These warm, cheesy turkey sliders are one of those recipes that just work. They’re buttery, melty, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or when you need something everyone will say yes to.
They come together fast and bake all in one dish. We love serving them hot out of the oven with the tops all golden and the cheese perfectly gooey.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these for our weekend movie nights, and now they’re a regular go-to. They’re simple, comforting, and come out perfect every time.
- Quick to throw together—less than 10 minutes prep
- Only a few ingredients, but big flavor
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Great way to use up leftover turkey or deli slices
Servings: Makes 12 sliders
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 pack (12-count) sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 3/4 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style)
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Pro Tips
- Use a serrated knife to slice all the rolls at once horizontally.
- Layer the cheese under and over the turkey to lock in the moisture.
- Melt butter fully before mixing with other topping ingredients.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cover with foil while baking, then remove for the last few minutes for golden tops.
Tools Required
- 9×13 baking dish
- Serrated knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Silicone brush
- Measuring spoons
- Foil
- Oven mitts
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap turkey for ham, roast chicken, or roast beef
- Use Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack instead of cheddar/mozzarella
- Add thin slices of tomato or pickles before baking for extra flavor
- Use gluten-free rolls to make it GF
Make Ahead Tips
You can fully assemble the sliders up to 1 day ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Just brush with the butter mixture right before baking.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Use a serrated knife to cut the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Don’t separate them. Place the bottom half into a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Layer Cheddar Cheese
Place 6 slices of cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
Step 3: Add Sliced Turkey
Evenly layer 3/4 lb of deli-sliced turkey breast over the cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Place 6 slices of mozzarella cheese over the turkey layer.
Step 5: Add the Top Buns
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Stir well.
Step 7: Brush Butter on Top
Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, coating them evenly.
Step 8: Add Poppy Seeds
Sprinkle 1 tbsp poppy seeds evenly over the tops.
Step 9: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until tops are golden brown.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to keep the tops crisp. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.
Macros Information (Per Slider)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The layering of cheese both under and over the turkey locks in moisture, keeping the sliders from drying out. Hawaiian rolls are soft and slightly sweet, which balances the savory turkey and cheese. The butter mixture on top adds flavor and helps the rolls crisp perfectly during baking.
Common Mistakes
- Not covering with foil: The tops will brown too quickly before the cheese melts.
- Too much filling: Overstuffing can make the sliders hard to slice cleanly.
- Cold butter mixture: It won’t spread easily and won’t soak into the rolls.
- Skipping the mustard: It’s subtle but adds a tangy balance to all the richness.
What to Serve With
- A crisp side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted sweet potato wedges
- Dill pickles or pickle spears
- Tomato basil soup
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
FAQ
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Yes! Just slice it thin so it layers nicely.
Can I make this without poppy seeds?
Totally—just skip them or use sesame seeds.
Do I have to use two kinds of cheese?
Nope—just use whatever cheese melts well and you like the flavor of.
Can I prep these in the morning?
Yep! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
These turkey and cheese sliders are just so easy and seriously satisfying. You get buttery, cheesy goodness in every single bite, and they disappear fast every time I make them. I hope you give them a try—and if you do, drop a comment below to let me know how they turned out or if you have any questions!