Okay, let’s get these delicious Turkey and Cheese Sliders onto the page! This recipe has become an absolute staple in my house, a guaranteed hit whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or the star of a game day spread. The first time I made them, I was honestly just looking for something quick and easy. I wasn’t expecting the reaction I got! My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured them. My husband, who claims he “doesn’t really like sweet rolls,” went back for thirds. There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of savory turkey, gooey melted Swiss cheese, the slight sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls, and that utterly addictive savory butter glaze brushed on top. They bake up warm, golden, and pull apart perfectly. Seeing the tray empty within minutes, with everyone asking when I’d make them again, cemented these Turkey and Cheese Sliders as a permanent fixture in our family’s recipe rotation. They aren’t just food; they’re a vehicle for happy tummies and easy entertaining.

The Ultimate Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Get ready to create the most talked-about dish at your next gathering! These Turkey and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are incredibly simple to assemble but deliver complex, satisfying flavors that everyone adores. The combination of tender turkey, melty cheese, and a signature savory butter glaze makes them truly irresistible.

Yields: 12 sliders
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet flavorful components to craft your perfect batch of Turkey and Cheese Sliders:

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 1 package (12 count) – These provide the signature soft texture and subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory fillings.
Deli Turkey: 1 lb thinly sliced oven-roasted or smoked turkey breast – Quality matters here! Thinly sliced ensures easy layering and biting.
Swiss Cheese: 10-12 slices (about 8 oz) – Swiss offers a classic nutty flavor and excellent meltability. Provolone or mild Cheddar are great substitutes.
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 oz) – The base of our glorious glaze. Using unsalted gives you control over the final saltiness.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon – Adds a tangy complexity that cuts through the richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon – Provides a deep, savory, umami backbone to the glaze.
Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon – For texture, visual appeal, and a subtle nutty flavor.
Dried Minced Onion: 1 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder) – Infuses a savory onion flavor throughout the glaze without the texture of fresh onion.
Optional Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – For an extra layer of savory depth, if desired.
Optional Pinch of Salt: If using unsalted butter and your turkey/cheese aren’t very salty, a tiny pinch can enhance flavors. Taste the glaze before adding.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sliders

Follow these easy steps for guaranteed deliciousness:

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This prevents the bottoms from sticking and helps them brown nicely.
Slice the Rolls: Carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally using a long serrated bread knife. Keep all the rolls connected – you want a single top slab and a single bottom slab. Don’t separate them into individual rolls yet! Place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared baking dish.
Layer the Turkey: Arrange the thinly sliced turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Don’t be shy here; fold or slightly bunch the turkey slices to create some height and ensure a generous amount in each slider. Aim for even coverage across the entire surface.
Add the Cheese: Layer the Swiss cheese slices (or your chosen cheese) evenly over the turkey. Ensure the cheese covers the turkey layer completely, reaching close to the edges. This guarantees maximum melty goodness in every bite.
Top it Off: Carefully place the top slab of rolls back onto the cheese layer, aligning it with the bottom slab.
Prepare the Savory Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, dried minced onion (or onion powder), and optional garlic powder and pinch of salt, if using. Whisk until well combined. The mixture should be fragrant and homogenous.
Glaze the Sliders: Pour the prepared butter glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to gently spread the glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface and drips down the sides and into the crevices between the rolls. This step is crucial for flavor infusion!
Optional Rest (Flavor Boost!): If you have time, let the sliders sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature after glazing. This allows the rolls to absorb some of the delicious glaze before baking.
First Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and the sliders to heat through without the tops burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You should see the cheese starting to get nicely melted when you peek under the foil.
Second Bake (Uncovered): Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges. Keep a close eye during this stage to prevent burning.
Rest Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest in the baking dish for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut and handle.
Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife or a spatula, cut along the lines of the individual rolls to separate them into sliders. Serve immediately while warm and gooey!

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Understanding the nutritional profile can be helpful, especially when planning meals or catering to dietary needs. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, slice thickness, and portion sizes.

Servings: 12 individual sliders
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 280-330 calories

Breakdown Considerations:

Protein: Primarily from the turkey and cheese.
Fat: Comes from the cheese, butter in the glaze, and some from the turkey.
Carbohydrates: Mainly from the Hawaiian rolls.
Sodium: Can be significant depending on the deli turkey, cheese, and Worcestershire sauce used. Look for lower-sodium options if this is a concern.

For a more precise nutritional count, consider using an online recipe calculator and inputting the exact brands and quantities of your ingredients.

Preparation and Cook Time Summary

Efficiency is key, especially when you’re hungry or entertaining! Here’s a quick breakdown of the time investment:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (Slicing rolls, layering ingredients, mixing the glaze)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (15-20 mins covered + 5-10 mins uncovered)
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes from start to serving

This relatively short time frame makes these Turkey and Cheese Sliders an excellent option for weeknight meals, quick lunches, or last-minute party contributions.

How to Serve Your Delicious Turkey and Cheese Sliders

These sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also play well with others! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience:

Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the warm sliders neatly on a large platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. They are inherently shareable and easy for guests to grab.
Game Day Grub: Serve alongside classic game day snacks:
- Potato chips (kettle cooked are great!)
- Pretzel crisps or soft pretzels with cheese dip
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers) with ranch or blue cheese dip
- A bowl of pickles (dill or bread and butter)
Easy Weeknight Dinner: Pair the sliders with a simple side dish for a complete meal:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Creamy coleslaw
- A cup of tomato soup
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Tater tots or french fries (baked or air-fried)
Potluck Contribution: Transport them right in the baking dish (covered with foil to keep warm). Simply slice them just before serving. They travel reasonably well, although they are best served warm.
Brunch Addition: Yes, sliders for brunch! Their slightly sweet and savory nature fits right in. Serve alongside fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a breakfast casserole.

