Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as effortless to prepare as it is delicious to devour: these irresistible Baked Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Imagine tender sliced turkey and a generous blanket of melted, gooey Swiss and mozzarella cheese, all nestled within soft, subtly sweet Hawaiian rolls, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a true testament to simplicity, requiring just a handful of common ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or a creative way to transform holiday leftovers.
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Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a casual get-together, seeking a delicious yet easy lunch option, or looking for an inspired way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey, these sliders are your answer. Their universal appeal lies in the perfect combination of savory turkey, rich cheese, and the unique sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls, all brought together with a flavorful buttery topping. Prepare to watch them vanish almost as quickly as you assemble them!
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Perfect Turkey Slider Ingredients
Crafting these delectable turkey sliders requires a harmonious blend of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a sandwich that’s juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The foundation of our sliders. Their signature sweetness and incredibly soft texture provide a delightful contrast to the savory turkey and cheese, making them exceptionally addictive. They also stay wonderfully moist during baking.
- Mozzarella and/or Swiss Cheese: A dynamic duo for ultimate meltiness and flavor. Mozzarella delivers that coveted, stretchy “cheese pull” and mild creaminess, while Swiss cheese offers a slightly nutty and more assertive taste that complements turkey beautifully. Using a combination provides the best of both worlds.
- Sliced Turkey: The star of the show. You can opt for thinly sliced deli turkey for convenience, or elevate your sliders using succulent leftover roasted turkey from a holiday meal. Both options work wonderfully, offering flexibility and flavor.
- Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): This forms the base for our savory topping, helping to evenly distribute the seasonings and crisp up the tops of the rolls as they bake.
- Garlic Powder, Dried Minced Onion, and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: These seasonings collectively create an irresistible savory, aromatic crust on the rolls. Garlic powder and dried minced onion infuse deep, savory notes, while Everything But the Bagel Seasoning adds a complex blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for an extra layer of texture and robust flavor. While the bagel seasoning is optional, it truly takes these sliders to the next level.
Choosing the Best Cheese for Turkey Sliders
The right cheese can elevate your turkey sliders from good to absolutely extraordinary. My personal favorites are undoubtedly Swiss and mozzarella. Swiss cheese brings a wonderful, slightly nutty, and earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with turkey, adding a sophisticated depth. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is the champion of meltiness. If you’re looking for those satisfying, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls, mozzarella is non-negotiable.
However, the beauty of these sliders lies in their adaptability! Don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses to suit your preference:
- Cheddar: From mild to sharp, cheddar offers a familiar, savory tang that many adore.
- Provolone: A classic deli cheese, provolone melts beautifully and has a mild, slightly smoky flavor.
- Colby Jack: This marbled cheese provides a lovely blend of mildness and creaminess, making it a family-friendly choice.
- Gouda: For a richer, sweeter, and more complex flavor, smoked gouda is an excellent option that adds a gourmet touch.
Ultimately, the best cheese is the one you enjoy most! Feel free to mix and match varieties to create your perfect cheesy turkey slider combination.
Simple Steps to Make Delicious Turkey and Cheese Sliders
These turkey and cheese sliders are incredibly straightforward to assemble, making them a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels. For precise measurements and a detailed recipe card, please refer to the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Rolls: Begin by carefully removing the Hawaiian sweet rolls from their packaging. The key is to keep the entire block of rolls connected. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally, creating two large sections—a top and a bottom. This method ensures even layering and prevents individual rolls from shifting. Gently place the bottom half of the rolls into a baking dish that has been lightly greased or lined with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and aids in easy cleanup.
- Layer with Cheese and Turkey: Next, arrange an even layer of your chosen cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss, over the bottom half of the rolls. Don’t be shy with the cheese! Then, generously pile on the sliced turkey. Whether you’re using deli meat or luscious leftover holiday turkey, ensure it’s distributed evenly. To ensure maximum meltiness and bind all the ingredients together, add another layer of cheese on top of the turkey. This top layer of cheese will become beautifully golden and bubbly as it bakes.
- Craft the Flavorful Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil, which also works wonderfully) with garlic powder, dried minced onion, and the optional (but highly recommended) Everything But the Bagel seasoning. This combination creates a savory, aromatic glaze that will soak into the rolls and crisp up the tops, adding an extra dimension of flavor and texture.
