I know, I know. It’s turkey–again. But stay with me, folks. I promise that this additional ode to “what to do with leftover turkey“ will not be a boring testament to yet another turkey dinner-flavored meal. Really. I mean it.
After all, I think what I like LEAST about leftover turkey after a big holiday meal is that everything I try using it in turns out tasting just like the original meal. And that’s what I’m trying to get away from! I mean, I can only eat the same flavors over and over so many days in a row without pissing off my taste buds completely. That’s where creativity is key. I tried thinking about other ideas I’ve seen on the interwebs, as well as flavors that I like when it’s NOT the holiday season, and then I play mashup. And that’s where these little gems came along. Turkey Cuban Sliders were a perfect antidote to those concerns!
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for a good Cuban sandwich. I love the simplicity of the sandwich, but the complexity of flavors can’t be beat. Playing around with those flavors was so fun, and so darned good, that I’ll be making sure we have PLENTY of leftover turkey the next time a big ole’ bird gets roasted in this house!
Don’t worry if you still have some additional bird lying around. There’s still a lot of fun and delicious ways to use it up! Check out my Turkey Posole, Turkey Chili, or even Turkey Kebaps.
Turkey is so much more versatile than people give it credit for. While it definitely has more flavor than chicken (in my opinion), it's still a chameleon in that it can take on flavors more easily than other proteins. And that is why this particular bird does so well in mash up recipes like this one. The great basic flavors of a good Cuban sandwich combined with the rich flavors of a roasted turkey, and you've got yourself finger foods of the highest order. Time to roast another bird just to have leftovers for this delicious spin on turkey!
Turkey is so much more versatile than people give it credit for. While it definitely has more flavor than chicken (in my opinion), it's still a chameleon in that it can take on flavors more easily than other proteins. And that is why this particular bird does so well in mash up recipes like this one. The great basic flavors of a good Cuban sandwich combined with the rich flavors of a roasted turkey, and you've got yourself finger foods of the highest order. Time to roast another bird just to have leftovers for this delicious spin on turkey!
Preheat toaster oven or conventional oven to 350 degrees. With dinner rolls, do not separate them individually. Slice connected pieces lengthwise so that it opens up like large 2 piece of bread.
Spread mustard evenly over bottom piece of bread.
Spread turkey out over mustard-spread bread.
Sprinkle cheese over layer of turkey.
Add one slice of pickle per segment of each roll.
Place top slice of bread on pickles and press down to secure ingredients together. Roast in toaster oven for 10 minutes, or until cheese begins to melt.
Preheat skillet to medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Separate bread into 2 large pieces (with 8 rolls per side). Place one half into skillet and press down to create thinner sandwich pieces, treating sandwich like a grilled cheese. Don't have a panini press or heavy spatula? No problem! Use a smaller skillet to press sandwich down in pan.
Pan fry on each side about 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
Pull individual rolls apart to create small slider sandwiches. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
What was great about these is that we served them as we watched football. A perfect quick bite in between yelling at our teams as they played some big games. These are great to use up leftovers, sure. But just making them straight up with regular roasted turkey any time of year is a great treat, too! And any guests will love this twist on some well-loved flavors.
Want to really amp up the flavor? Use a smoked turkey or other flavor-enhanced meat. Toss in some bacon before pan frying for an additional crunch. Get creative with the basic model for these sliders and mix it up!
I am definitely a sucker for a good Cuban sandwich. I think its the pickles that do it for me. I adore pickles! Anyway, this looks like a good way to use up leftover turkey to me!
Greetings! I'm Dee Dee. Nonprofit escapee, military spouse, home cook, and purveyor of tasty goodness. My Midlife Kitchen is where I cook, blog, and give my not-so-humble opinions on topics big and small. Join me for a peek inside My Midlife Kitchen!
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for a good Cuban sandwich. I love the simplicity of the sandwich, but the complexity of flavors can’t be beat. Playing around with those flavors was so fun, and so darned good, that I’ll be making sure we have PLENTY of leftover turkey the next time a big ole’ bird gets roasted in this house!
These look delicious!!
These were a last minute add to a leftovers party, and they were a hit. I may make turkey throughout the year just to have these more frequently! :0)
Looks so tasty! Nice idea for a quick and easy supper.
Turkey is a nice way to lighten up the sandwich. I love your liberal use of pickles!
I figured one big pickle slice per slider–pickle in each bite! :o)
Absolutely awesome sandwich!
This. Is. Genius. I’m so doing this with my leftover turkey next Thanksgiving!! I adore cubano sandwiches…
I can’t believe I waited so long to do this! For a crowd, there is nothing better!
Cuban sandwiches are the best! I haven’t had one in a long time. I am craving them now!
Looooove Cuban sandwiches, and these sliders are such a great idea! They look so good and, of course, great way to use up that big bird! Yum!
There is a local food truck that does them, and I am regularly craving them now. This was a perfect way to get my fix without leaving home!
I am definitely a sucker for a good Cuban sandwich. I think its the pickles that do it for me. I adore pickles! Anyway, this looks like a good way to use up leftover turkey to me!
And the extra bonus is that since my husband hates pickles, I get his! LOL