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Easy Oven Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe

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One of the best thing about the holidays are the amazing leftovers and these oven baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders are one of our favorites! Leftover turkey, gooey, rich cheese makes the most amazing quick dinner, appetizer or lunch!

While I am not a huge leftovers fan, when leftover turkey is repurposed into a hot, gooey sandwich or slider, I am all in! These are fabulous for Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, tailgating, or the Big Game — or just because you want an easy, scrumptious dinner!

These amazing turkey and cheese sliders were inspired by my very popular Hammy Sammies. You should pop over and give them a try too! But before you go, save these breakfast sliders and Roast beef sliders as well! And my famous Cheesesteak Sandwich is amazing!

Turkey and cheese sliders in pan with melty cheese.

What are readers are saying!

A few fun comments about Hammie Sammies that definitely applies to these yummy baked turkey sliders too!

These are yummy! So easy to fix too!

Lesa – 5 Stars

These have become a Christmas tradition. Thanks Kathleen!

Tracy
Gooey turkey and cheese slider in hands.

Why You Will Love these turkey sliders

  • USE FOR LEFTOVERS | Any way I can repurpose leftovers is always a win in my book!
  • FEED A CROWD | Need to feed a lot of people, make up a batch or two of these turkey and cheese sliders, then pop in the oven and watch people drool!
  • MAKE AHEAD | Since these turkey sliders hang out in the marinade for a few hours or even overnight, makes it the perfect last minute pop in the oven meal.
  • FLAVOR OVERLOAD | Something magical happens while these turkey sammies sit in the sauce, creating a buttery, crunchy, savory, flavorful gooey slider.

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

image of turkey slider ingredients, L-R sliced cheese, sliced leftover turkey, king's hawaiian rolls, brown sugar, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce and butter.
  • 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!
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese | I used Beecher’s Flagship Aged Cheddar cheese, but honestly, use YOUR favorite cheese! Delicious pairings are provolone, Swiss, Colby-Jack, Regular Cheddar, Havarti, Smoked Mozzarella, Gouda cheese, even brie or goat cheese would be dreamy; the skies 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 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 for this, you don’t want these sitting in oil.
  • Worcestershire Sauce | Adds, savory, rich flavor to the sandwiches.
  • Mustard | your choice yellow or Dijon, we love Dijon, 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.

Step-by-Step Instructions + Video

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. Lifting them slightly if desired, making sure some sauce goes under the rolls. But don’t worry, it finds it way under. You can brush the sauce onto the sides and between the cracks.

Spray piece of foil with non-stick spray or spray oil and cover turkey and cheese sliders tightly, refrigerate for 4 hours or more.

Sauce poured over tops of turkey sliders.

Step 4 | Baking Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and pull out turkey and cheese sliders to come to room temp while preheating.

Bake sliders with foil on for 6 minutes, then remove foil and bake for additional 9 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are slightly crusty on top. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Oven baked turkey sliders in white pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze turkey sliders?

Yes! These sandwiches are very freezer friendly! When ready to bake, bake in preheated 300F degree oven keeping covered for first 15 minutes, then baking an additional 15-20 minutes longer. Keep an eye on them towards the end, in case they start browning too much.

Should I pour the sauce on before or after freezing?

In my expert opinion 🙂 since these are a marinated sandwich, I would pour the sauce on prior to freezing. But you could do it either way, I would recommend that you then allow them to thaw for at least 4 hours in the fridge while marinating in the sauce.

How do you eat turkey sliders?

With a lot of napkins! These are ooey-gooey, sticky, delicious, fantastic, but eat them like a typical slider.

Don’t they get soggy?

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!

Hands holding gooey drippy turkey and cheese slider.

Variations & Substitutions

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!
Serving turkey and cheese sliders from pan.

What can I serve with turkey 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:

Turkey and Cheese sliders in pan and two on a plate for pinning.

More recipes using leftovers:

I hope you loved this oven baked Turkey Slider recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on InstagramFacebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

Turkey and cheese sliders in pan with melty cheese.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders (the Best!)

Author: Kathleen Pope
5 from 7 votes
One of the best thing about the holidays are the amazing leftovers and these Turkey and Cheese Sliders are one of our favorites! Leftover turkey, gooey, rich cheese makes the most amazing quick dinner, appetizer or lunch!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Sliders

  • 1/2 lb leftover turkey, or deli turkey sliced thin (regular, smoked, honey)
  • 1/2 lb thinly sliced cheddar cheese, see below for other options
  • 1- 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls or similar

for the Secret Sauce

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon mustard | Dijon or Yellow
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

Instructions
 

  • 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. Gently tear the rolls into 4 columns of 3 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • Spray piece of foil with non-stick spray or spray oil and cover turkey and cheese sliders tightly, refrigerate for 4 hours or more. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and pull out turkey and cheese sliders to come to room temp while preheating.
  • Bake sliders with foil on for 6 minutes, then remove foil and bake for additional 9 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.

Video

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

Do they need to “marinate”
They are so much better when they do, but I have had many, many readers make and bake them right away and they are still amazing!
Freezer Instructions
Freeze well covered. When ready to bake, bake in preheated 300F degree oven keeping covered for first 15 minutes, then baking an additional 15-20 minutes longer.
Substitution Ideas
  • 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, cranberry relish or sauce, on top of the turkey before the cheese and proceed!
  • 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!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slider Calories: 208 kcal Carbohydrates: 4 g Protein: 12 g Fat: 16 g Saturated Fat: 9 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g Trans Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 68 mg Sodium: 257 mg Sugar: 2 g

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

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17 Comments

  1. 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?

    1. 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!

  2. 5 stars
    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.

    1. 5 stars
      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.

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. They look and sound like the perfect sandwiches! They *might* even turn my non-sandwich eating girls into sandwich fans!