Need a dish that’s both delicious and effortless? Meet your new party staple: Turkey and Cheese Sliders. Juicy turkey, gooey cheese, and buttery rolls come together to create a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
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These amazing Turkey and Cheese Sliders were inspired by my very popular Ham and Cheese Sliders, and trust me, they’re a total game-changer—especially on game day! I’ve been making Hawaiian roll sliders for decades, and let me tell you, these might be the MVP.
One reader said: “Great use for leftover turkey! Took them to an after Thanksgiving party and they were gone almost immediately. My husband loved them…” ~Janie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why You’ll Love These Turkey and Cheese Sliders
- LEFTOVER MAGIC: Whether you’re working with fresh turkey or giving leftovers a makeover, these sliders are here to score big!
- FEEDS A CROWD: Got a whole team to feed? Whip up a batch (or two) of these sliders, toss them in the oven, and watch your guests cheer—no matter who’s winning the game!
- MAKE-AHEAD PLAY: The secret to this winning dish? They can be made ahead or made right away. Perfect for a last-minute dinner or as a star appetizer.
- FLAVOR TOUCHDOWN: Here’s the real playbook—while these sliders marinate, the sauce turns into a buttery, crunchy, gooey layer of flavor that’s so good, it might just steal the show from the main event!
Ingredients For Turkey Hawaiian Roll Sliders
- Cooked Turkey: Use leftover roast turkey breast, smoked turkey breast, honey baked turkey breast or sliced deli turkey breast! Try my Air Fryer Turkey Breast and turkey thighs too!
- Havarti or Favorite: I used Havarti cheese, but use YOUR favorite cheese! Delicious pairings are provolone, Swiss, Colby-Jack, Regular Cheddar, sharp white cheddar, Smoked Mozzarella, Gouda cheese, and even brie or goat cheese would be dreamy; the skies are the limit; just slice it thin!
- Soft Rolls: I typically use King’s Hawaiian rolls, the slider size. You could also use brioche slider rolls, whole wheat King’s Hawaiian rolls, or another favorite. Keep in mind you want a soft roll; a ciabatta or hard French roll will not come out the same.
- Butter: This is key in this recipe. Use real butter; you don’t want these sitting in oil.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, rich flavor to the sandwiches.
- Mustard: Your choice is yellow or Dijon. We love Dijon because it is not as sharp in flavor and has a bit more depth.
- Brown Sugar | just a bit, use light or dark brown sugar, I typically use light brown.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Recommended Equipment
How to make Turkey and Cheese Sliders
In no time at all you will be sliding these turkey and cheese sliders into the fridge to hang out, while you put on your comfy clothes and hang out! (see what I did there, slide(r), hang out…okay, I’ll stop now)
Step 1 | Assemble the turkey sliders
Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper.
Using a serrated knife, cut the entire slab of rolls in half, carefully trying to keep the cut even and in the middle. Remove the top half of rolls and set aside.
Place turkey slices evenly over the bottom of the rolls, then repeat with cheese (I always leave a few without cheese as our youngest doesn’t like melty cheese!) If you non-melty cheese lovers, stick a toothpick in the tops of the sliders without cheese so they are easily identifiable.
Replace the tops on the rolls, set aside to make the sauce.
Step 2 | Make the secret sauce!
In a small saucepan melt butter over medium-low heat, once melted whisk in Worcestershire sauce, mustard and brown sugar.
Whisk well to combine, bring to simmer. Simmer for 30 seconds until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3 | Final Assembly
Pour special sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls, turkey sliders. Brush the sauce onto the sides and between the cracks.
Spray a piece of foil with non-stick spray or oil, cover the turkey and cheese sliders tightly, and bake as directed.
*At this point, they sliders may be refrigerated 4-24 hours.
Step 4 | Baking Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders
Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C); if you had them in the fridge, pull them out to come to room temp while preheating your oven.
Bake sliders with foil on for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are slightly crusty on top. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Turkey Slider Recipe Variations
I get it, sometimes you need to make it yours, and I love that (it’s our tagline after all)! Here are some ideas to change it up:
- Replace the turkey | ham, deli sliced of anything that is your favorite! Try different types of ham, turkey or even roast beef.
