Irresistible Turkey and Waffle Sliders Recipe You Need to Try

Introduction

Golden waffles stacked with tender turkey slices and drizzled with a creamy, sweet maple aioli—just the thought makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? This recipe for turkey and waffle sliders checks all the boxes for comfort food with a touch of elegance. I first whipped these up for a family brunch, and let me tell you, they were gone faster than I could refill the serving platter!

What makes these sliders so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures: the crunch of the waffle, the savory turkey, and the slightly tangy sweetness of the aioli. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which makes them ideal for entertaining or just indulging in a fun, casual dinner at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a creative way to use leftover turkey, this recipe will steal the show.

Stick around as I walk you through everything from the ingredients to tips for nailing these sliders every time. Trust me, once you make these turkey and waffle sliders, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, game-day party, or a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders fit the bill.
• Quick and Easy: With pre-made waffles and turkey, you can whip these up in just 30 minutes!
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: The sweet and savory combo is a hit with all ages.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping lists here—everything can be found at your local grocery store.
• Flavor Explosion: The maple aioli is the real star, bringing creamy sweetness that ties everything together.

What sets this recipe apart is the maple aioli—it’s not just your average condiment. It adds a gourmet flair without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, the use of waffles instead of traditional slider buns makes this dish unique and visually stunning. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your guests with these delicious sliders!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create sliders packed with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mini Waffles: Pre-made or homemade, lightly toasted for a crispy texture.
• Sliced Turkey: Opt for deli-style turkey or use leftover roasted turkey (perfect post-Thanksgiving).
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup for the aioli—don’t skimp on quality.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, forms the base of the aioli.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the aioli to perfection.
• Fresh Spinach or Arugula: A handful for a pop of green and added freshness.
• Cheese (Optional): Thinly sliced cheddar or Swiss pairs beautifully with turkey.

If you prefer gluten-free or dairy-free options, you can easily substitute gluten-free waffles and vegan mayo without compromising flavor. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences!

Equipment Needed

• Toaster: For perfectly crisped waffles.
• Knife: To slice turkey or any additional toppings.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the maple aioli.
• Whisk: To ensure the aioli is smooth and well-combined.
• Serving Platter: For an eye-catching presentation.

If you don’t have a toaster, you can use an oven or air fryer to crisp the waffles. For mixing the aioli, even a fork will do in a pinch—just whisk vigorously!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Maple Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Toast the Waffles: Lightly toast 12 mini waffles until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
   1. Place one mini waffle as the base.
   2. Add a slice of turkey (about 2 ounces).
   3. Top with a small handful of spinach or arugula.
   4. Drizzle a generous spoonful of maple aioli over the turkey and greens.
   5. If using cheese, add a thin slice on top.
   6. Finish with another mini waffle to cap the slider.
4. Serve: Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve immediately while the waffles are still warm.

If you’re making these ahead of time, assemble the sliders without the aioli and store them in the fridge. Add the aioli just before serving to keep the waffles from getting soggy.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Skip Toasting: Crispy waffles provide the perfect texture contrast to the tender turkey.
• Adjust the Aioli: If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the maple syrup slightly and add a touch more mustard.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens and high-quality turkey make a big flavor difference.
• Warm Turkey: If using leftover turkey, warm it slightly for a more comforting bite.
• Batch Prep: Make the aioli ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular waffles for gluten-free waffles.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the aioli for a kick.
• Seasonal Flavors: Use cranberry sauce instead of maple aioli for a holiday-inspired version.

One variation I love is adding a slice of honey-roasted ham alongside the turkey for an extra layer of flavor. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the waffles!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serving: These sliders are best served warm, right after assembly. Pair them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal. For beverages, coffee or iced tea complement the flavors perfectly.

Storage: Store assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the waffles in a toaster or oven and reassemble with fresh aioli.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the aioli and toast the waffles ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble right before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each slider provides an estimated:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 4g

Key Benefits:

• High Protein: Thanks to the turkey, these sliders are great for keeping you full.
• Balanced Carbs: Mini waffles provide just enough carbs for energy without overloading.
• Simple Ingredients: No artificial additives—just wholesome, fresh goodness.

If you have dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted to fit gluten-free or dairy-free needs without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

These irresistible turkey and waffle sliders with maple aioli are the perfect mix of sweet and savory, making them a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. I love how versatile they are—you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste while keeping the core recipe intact.

Ready to give these sliders a try? Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and tag me if you post your creations online. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized waffles?

Yes, you can! Cut regular waffles into smaller sections to create slider-sized portions.

What’s the best turkey to use?

Deli turkey works great, but leftover roasted turkey adds an extra layer of flavor.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, but assemble them just before serving to keep the waffles crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for maple aioli?

Cranberry sauce or honey mustard are excellent alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.

Are these sliders freezer-friendly?

The individual components can be frozen, but I recommend assembling them fresh for the best taste and texture.

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