I didn’t realize how often I turn the delicious remnants of a great dinner into sliders, until I started noticing a pattern. Whether it’s ribs, roast pork, or ham, sliders have become my go-to for quick, satisfying lunches. I’ll admit, there are times I intentionally buy more than I need for two, always with the “meal after the meal” in mind.
Depending on what’s left, it might turn into tacos with sautéed peppers and onions, generously seasoned with store-bought taco mix. Or sometimes, I’ll toast up a few baguette slices and make open-faced sandwiches. But the least time-consuming and arguably the most popular option is sliders.
Sliders are the perfect vessel. Just the right size, easy to customize, and simple to serve for any appetite. They’re practical, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile.
Here are a few of my favorites, and yours , ranked by popularity and ease.
Baby Back Rib Pulled Pork Sliders
This is one of the most popular leftover lunches I’ve shared and for good reason. If you’ve got a few baby back ribs left from dinner (I had six), plus some BBQ sauce, you’re just 15 minutes away from a delicious second-day meal.Pull the meat off the bone, mix it with the sauce, gently warm it up and pile it onto slider buns. That’s it. Add slaw or a few spicy nacho chips if you want, but honestly, it’s great just as is.
It’s a practical, no-waste recipe that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy. Definitely one to bookmark, readers love it, and so will you.
Copycat Ham and Gruyère Cheese Slider
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, whether you serve it on its own or pair it with a simple green salad. The soft bun, salty ham, and melty Gruyère make every bite feel a little indulgent, even though it’s incredibly easy to throw together.
Check out this recipe
Cheesesteak Sliders
Cheesesteak sliders are the ultimate comfort food in miniature form, tender shaved ribeye, melty cheese that stretches with every bite, and those golden, sweet caramelized onions tucked into soft rolls. It's like Philly flavor in a party-sized package.
Check out this recipe
Cubano Sliders
Cubano Sliders are my fun, no-fuss twist on the classic Cuban sandwich and honestly, they’re one of the tastiest ways to use up leftover pork roast. All the signature flavors are there, juicy pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a swipe of yellow mustard. But instead of pressing it on a grill, I layer everything onto soft slider buns and warm them just enough to melt the cheese.
Check out this recipe
Corned Beef Sliders
If you’ve got leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a delicious way to give it new life. Corned Beef Sliders. These mini sandwiches are perfectly portioned for lunch and pack all the flavor of a classic deli-style sandwich, right down to the tangy Russian dressing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these sliders are a smart and tasty way to stretch your leftovers into something special.
Check out this recipe
Giant Meatball Sliders
These Giant Meatball Sliders are a bold, satisfying twist on a classic Italian favorite. Each slider features a juicy, generously sized meatball nestled in a soft bun, smothered in rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella or parmesan. They’re hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday. Serve them with a crisp salad or a handful of kettle chips, and you’ve got a lunch that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Check out this recipe
It’s funny how the simplest meals often become the most beloved. Sliders may have started as a clever way to repurpose leftovers, but they’ve earned a permanent spot in my kitchen playbook. Whether it’s smoky ribs, tender roast pork, or holiday ham, these little sandwiches deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort.
So the next time you’re staring down a container of last night’s dinner, think sliders. They’re quick, customizable, and always a hit, whether you’re feeding two or ten. And if you find yourself buying “just a little extra” on purpose, don’t worry, I do it too.
Here’s to the joy of second servings, reinvented with style.
