If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing sandwich that brings a burst of sweet and savory flavors, look no further than this Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls cradle tender slices of turkey and melted cheese, all bathed in a luscious butter glaze infused with mustard and a touch of brown sugar. Whether you’re feeding a party, hosting a game day gathering, or simply seeking a cozy dinner, these sliders deliver a perfect balance of flavor and irresistible comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a unique element that layers flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color to your sliders.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count): Their natural sweetness and soft texture create the perfect slider base that contrasts beautifully with savory fillings.
- Sliced deli turkey (¾ pound): Lean and tender, turkey adds hearty protein and mild flavor, letting the other components shine.
- Swiss or provolone cheese (6 slices, halved): Meltable cheeses offer that creamy, gooey touch that makes sliders utterly comforting.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup, optional): Adds moisture and subtle richness when spread on the rolls.
- Dijon or honey mustard (¼ cup, optional): Brings tang and a hint of sharpness or sweetness depending on your choice.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): The key to a luscious topping that bakes into a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the butter mixture, enhancing the rolls’ natural sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Infuses a slight tanginess that balances the brown sugar sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth that complements turkey and cheese.
- Poppy seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): A classic finishing touch giving a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the sliders don’t stick. Carefully slice the entire loaf of Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating individual sliders—this saves time and helps the sliders hold together while baking. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared dish, creating the perfect foundation for layers of delicious fillings.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
If you love a bit of tang and creaminess, spread mayonnaise and/or your choice of Dijon or honey mustard evenly over the cut sides of the rolls. Spread generously for that extra moisture and flavor punch. Next, layer your sliced turkey evenly over the bottom rolls, followed by the halved slices of Swiss or provolone cheese. These layers ensure every slider bites into a combination of soft bread, meaty turkey, and gooey cheese.
Step 3: Cover and Prepare the Butter Glaze
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered turkey and cheese, gently pressing down so the sandwich is snug. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and optional poppy seeds to make a fragrant glaze. This butter mixture is a game-changer, creating a golden, sticky crust that complements the sweet rolls and savory filling perfectly.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
Brush the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure no spot is missed. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Let the sliders cool slightly to make slicing easier and avoid any messy cheese spills.
How to Serve Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your sliders beautifully. Fresh sprigs of parsley add a burst of color and freshness, while a light sprinkle of extra poppy seeds brings a little crunchy texture. For a little zing, serve alongside small bowls of mustard or a tangy dipping sauce that complements the savory-sweet flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine alongside crispy kettle chips or a fresh, tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter glaze. For a heartier meal, pair with a light garden salad or roasted vegetables that echo the homey, comforting vibe of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board or platter with toothpicks to keep them together and make them easy for guests to grab. To add a festive touch, line the platter with lettuce leaves or colorful edible flowers. You can also customize each slider with different cheeses or spreads on half of the batch to please a variety of palates without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders are just as delightful the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and the flavors fresh while making it easy to grab a quick and delicious snack or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead and save some for later, these sliders freeze wonderfully. Wrap the entire assembled slider block tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile enough to swap turkey with ham, roast beef, or even chicken. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor but will be equally delicious paired with the sweet rolls and buttery glaze.
What cheeses work best for Hawaiian sliders?
Swiss and provolone are fantastic choices due to their meltability and mild flavor, but cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can also be used for a different taste experience without overwhelming the sliders.
Is it necessary to use both mayonnaise and mustard?
Nope! Using either mayonnaise or mustard alone works well, and you can mix them if you like. They add moisture and flavor but are optional depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The Hawaiian sweet rolls contain gluten, but you could use gluten-free slider buns as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly and choose buns that hold together well for the best slider experience.
How long do these sliders stay fresh after baking?
They’re best eaten within the first day for peak freshness, but as mentioned, leftovers stored properly in the fridge will keep for up to 3 days without losing too much texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe is such a delightful mix of flavors and textures that it’s sure to become a staple whenever you need an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. From the sweet, soft rolls to the melty cheese and savory turkey, each bite feels like a little party. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab those Hawaiian rolls and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your guests will thank you!
Print
Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders combine sweet Hawaiian rolls with savory deli turkey and melted Swiss or provolone cheese, topped with a flavorful buttery glaze. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight meal, these baked sliders are quick to assemble and packed with delicious layers of flavor.
Ingredients
Sandwiches
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¾ pound sliced deli turkey
- 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese, halved
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
- ¼ cup Dijon or honey mustard (optional)
Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Slice the Rolls: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire loaf of Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble Sandwich Layers: Spread mayonnaise and/or mustard over the cut sides of the bottom rolls, according to your preference. Layer the sliced deli turkey evenly over the rolls, then top with the halved Swiss or provolone cheese slices.
- Add Top Half: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered turkey and cheese, forming the complete sliders.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds until fully combined.
- Brush Glaze: Evenly brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls to add flavor and aid in browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing between the rolls and serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute turkey with ham or roast beef for variety.
- Try different cheese options like cheddar or pepper jack to customize flavor.
- These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or quick weeknight dinners.
- Mayonnaise and mustard are optional, but add extra moisture and flavor.
- Poppy seeds add a traditional touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
