Irresistible Turkey Sliders

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delicious Turkey Sliders Recipe! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible feast, featuring soft, sweet rolls layered with tender deli turkey and a generous amount of melty cheese. Baked until golden brown and gloriously gooey, these sliders are then crowned with a mouth-watering buttery herb glaze that seals in all the flavor and adds an extra touch of savory magic. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a stress-free weeknight dinner, or need a delightful snack that everyone will adore, these turkey sliders are your perfect solution. Their ease of preparation and universally loved flavor profile make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ensuring empty platters and happy smiles every time.

Author’s Note

Hot, Cheesy Turkey Sliders: Your Secret Weapon for Instant Crowd Control!

I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve turned to this incredible Turkey Sliders recipe. It’s my absolute go-to for just about any occasion – from lively family gatherings and impromptu parties to those hectic busy weeknights when time is of the essence, or even just when my kids are begging for something uniquely fun and delicious. The very first time I whipped up a batch, it was after Thanksgiving, using succulent leftover turkey. They were such an overwhelming hit that I instantly knew I had stumbled upon a year-round sensation! Since then, deli turkey has become my staple for these, and they never disappoint. It’s one of those magical meals where the baking pan is practically spotless before I even have a chance to properly sit down at the table. Seriously, they disappear that fast!

What I truly adore about these turkey sliders is the sheer simplicity and speed. I can prep them in a mere matter of minutes, slide them into the oven, and within no time, have a warm, bubbling, cheesy dinner ready without an ounce of stress. The secret weapon, in my opinion, lies in that glorious buttery glaze. As it bakes, it wonderfully soaks into the soft rolls, infusing them with an unparalleled depth of flavor. This simple glaze elevates humble turkey and cheese into a truly crave-worthy dish that everyone will be asking for again and again. You’ll understand exactly what I mean once you take that first delectable bite!

Essential Turkey Sliders Recipe Ingredients & Smart Swaps

Crafting the perfect turkey slider starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that balance of savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with fantastic substitution ideas to customize your sliders.

• Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls: These are the cornerstone of our sliders! Their signature soft texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the savory turkey and cheese. If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, any soft dinner roll will work beautifully. For an extra touch of richness, consider using brioche slider buns.
• Deli Turkey: We recommend using thinly sliced, good quality deli turkey breast for convenience and consistent texture. Oven-roasted turkey is a great choice. Don’t limit yourself though – leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving or even shredded cooked chicken can be fantastic alternatives, adding a homemade touch.
• Muenster Cheese: Muenster is a superstar in this recipe because it melts incredibly well and has a mild, buttery flavor that doesn’t overpower the turkey. However, feel free to experiment with other great melting cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, Provolone, or even a classic mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Mayonnaise: A thin layer of mayo on the rolls adds moisture and a creamy base. For an elevated taste, swap regular mayo for a savory garlic aioli, or introduce a zesty kick with a light spread of Dijon or whole-grain mustard.
• Unsalted Butter: The buttery glaze is non-negotiable! Using unsalted butter allows you complete control over the seasoning of your glaze. Melt it gently and let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy depth to the glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls and the richness of the butter. If you prefer a milder mustard flavor, classic yellow mustard is a perfectly fine substitute.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds provide a delightful texture and a classic “deli” look to your sliders. If you’re out of poppy seeds, sesame seeds offer a similar crunch and visual appeal. For an extra boost of flavor, “everything bagel” seasoning can be a fun and delicious swap.
• Dried Minced Onion: This ingredient provides a concentrated onion flavor without the moisture or bite of fresh onion, allowing it to meld seamlessly into the butter glaze.
• Garlic Powder: A staple seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the glaze.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch of Worcestershire sauce brings a wonderful umami depth to the glaze, making it incredibly savory and moreish. In a pinch, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can offer a similar savory element.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together and ensure your sliders are perfectly seasoned.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable batch of turkey sliders that will undoubtedly become a new family favorite!

