Save I stumbled on this idea the morning after Thanksgiving, staring at a fridge full of leftovers and a waffle iron I'd forgotten I owned. The stuffing was too good to just reheat in the microwave, and something about its texture made me wonder if it could crisp up like a hash brown. Twenty minutes later, I had golden, savory waffle rounds that tasted like the best part of the holiday dinner, only crunchier. I piled on some shredded chicken and a quick cranberry mayo, and suddenly leftovers felt like a whole new meal.
The first time I served these at a casual get-together, I didn't even explain what they were. People just picked them up, took a bite, and got this confused, delighted look on their faces. Someone said it tasted like Thanksgiving in slider form, and honestly, that's exactly what it is. Now I make them every time I need something that feels special but doesn't require me to stand over the stove for hours.
Ingredients
- Prepared stuffing: This is the base of your waffle buns, so use a flavorful batch—whether it's homemade herb stuffing or a good boxed mix, just make sure it's well-seasoned and not dried out.
- Eggs: They bind the stuffing together so it holds its shape in the waffle iron without falling apart.
- Chicken broth: A little moisture keeps the stuffing from turning into a dry puck, and it adds a savory depth that water just can't match.
- Melted butter: This helps the waffles crisp up beautifully and adds a rich, toasted flavor to every bite.
- Shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here—it's already tender and flavorful, and it saves you a ton of time.
- Dried thyme and black pepper: Simple seasonings that warm up the chicken without masking its natural flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the cranberry mayo, which holds everything together and adds a subtle tang.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: This brings sweetness and a pop of holiday flavor that feels nostalgic without being cloying.
- Dijon mustard and lemon juice: These two brighten up the mayo and keep it from tasting too heavy or one-note.
- Baby arugula or spinach: A handful of greens adds a fresh, peppery contrast that balances the richness of the slider.
Instructions
- Prep the waffle iron:
- Preheat it to medium-high and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. If you skip this step, you'll be scraping stuffing off the plates for days.
- Mix the waffle batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing, eggs, chicken broth, and melted butter until everything is evenly coated and the mixture holds together when you scoop it. It should look moist and slightly sticky, not crumbly.
- Cook the waffles:
- Scoop about a third of a cup of the stuffing mixture onto the center of the waffle iron, close the lid gently, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges are golden and crispy and the waffle releases easily.
- Warm the chicken:
- Toss the shredded chicken with a little broth, thyme, pepper, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl, then heat it gently until it's warm and fragrant. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.
- Make the cranberry mayo:
- Whisk together the mayo, cranberry sauce, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you want more tang or sweetness.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Spread a thin layer of cranberry mayo on one waffle, pile on a generous spoonful of warm chicken, add a few leaves of arugula or spinach, and top with another waffle. Press down gently so everything stays put.
- Serve:
- Plate them up while the waffles are still warm and crispy. They're best eaten right away, though you can reheat leftover waffles in a toaster oven to bring back some of that crunch.
Save There's something about these sliders that makes people smile before they even take a bite. Maybe it's the unexpected crunch of the waffle, or the way the cranberry mayo peeks out from the edges, or just the fact that it looks like comfort food got dressed up for a party. Whatever it is, they turn a regular weeknight dinner into something that feels a little more special.
Swaps and Substitutions
If you've got leftover turkey instead of chicken, use it—it'll taste even more like Thanksgiving. For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your broth and mayo are certified gluten-free. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayo if you want a lighter, tangier spread, though it won't be quite as creamy. And if you don't have arugula, any leafy green or even thinly sliced cucumber will add a nice fresh crunch.
Storage and Reheating
These are definitely best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the waffles and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat the waffles in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy. The chicken can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Assemble the sliders right before serving so the waffles stay crunchy.
Make It Your Own
Once you've nailed the basic recipe, it's fun to play around with toppings and flavors. Try adding a slice of melted brie or sharp cheddar while the waffles are still warm, or throw in some crispy bacon for a smoky kick. Pickled red onions or jalapeños can add a tangy, spicy contrast that's really good with the cranberry mayo. And if you want to go full Thanksgiving mode, a drizzle of warm gravy over the chicken before you close the slider is honestly unforgettable.
- Add a thin slice of cheese for extra richness and a gooey texture.
- Top with pickled onions or jalapeños for a tangy, zesty bite.
- Drizzle warm gravy over the chicken for a full holiday flavor experience.
Save These sliders are proof that the best recipes often come from happy accidents and a willingness to try something a little weird. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they've brought to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade stuffing for the waffles?
Yes, homemade stuffing works well and adds a fresh, personalized touch to the waffles.
- → What can I substitute for chicken in the filling?
Turkey is a great alternative that complements the holiday flavors beautifully.
- → How do I ensure the waffles are crispy?
Cook the waffles in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown and let them cool on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- → Can I make the cranberry mayo ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the cranberry mayo in advance allows the flavors to meld and saves preparation time.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the stuffing waffles?
Using gluten-free stuffing mix will make the waffles suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.