- Monte Cristo Style | A modified, non-fried version. Slather a little of your favorite jam (try this Savory Onion Jam) on top of the turkey before the cheese and proceed! Or if making during the holidays, some fresh cranberry relish or sauce would be fantastic!
- Cheese | as mentioned above, change up the cheese to what you have; some delicious cheeses are; Provolone, smoked Gouda, a slab of mozzarella, Havarti, Swiss cheese, mild Cheddar, slice of brie, even a round of goat cheese would be fabulous!
How to serve Turkey Hawaiian Roll Sliders
While these turkey and cheese sliders work great as a stand alone meal, appetizer or snack, make the meal a little more complete with some of these suggested sides:
- Tropical Fruit Salad | the natural sweetness of the fruit compliments this savory richness of these Hawaiian roll turkey sliders.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Go healthy with these extra crispy, extra flavorful brussels sprouts with balsamic honey glaze.
- Harvest Wild Rice Salad | the flavors, textures in this salad are nothing but amazing!
- Our family can be super simple sometimes, we love fresh sliced cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, a little celery — you get the picture.
- A bowl of tomato soup, or Italian wedding Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup would be so delicious with these sammies!
Storing Leftover Turkey Sliders
- Refrigeration: Store your leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each slider individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe baggie or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175° C) until warmed through.
- Reheating: For crispy sliders, skip the microwave! Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to bring back that crunchy goodness. If you must use the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out, and heat at half power in 30 second bursts until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! These sandwiches are very freezer friendly! When ready to bake, bake in a preheated 325° F (165° C) oven, keeping covered for the first 15 minutes, then bake an additional 15-20 minutes longer. Keep an eye on them towards the end, in case they start browning too much.
In my expert opinion, since these are marinated sandwiches, I would pour the sauce on before freezing. But you could do it either way.
With a lot of napkins! These are ooey-gooey, sticky, delicious, and fantastic, but eat them like a typical slider.
Great question. No, they don’t get soggy after sitting in this sauce. The sauce ingredients work together to create a crusty, caramelized, buttery bottom on the sandwiches, and the sauce on the top just bakes in beautifully. Give them a try; you will be hooked!
More recipes using leftovers:
- A fun and unique twist with leftover turkey tacos!
- Ham, Mac and Cheese Soup | Creamy and so delicious!
- Turkey Divan | fresh, lively and uses several leftovers including stuffing!
- Beef Pot Pie | Uses leftover beef stew to make a hearty and comforting pot pie.
- Easy Ham Pot Pie Recipe | don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
- Wild Rice Supreme | uses leftover chicken or turkey and NO CANNED SOUP!
- Best Italian Beef and Bacon Minestrone Soup | it’s a clear out the fridge kind of soup!
- More than 20 recipes for How to Use Leftover Ham!
I hope you loved this Turkey and Cheese Slider recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Video
Equipment
- 10" inch wire whisk
Ingredients
Sliders
- ¾ – 1 lb turkey use leftovers or deli turkey sliced thin (regular, smoked, honey)
- 12 slices cheese thinly sliced; I like Havarti, Cheddar, sharp Cheddar, Provolone and Mozzarella
- 1 pkg Kings Hawaiian Rolls or similar, sliced in half, bottom slighter thicker than the top (12 rolls)
for the Secret Sauce
- ¼ cup butter melted (salted or unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon mustard Dijon or yellow
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar packed, or honey
Optional
- 1 – 2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning or try Poppy seeds or Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 inch pan or rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the entire slab of rolls in half lengthwise, the bottom slightly thicker than the top. Remove the top half of rolls and set aside.1 pkg Kings Hawaiian Rolls
- Place turkey slices evenly over the bottom of the rolls, then repeat with cheese (I always leave a few without cheese as our youngest doesn’t like melty cheese!) Replace the tops on the rolls, set aside to make the sauce.¾ – 1 lb turkey, 12 slices cheese
Secret Sauce
- In a small saucepan melt butter over medium-low heat, once melted whisk in Worcestershire sauce, mustard and brown sugar. Whisk well to combine, bring to simmer. Simmer for 30 seconds until the mixture thickens slightly.¼ cup butter, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Pour special sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls, turkey sliders. Using a pastry brush, brush the sauce over all the surfaces, tops, cracks and sides. If desired, sprinkle with Everything But the Bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or sesame seeds.1 – 2 teaspoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- Spray piece of foil with non-stick spray or spray oil and cover turkey and cheese sliders tightly.* Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C), and pull out turkey and cheese sliders to come to room temp while preheating.