- Brush and Bake to Perfection: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the tops of the assembled rolls with the seasoned oil mixture. Ensure every roll gets a good coating for maximum flavor. Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven and bake until the tops of the rolls are a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is thoroughly melted and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Slice and Serve Warm: Allow the baked sliders to cool for just a couple of minutes after removing them from the oven. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to cut. Once slightly cooled, use your serrated knife to slice along the original divisions of the rolls, creating individual sliders. Serve these warm and watch as they disappear from the platter in record time!
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips for Turkey Sliders
While you can use any small slider buns you prefer, Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended for this recipe. Their distinct sweetness beautifully complements the savory turkey and cheese, creating a delightful flavor balance. Moreover, their incredibly soft and fluffy texture makes them exceptionally comfortable to eat and holds up well during baking, absorbing the delicious seasoned oil without becoming too dense or dry. If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, brioche slider buns or even small dinner rolls can work as a substitute, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
The secret to truly irresistible sliders lies in the seasoned topping brushed over the buns. This topping adds a critical layer of flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. To create it, combine a tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral taste and healthy fat) with a blend of dried minced onion, garlic powder, and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. While Everything But the Bagel Seasoning often contains minced onion, adding a little extra dried minced onion intensifies that savory, aromatic flavor, contributing a depth that elevates the entire dish. This mixture ensures the buns are not only moist but also bursting with savory goodness.
Achieving perfectly melted cheese and golden-brown buns requires attention to cook time, which can vary slightly depending on your appliance. When baking in a conventional oven, aim for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). The primary indicators for doneness are visibly melted and bubbly cheese and lightly toasted, golden-brown tops on the rolls. Be vigilant to prevent over-browning, which can dry out the buns. If using an air fryer, the process is much quicker, typically requiring only 3-7 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C). Due to the air fryer’s efficiency, it’s crucial to keep a close watch to avoid burning the tops of the rolls.
If you’re using leftover cooked turkey for your sliders and need to reheat it before assembly, the trick is to prevent it from drying out. The easiest and most effective method is to gently warm the turkey slices covered in a splash of chicken or turkey broth. You can microwave it in short bursts until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, place the turkey and broth in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) until warm. This moisture infusion ensures your turkey remains tender and flavorful within the sliders.
Absolutely! Adding gravy can infuse your sliders with even more savory, rich flavor, especially if you’re using leftover holiday turkey. You can lightly brush a thin layer of gravy onto the bottom half of the rolls before adding the turkey and cheese, or better yet, serve a small bowl of warm Homemade Gravy from Turkey Drippings on the side for dipping. This allows everyone to customize their sliders and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
No, there’s no need to pre-toast the rolls. They will achieve a lovely golden hue and a slightly crisp texture during the baking process, especially with the seasoned oil brushed on top. Pre-toasting might make them too dry or prone to burning, so it’s best to assemble them fresh and let the oven or air fryer do its work.
Yes, these sliders are excellent for make-ahead preparation! To prepare them in advance, assemble the sliders completely as directed, but do not bake them. Once assembled in your baking dish, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove them from the fridge, brush with the seasoned oil, and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Soggy sliders are a common concern, but easily avoidable! The key is moderation. While a little moisture is good, avoid over-saucing or overloading the sliders with very wet ingredients. If you plan to add gravy, serve it on the side for dipping instead of soaking the rolls. Also, ensure the cheese layers are generous, as they act as a barrier to keep the turkey moisture from directly contacting the bread. Baking until golden brown also helps to crisp up the exterior of the rolls, preventing sogginess.
Freezing is a fantastic option for these sliders, allowing you to enjoy them whenever a craving strikes! Assemble the sliders entirely (turkey, cheese, and rolls) but do not brush with the seasoned oil or bake them. Wrap the assembled slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the frozen sliders to a baking dish, brush with the seasoned oil, and bake directly from frozen. You’ll need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the typical baking time, or until they are heated through and golden.
If you happen to have any leftover sliders (a rare occurrence, we’ve found!), they will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to help crisp the bread back up and re-melt the cheese, rather than microwaving which can make them soft and chewy.
Absolutely! This slider recipe is wonderfully versatile and serves as an excellent base for countless variations. Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Some popular ideas include:
- Ham and Swiss: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
- Roast Beef and Cheddar: Hearty and satisfying, especially with a dollop of horseradish sauce.
- Chicken and Provolone: Use leftover shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Veggie Sliders: Layer with roasted vegetables, grilled peppers, and your favorite cheese for a meat-free alternative.
The basic method of slicing the rolls, layering the fillings, and brushing with a seasoned topping remains the same, making it incredibly easy to customize these mini sandwiches to your liking.
What to Serve with Turkey Sliders: Side Dish Ideas
Turkey sliders are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, whether you’re serving them for a casual lunch, dinner, or a party. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your meal:
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing, offering creamy, cheesy goodness that complements the sliders perfectly.
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A refreshing and flavorful cold side, providing a delightful contrast in texture and temperature. The tangy ranch and crispy bacon bits are always a hit.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A slightly sweet and earthy option that adds a touch of sophistication, especially if your sliders are made with Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes: For those who love a savory potato side, these offer a zesty twist on classic mashed potatoes, making them an excellent accompaniment.
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are seasoned with ranch for a punch of flavor that’s both easy to make and universally loved.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: A healthier alternative to fries, these wedges are quick to prepare and boast a satisfying crisp exterior.
- Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy, golden fries made in the air fryer are always a crowd-plepleaser and a classic partner to any sandwich.
- A Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the sliders, adding a healthy balance to your meal.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor that’s a perfect counterpoint to the savory sliders.
More Inspiring Leftover and Turkey Recipes
Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Beyond these incredible turkey sliders, there are countless ways to transform extra turkey or other holiday meats into exciting new meals. Explore these creative recipes to get the most out of your ingredients and minimize food waste:
- Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini: A warm, pressed sandwich featuring savory ham and melted cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Leftover Turkey Chili: A hearty and comforting chili, rich with spices and tender turkey, ideal for a cozy night in.
- Leftover Turkey Nachos: A fun and easy way to repurpose turkey into a cheesy, customizable appetizer or casual dinner.
- Leftover Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup: A nourishing and flavorful soup that combines tender turkey with wholesome wild rice in a creamy broth.
- Traeger Smoked Turkey: Looking for a new way to prepare your turkey from scratch? This recipe offers a smoky, incredibly flavorful main dish that will leave you with delicious turkey for all your leftover creations.
With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas to make every bite of your holiday feast count!
Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Brandi Crawford
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Essential Equipment
- Sheet Pan (for baking in the oven)
- Cosori Air Fryer (for air fryer method)
- Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Serrated Bread Knife (for slicing the rolls)
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 standard package)
- 4-5 oz slices of mozzarella cheese
- 4-5 oz slices of Swiss cheese
- 12 oz sliced turkey (deli meat or leftover cooked turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (Adjust to your taste; I often prefer a little more onion flavor for depth)
- 1 teaspoon Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (Optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor and texture)
- cooking oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Carefully remove the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls from their packaging, keeping them all connected. Using a sharp serrated bread knife, slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, separating them into top and bottom sections. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish (for oven baking) or directly into your air fryer basket if using that method.
- Arrange an even layer of your sliced turkey over the bottom half of the buns. Follow this with layers of mozzarella and Swiss cheese. Feel free to mix and match the cheese for optimal flavor and meltiness. Once the fillings are in place, carefully position the top half of the rolls back over the turkey and cheese layers.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or avocado oil) with the garlic powder, dried minced onion, and Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush this flavorful mixture over the entire top surface of the Hawaiian rolls. This glaze will add a beautiful golden color and a burst of savory flavor.
Oven Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
- Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. If you’ve already assembled the rolls in the dish in step 1, ensure it’s prepared.
- Bake the sliders for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has thoroughly melted and is bubbly, and the tops of the buns are a beautiful golden brown. It’s important to keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent the tops from over-browning.
Air Fryer Method
- If using an air fryer, ensure your air fryer basket is lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray. You may need to cook the sliders in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the sliders at 370 degrees Fahrenheit (185°C) for approximately 3-7 minutes. Air fryers cook much faster than conventional ovens, so it is crucial to monitor the sliders closely to ensure the buns do not become overly browned or burnt. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden.
Important Notes and Tips
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com and is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size listed. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific dish, you should calculate the nutritional values with the actual ingredients and brands used in your recipe, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.