These Turkey and Cheese Sliders are everything you love about warm, melty sandwiches — layered with deli turkey and Swiss cheese, tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls, and drenched in a buttery, tangy poppy seed glaze. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or whipping up a weeknight dinner, these sliders come together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
They’re incredibly versatile too — serve them with a side salad for a full meal, or make a big batch for your next game day. The combination of gooey cheese and tender turkey under a buttery, crispy top is pure comfort. Prepare to make a double batch — they disappear fast!
Full Recipe:
-
12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
12 slices deli turkey
-
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
-
¼ cup butter, melted
-
½ tablespoon dijon mustard
-
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
½ tablespoon poppy seeds
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
-
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom halves.
-
Layer turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
-
Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the sliders.
-
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
-
Slice and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction: The Rise of the Slider
Over the years, sliders have grown from a fast-food novelty into a beloved staple of home kitchens and party menus everywhere. Among the endless variations, Turkey and Cheese Sliders stand out for their irresistible combination of flavors, textures, and crowd-pleasing appeal. These mini sandwiches pack serious flavor into bite-sized portions, making them the perfect choice for game day spreads, potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
Why Turkey and Cheese Sliders Are So Popular
The appeal of these sliders lies in their simplicity and versatility. At their core, they combine thinly sliced deli turkey and melty Swiss cheese between soft Hawaiian rolls. What elevates them from a basic sandwich is the buttery, tangy sauce brushed on top, creating a golden, flavorful crust after baking. The result? A crispy-topped, gooey-centered mini sandwich that’s utterly addictive.
These sliders are beloved because they work for virtually any occasion. They can be made ahead, assembled in bulk, and served hot or warm. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, they’re the kind of dish people rave about—and request again and again.
What Makes These Sliders Special
Unlike ordinary sandwiches, Turkey and Cheese Sliders are baked together in a single tray, allowing the flavors to meld. The Hawaiian rolls bring a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. The buttery topping—enhanced with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powders, and poppy seeds—adds a complex finish that makes each bite irresistible.
The sliders are easy to adapt, too. While Swiss cheese provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the turkey, you can swap in provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella depending on your taste. Some like to add cranberry sauce or a dollop of aioli for extra richness or seasonal flair. No matter your twist, the foundation remains strong: quality ingredients, great balance, and that mouthwatering baked finish.
Perfect for Entertaining
One of the key reasons Turkey and Cheese Sliders have become a party favorite is their effortless assembly and bake process. You can prepare them in advance, wrap the dish with foil, and pop them in the oven just before serving. Because they’re made in a single dish and sliced after baking, there’s minimal fuss and maximum convenience for hosts.
Another advantage? Portion control. These sliders are pre-sized into mini servings, so guests can easily grab one—or three—without committing to a full sandwich. That makes them ideal for buffets, lunch tables, or finger food events where variety is key.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Families love sliders because they’re easy to hold, less messy than other sandwiches, and full of familiar flavors. Kids particularly enjoy the soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and gooey cheese, while adults appreciate the savory butter topping and roasted texture that develops in the oven.
They also make excellent leftovers. Pack them in lunchboxes the next day or reheat them for a quick, satisfying snack. They stay moist and flavorful even after refrigeration, making them a practical solution for busy households.
Customizations and Variations
Turkey and Cheese Sliders are highly adaptable to personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
-
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.
-
Seasonal Touch: Include a spoonful of cranberry sauce or stuffing around Thanksgiving for festive flair.
-
Low Carb: Swap out the Hawaiian rolls for low-carb buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter version.
-
Meatless Alternative: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms and a cheese blend for a vegetarian version.
-
Breakfast Version: Substitute turkey with scrambled eggs and add crispy bacon or sausage, then top with cheddar for a breakfast slider.
The beauty of sliders is that once you master the base recipe, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re working with leftovers or trying to impress guests, you can modify these sliders to fit any menu.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These sliders are an excellent make-ahead meal. Assemble the entire tray (minus the butter topping) and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply brush on the butter mixture and bake according to the recipe.
They also freeze well. Assemble, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This make-ahead flexibility is a game-changer for anyone juggling meal prep, party planning, or busy weekday dinners.
Pairing Suggestions
Turkey and Cheese Sliders pair well with a variety of sides and drinks, making them a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few popular pairings:
-
Crispy Sides: Serve with air fryer French fries, sweet potato wedges, or classic potato chips for crunch.
-
Fresh Salads: Balance the richness with a light arugula or spinach salad dressed in vinaigrette.
-
Soups: Pair with tomato bisque or creamy broccoli soup for a cozy, comforting meal.
-
Drinks: Sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer work well to cleanse the palate and complement the buttery sliders.
The goal is balance—rich and cheesy sliders are best enjoyed alongside refreshing or contrasting flavors and textures.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the texture intact better than microwaving, which can make the rolls soggy.
You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the crispy top while melting the cheese inside. These storage and reheating options make Turkey and Cheese Sliders a reliable go-to when planning multiple meals ahead.
Nutritional Insights
These sliders are a balanced option that includes protein from turkey, calcium from cheese, and carbs from the rolls. Each serving is approximately 330 kcal, making it a moderately filling snack or light meal. To reduce sodium or calories, you can use low-sodium turkey, less cheese, or opt for whole grain rolls.
They’re also naturally nut-free and easy to modify for gluten-free diets by using appropriate bread substitutes. If you’re tracking macros or following a meal plan, you can easily adjust the ingredient ratios to fit your goals.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try These Sliders
Turkey and Cheese Sliders are more than just a party snack—they’re a versatile, delicious, and dependable recipe that can suit nearly any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your own family, these sliders deliver satisfaction in every bite.
Their simplicity is their strength: common ingredients, quick prep, and a crave-worthy result. Plus, with all the ways to customize, you’ll never get bored. Bake up a batch and see why this easy slider recipe has earned a permanent place on so many kitchen tables.