Presentation Tips:

Use decorative toothpicks or slider skewers for easier handling and a fun look, especially for parties.
Serve immediately after the short resting period for the ultimate warm, melty cheese experience.
If serving at a buffet, consider using a warming tray on a low setting to keep them pleasant, though be mindful they can dry out if left too long.

Additional Tips for Slider Success

Want to take your Turkey and Cheese Sliders from great to absolutely legendary? Here are five extra tips:

Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the sliders completely (layers of rolls, turkey, cheese) up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Prepare the glaze separately and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, let the sliders sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, gently warm the glaze (if needed, just until pourable), pour it over the sliders, and bake as directed. This is a lifesaver for party prep!
Cheese Choices & Combos: Don’t feel locked into Swiss! Provolone is a fantastic, mild alternative that melts beautifully. Mild or medium cheddar adds a different tang. Muenster is incredibly creamy. For a gourmet twist, try Gruyère or Fontina. You can even use a combination – Swiss and Provolone together are divine!
Meat Variations: While turkey is classic, feel free to substitute or combine! Thinly sliced ham (especially honey ham or Black Forest ham) works wonderfully and creates the popular “Ham and Cheese Sliders.” Thinly sliced roast beef is another delicious option. A combo of turkey and ham is also a crowd-pleaser.
Glaze Customization: The glaze is a flavor powerhouse – tweak it to your liking!
- Sweeter: Add 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar for a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbaceous: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or thyme.
- Different Mustard: Honey mustard or spicy brown mustard can replace the Dijon for a different flavor profile.
- No Poppy Seeds? Simply omit them if you don’t have them or prefer not to use them. The glaze is still delicious without them.
Achieving Crispier Tops: If you prefer the tops of your rolls to have a bit more crunch, you can do a couple of things. First, ensure you bake them uncovered long enough for them to get truly golden. Second, after the final bake, you can switch your oven to the broiler setting for just 30-60 seconds. Watch them like a hawk during this time, as the sugars in the rolls and glaze can burn very quickly under the broiler. Remove them the instant they reach your desired crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Here are answers to some common questions about making these addictive sliders:

Q: Can I use different kinds of rolls for these sliders?
- A: Absolutely! While Hawaiian sweet rolls are the most popular choice due to their soft texture and slight sweetness that complements the savory fillings, other types of small dinner rolls can work. Look for soft rolls that come attached in a slab, like Parker House rolls or other soft dinner rolls. Keep in mind that denser rolls might require a slightly longer initial baking time (covered) to heat through properly. The flavor profile will change depending on the roll used.
Q: How do I prevent the bottoms of the sliders from getting soggy?
- A: Soggy bottoms are usually caused by too much moisture sitting for too long. Here are a few preventative measures:
  - Don’t let the glazed sliders sit for too long before baking. The optional 5-10 minute rest is fine, but avoid letting them sit for hours with the glaze on unless you’re following the make-ahead refrigerated method.
  - Ensure your baking dish isn’t overly wet. Just a light greasing is needed. Using parchment paper can also help create a barrier.
  - Consider a quick toast: Some people lightly toast the inside (cut side) of the bottom slab of rolls under the broiler for a minute before layering the ingredients. This creates a slight barrier. Be very careful not to burn them.
  - Make sure the glaze isn’t excessively runny. Use the correct butter-to-other-ingredients ratio.
Q: Can I freeze Turkey and Cheese Sliders?
- A: Yes, you can freeze them either baked or unbaked, although freezing unbaked generally yields slightly better results upon reheating.
  - Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the sliders completely without the glaze. Wrap the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container/bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Prepare and pour the glaze over the thawed sliders just before baking as directed (they might need a few extra minutes since they’ll be chilled).
  - Freezing Baked: Let the baked sliders cool completely. Keep them as a slab or slice into individual sliders. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through (10-15 minutes), removing the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the tops. You can also microwave individual sliders, but the texture won’t be as good.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders?
- A: The oven or a toaster oven is the best method to maintain texture. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet (you can cover loosely with foil initially to prevent over-browning if needed) and heat for 8-12 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch for speed but can make the bread a bit chewy or soggy. Start with 20-30 seconds per slider on medium power. An air fryer on a lower heat setting (around 325°F) for 4-6 minutes can also work well.
Q: Can I make these sliders gluten-free or dairy-free?
- A: Yes, with substitutions!
  - Gluten-Free: Use your favorite brand of gluten-free dinner rolls. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some contain malt vinegar). Check turkey and cheese labels as well, though they are typically GF. The baking time might need slight adjustment based on the GF rolls.
  - Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute for the glaze. Choose a good-melting dairy-free cheese alternative (slices work best). Many quality options are available now that mimic Swiss or Provolone fairly well. Ensure your Hawaiian rolls are dairy-free (many traditional brands contain milk). Look for specifically labeled vegan or dairy-free rolls.

Enjoy making and sharing these incredibly popular and delicious Turkey and Cheese Sliders! They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe