

• Kid-approved, adult-satisfying The kids love the sweetness of the honey mustard and rolls; adults appreciate the buttery, garlicky richness.

• Hands-off cooking Pop it in the oven and breathe for a minute. You’ve earned it.It’s comfort food without being fussy—and proof that some of the best meals happen when you stop overthinking and start layering.

A Little Ranch-Kitchen Note

This is one of those recipes that begs to be adapted. Use cheddar, Swiss, provolone—whatever’s in your fridge. Swap honey mustard for mayo, dijon, pesto or cranberry sauce if that’s what you’ve got. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s using what you have and feeding people well.

And honestly? Those are usually the meals everyone remembers. Check out the aftermath in my kitchen, along with the jars I hadn't put up quite yet!

If you try these sliders, I’d love to hear what your fridge contributed!