- Bake sliders with foil on for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for additional 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are slightly crusty on top. Serve hot or at room temperature. If needed, recover with foil and cook a few more minutes for thicker cheese to melt.
Notes
Wrap first with plastic wrap, then again with foil snuggly and freeze unbaked sliders up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap and rewrap with sprayed foil and bake in a preheated 325° F (165° C) oven, keeping covered for the first 15 minutes and baking an additional 15-20 minutes longer. Substitution Ideas
- Replace the turkey | ham, deli sliced of anything your favorite! Try different types of ham, turkey or even roast beef.
- Monte Cristo Style | A modified, non-fried version. Slather a little of your favorite jam, cranberry relish, or sauce on top of the turkey before the cheese and proceed!
- Cheese: Use whatever cheese you have. Try Provolone, smoked Gouda, mozzarella, Havarti, Swiss cheese, mild Cheddar, a slice of brie, and even a round of goat cheese!
Storing Leftover Turkey Sliders
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each slider individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe baggie or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175° C) until warmed through.
- Reheating: For crispy sliders, skip the microwave! Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to bring back that crunchy goodness. If you must use the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out, and heat at half power in 30 second bursts until warmed through.
Nutrition
Mel
I’ve served this at parties and it’s a crowd pleaser! I couldn’t find the recipe because you updated the pictures haha
So sorry about that! It is a winner and deserved better pictures!! lol!! Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
SuperMomof2
Quick question….if I marinate these (poured over the top of the closed sandwich/bun), won’t they be a soggy, sticky mess for those who eat sandwiches with their hands?
Good morning! They are sticky, but they don’t get soggy as you bake them it crystallizes. Give it a try! Once you try them you will love them! They are sticky and gooey, but oh so worth it! And you can bake them right away instead of “marinating” them if you prefer! Just hand out plenty of napkins!
Janie Roos
Great use for left over turkey! Took them to an after Thanksgiving party and they were gone almost immediately. My husband loved them. I only had a little over a half an hour for marinating them. I needed more oven time to melt the cheese.
I do think it depends on how thick the cheese is! And I’ve discovered they are still yummy without the long marinating!! Thank you for your kind comment Janie! Happy Thanksgiving!
Patty
Hi, most of my family is not fond of mustard at all! Does the mustard flavor come through alot from the sauce because they sound delish?
Hi Patty, You could halve the mustard, but I wouldn’t omit it altogether. They are amazing and the mustard doesn’t shine through!!
Bren
We just made this yesterday. It was so delicious, and everyone, 4 over 80yrs old, a handful of middle plus as young as 11yrs old just raved over these sandwiches. A few took a copy of the recipe home. I was torn between yellow and Dijon mustard so I did half of each. We didn’t have one sandwich left. We will definetely will make these again. So easy and so good.
Thank you so much Bren, so glad that you loved them so much! They are a favorite of our family for sure!
Julie
We absolutely loved these sliders. I had people coming for a simple lunch and there wasn’t a drop left. These sliders will be perfect for game day too!
Nikki
Ooey, gooey, and oh so tasty! These will be perfect for game days!
Thank you my friend!
Maryann
My kids would gobble these up!
Love to hear this!
Paula@SweetPea
These will not last long at my house. Yum!
Haha! They never last long!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
They look and sound like the perfect sandwiches! They *might* even turn my non-sandwich eating girls into sandwich fans!
I hope they do Tasia! I hope they do!