Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders are one of those simple, comforting dishes that always hit the spot. These little sandwiches are packed with tender turkey, melted cheese, and a soft,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders are one of those simple, comforting dishes that always hit the spot. These little sandwiches are packed with tender turkey, melted cheese, and a soft, buttery bun that gets all toasty and flavorful in the oven. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get a satisfying bite that’s perfect for any time you want something tasty without fuss.
I love making these sliders when I need a quick meal that still feels special. What makes them so great is that everyone can customize theirs with their favorite cheese or a little extra topping like pickles or a spread. I usually brush the tops with a buttery garlic sauce before baking—it gives the sliders that extra bit of flavor and makes the bread golden and delicious. It’s a small step that really makes a big difference.
These sliders are perfect for casual dinners, game nights, or anytime friends and family gather. I often serve them with a side of simple salad or some crunchy chips, and they always bring smiles around the table. The best part is that leftovers heat up perfectly, so you can enjoy that same fresh-baked feeling all week long. Plus, they’re easy enough to throw together any night of the week when you’re in the mood for something warm and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls are my favorite here because they’re soft and slightly sweet, which pairs well with the turkey and cheese. If you can’t find them, soft dinner rolls or dinner slider buns work well too.
Turkey: Using sliced deli turkey breast is quick and easy. If you have leftover roasted turkey or turkey breast slices, those make a great substitution. For a different flavor, chicken slices can also work.
Cheese: Swiss or cheddar cheese melts beautifully in this recipe. I like Swiss for the nuttier flavor, but cheddar adds a sharper taste. Provolone or mozzarella can be used if you prefer a milder cheese.
Butter Mixture: The butter mix adds flavor and moisture to the buns. Dijon mustard gives a mild tang, and dried onion and parsley flakes add savory notes. If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or a bit of mayonnaise can be used instead.
How Can I Get the Perfect Golden Brown Tops on My Sliders?
Getting that beautiful golden crust on top is the secret to tasty baked sliders. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush the butter mixture evenly over the buns—don’t skip this step!
- Cover with foil for the first part of baking to melt the cheese without drying the buns.
- Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to let the tops crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Keep a close eye during this last step to prevent burning; ovens vary.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully.
Following these steps makes your sliders look and taste like they came from a bakery. Plus, it keeps the bread soft inside while adding a little crunch on the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the sliders and bake evenly.
- Sharp serrated knife – makes it easy to slice the slider buns without squishing them.
- Small mixing bowl – to whisk together the butter and seasonings for brushing on the buns.
- Basting brush or spoon – helps spread the butter mixture evenly over the slider tops.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the sliders moist while baking and melts the cheese nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for ham or roast beef for a different deli-meat flavor that still melts well with cheese.
- Try pepper jack or provolone cheese for a little extra kick or creaminess.
- Add thinly sliced pickles or banana peppers for a tangy, crunchy surprise inside.
- Mix some cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the turkey layer for smoky sweetness.
Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
- 1 lb sliced deli turkey breast (or cooked turkey slices)
- 12 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite cheese)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to bake. So, in under 30 minutes total, you’ll have delicious, warm sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the slider buns out of the package without separating them. Carefully slice the whole block horizontally into a top half and bottom half. Place the bottom half into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Then, place the cheese slices evenly on top of the turkey. Cover everything with the top half of the buns.
3. Make the Butter Topping and Bake:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds if using. Brush or pour this mixture evenly over the top of the buns to cover them well.
Cover the baking dish with foil, then bake for about 15 minutes so the cheese melts and the sliders warm through.
4. Brown the Tops and Serve:
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the bun tops turn golden brown and a little crispy. Let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes before cutting them apart with a sharp knife. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, tasty goodness!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their softness and sweetness, you can use dinner rolls, slider buns, or even small sandwich buns. Just adjust the baking time slightly if your buns are larger or denser.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through — adding a bit of foil in the oven helps keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to These Sliders?
Definitely! Try adding bacon, pickles, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture. You can also switch up the cheese or spread some mayo or mustard inside before assembling.