How To Master This Easy Turkey Sliders Recipe

Making these turkey sliders is surprisingly simple, yet the results are always spectacular. Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of hot, cheesy, and utterly delicious sliders:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. For even easier cleanup, consider lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Craft the Buttery Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly – you don’t want it scorching hot when you mix in the other ingredients. Once cooled, whisk in the Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (or your chosen substitute), dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is the magical glaze that will transform your sliders!
3. Prepare the Rolls: Carefully take the entire block of Hawaiian rolls and, using a serrated bread knife, slice them horizontally in half. The goal is to keep all the individual rolls connected at the bottom, creating a top and bottom slab that opens like a book. Evenly spread about 1/4 cup of mayonnaise on the cut side of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking pan.
4. Layer the Fillings: Now for the delicious layers! Arrange six slices of Muenster cheese over the bottom rolls. Next, evenly distribute the pound of deli turkey slices over the cheese. Finally, top the turkey with the remaining six slices of Muenster cheese. At this point, do not add the top slab of rolls yet. Bake the layered rolls, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This allows the bottom cheese layer to start melting and the rolls to warm up.
5. Glaze and Bake to Perfection: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place the top half of the rolls onto your cheese and turkey layers. Generously pour and brush the prepared buttery herb mixture over the entire top and sides of the sliders. Don’t worry if some of the glaze pools at the bottom of the pan – this will contribute to a wonderfully buttery and slightly crispy base for your rolls. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
6. Achieve Golden Brown Goodness: After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the sliders cool for a minute or two before slicing them into individual portions. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Ultimate Turkey Sliders Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Meet the ultimate Turkey Sliders Recipe! Soft Hawaiian rolls, tender oven-roasted deli turkey, gooey melty Muenster cheese, and a crave-worthy buttery-herb topping come together to create these irresistible mini sandwiches perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

Servings:
12 sliders

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Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch ceramic baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil
• Serrated bread knife
• Small microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry brush (optional, for glaze)

Ingredients

Sliders

• 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls (see note 1)
• 12 slices Muenster cheese (or preferred melting cheese)
• 1 pound deli turkey, thinly sliced (oven-roasted recommended) (example)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (example)

Buttery Glaze

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard (example)
• 1.5 teaspoons dried minced onion (example)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Poppy seeds (for topping, optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (example)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (example)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. For easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
2. Make the Buttery Glaze: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
3. Slice and Spread Rolls: Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. They should open like a book (see Note 1 below for visual). Spread about 1/4 cup of mayonnaise evenly on the cut side of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking pan.
4. Layer the Fillings: Layer half of the Muenster cheese slices (6 slices) over the bottom rolls. Next, evenly arrange the deli turkey slices over the cheese. Finally, top the turkey with the remaining Muenster cheese slices (6 slices). Do not add the top slab of rolls yet. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes to start melting the cheese.
5. Glaze and Final Bake: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place the top half of the rolls onto the layered fillings. Generously pour and brush the prepared buttery glaze mixture over the entire top surface and sides of the sliders. It’s okay if some glaze pools at the bottom of the pan, as this will create a wonderfully buttery and slightly crispy base. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Achieve Golden Perfection: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Hot: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Allow the sliders to cool for just a couple of minutes before slicing them into individual portions. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly hot and cheesy turkey sliders!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Slicing the Rolls: It’s crucial to keep the rolls intact when slicing them horizontally. Imagine opening a book—you’ll create a top and bottom ‘slab’ of connected rolls. This makes layering and handling much easier.

Make Ahead Tip: For convenience, you can assemble the sliders (excluding the buttery glaze) the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Prepare the glaze just before baking and follow the baking instructions. You might need an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if starting from cold.

Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize! Add a layer of cooked bacon for a turkey bacon ranch flavor, or a touch of cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist. A sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning on top instead of poppy seeds is also a delicious option.

Storage: Turkey Sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To thaw, warm at 350°F (175°C) until hot (10–15 mins). For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 494IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 209mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.