Ultimate Friendsgiving Buffet With Sliders and Mac & Cheese – A Cozy Feast

Friendsgiving Buffet is all about good food, easy hosting, and plenty of laughs. This buffet-friendly spread centers on two guaranteed favorites: juicy sliders and creamy baked mac and cheese. Everything is designed for make-ahead convenience, simple assembly, and effortless serving.

You’ll get the comfort of classic flavors with a few smart upgrades, plus options for different tastes at the table. Keep it casual, keep it fun, and let the food bring everyone together.

What Makes This Friendsgiving Buffet Recipe So Good

• Buffet-friendly and low-stress: Each component is simple to prep, serve, and keep warm. Guests can help themselves and go back for seconds.
• Customizable sliders: Offer a few proteins and toppings so everyone builds their perfect bite.
  

  From classic beef to turkey, veggie patties, or pulled chicken, there’s something for everyone.
• Ultra-creamy mac and cheese: A baked version with a velvety cheese sauce and golden topping. It holds up well on a buffet without drying out.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the sauces, slice toppings, and assemble the mac and cheese in advance. Day-of cooking is quick and easy.
• Kid- and adult-approved: Balanced flavors with plenty of comfort.
  

  Add heat or keep it mild—your call.

What You’ll Need for this Friendsgiving Buffet

• For the Sliders
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20) or ground turkey
  • 12–16 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for searing)
  • 8–12 slices cheddar or American cheese
  • Optional alternate proteins: pulled rotisserie chicken (2 cups), BBQ pulled pork (2 cups), or veggie patties
  • Toppings: sliced pickles, thin red onion, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños
  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, spicy aioli, honey mustard
• For the Mac & Cheese
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 1 cup half-and-half)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 6 ounces Gruyère or Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
• For Serving
  • Large platter or chafing dish for sliders
  • 9×13-inch baking dish for mac and cheese
  • Small bowls and spoons for toppings and condiments

Instructions for Friendsgiving Buffet

1. Prep your station: Set out a large cutting board, bowls for toppings, and a 9×13 baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
   

   Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened, about 4–6 minutes.

4. Add cheese and season: Remove sauce from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and Gruyère, Dijon, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
   

   Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Assemble mac and cheese: Combine pasta and sauce, then transfer to the baking dish. Mix panko with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden. Keep warm, loosely covered, until serving.
7. Prepare slider patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef or turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire.
   

   Form 12–16 small patties, slightly wider than the buns. Press a small dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing.
8. Cook the sliders: Heat oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Sear patties 2–3 minutes per side (cook turkey to 165°F).
   

   Add cheese in the last minute and cover to melt.

9. Warm the buns: Split buns and toast cut-side down in the skillet for 30–60 seconds until lightly golden.
10. Set up the buffet: Place mac and cheese on one end with a serving spoon. Arrange sliders on a platter. Put out bowls with pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeños.
    

    Offer a lineup of condiments with small spoons.

11. Optional alternates: Warm pulled chicken or pork with a little BBQ sauce in a small pan. Keep in a covered dish for guests who prefer them over patties.
12. Serve: Encourage guests to build sliders, grab a scoop of mac and cheese, and come back for seconds.

Storage Instructions for Friendsgiving Buffet

• Sliders: Store cooked patties in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or 300°F oven.
  

  Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.

• Mac and cheese: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F with a splash of milk, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Freezing: Mac and cheese freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered until hot.
• Condiments and toppings: Store each in its own container.
  

  Crisp veggies last 2–3 days; refresh in cold water if needed.

  
  

Health Benefits of Friendsgiving Buffet

• Protein for staying power: Beef, turkey, chicken, or legumes in veggie patties provide protein that helps guests feel full and satisfied.
• Calcium and B vitamins: Cheese and milk in the mac deliver calcium and vitamin B12, which support bone health and energy metabolism.
• Balance with veggies: Lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles add fiber and antioxidants. Offer a simple side salad to round out the meal.
• Smart swaps: Choose lean turkey, whole-grain slider buns, or add steamed broccoli to the mac for extra fiber and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: It will bake further, so stop at just under al dente to keep it from turning mushy.
• Greasy sliders: Avoid pressing patties while cooking. Use moderate heat and don’t overcrowd the pan so they sear, not steam.
• Dry mac and cheese: Keep the sauce slightly looser than you think before baking.
  

  It thickens in the oven.

• Cold toppings and hot buns: Keep veggies chilled until serving, but toast buns just before. The contrast keeps sliders fresh and crisp.
• Underseasoning: Taste the cheese sauce and slider mix. Add a pinch more salt or acid (like a splash of pickle juice) if it feels flat.

Recipe Variations of Friendsgiving Buffet

• Bacon jam sliders: Top patties with a spoonful of store-bought or homemade bacon jam and a slice of sharp cheddar.
• Turkey + cranberry: Use turkey patties with a swipe of cranberry sauce and a little brie for a festive twist.
• BBQ pulled chicken: Swap patties for saucy pulled chicken, then add pickles and slaw.
• Buffalo mac and cheese: Stir in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce and fold in shredded chicken.
  

  Finish with blue cheese crumbles.

• Broccoli cheddar mac: Fold in steamed broccoli florets before baking for color and crunch.
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta, flour, and buns. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Offer veggie patties and make the mac with veggie stock and rennet-free cheeses if needed.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.

Mix slider meat and form patties a day ahead; cook day-of. Slice toppings and portion condiments in advance.

How do I keep everything warm on a buffet?

Use a low oven (200°F) to hold trays, or use chafing dishes. Keep buns wrapped in foil to stay soft.

Replenish small batches rather than setting out everything at once.

What cheese blend works best for mac and cheese?

A mix of sharp cheddar for flavor and a melt-friendly cheese like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina for creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as anti-caking agents can affect the sauce texture.

How many sliders per person?

Plan on 2–3 sliders per person if you also serve mac and sides. For a hungrier crowd or fewer sides, aim for 3–4 per person.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely.

Add jalapeños to the toppings bar, offer spicy aioli or hot honey, and stir a pinch of cayenne into the mac and cheese sauce.

What sides pair well with this buffet?

A crisp salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, a simple slaw, or roasted sweet potatoes. Freshness and a bit of acidity help balance the richness.

How do I prevent dry slider patties?

Don’t overmix the meat. Form gently, cook over medium-high heat for a good sear, and pull them as soon as they reach your target doneness (165°F for turkey).

Wrapping Up

This Friendsgiving Buffet with Sliders and Mac & Cheese brings comfort, flexibility, and ease to your celebration.

With a creamy baked mac, juicy sliders, and a toppings bar, guests can build plates that fit their tastes. Prep most of it ahead, set it out buffet-style, and enjoy the party alongside everyone else. Simple, cozy, and crowd-pleasing—that’s the Friendsgiving vibe.