Turkey sliders are the perfect way to repurpose leftover turkey, transforming it into a cheesy, melty delight. These sliders are ideal for a quick dinner or a party snack. They are easy to prepare, flavorful, and customizable, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. The combination of juicy turkey, creamy cheese, and a buttery topping will leave everyone craving more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 party rolls

• 12 slices cooked turkey breast (leftover or deli turkey)

• 6 slices Havarti cheese

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard

• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried onion, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons poppy seeds

• Sea salt flakes

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F). Slice the tops off the rolls and set them aside. Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom half of the rolls, then place them in a baking dish.

2. Cover the bottom rolls with slices of Havarti cheese, making sure they overlap slightly. Arrange the turkey slices on top of the cheese.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion, and poppy seeds.

4. Brush or spoon the butter mixture generously over the top of the sliders. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 7 minutes or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty.

6. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 233 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

• Trans Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 33mg

• Sodium: 320mg

• Potassium: 98mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 349 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.5mg

• Calcium: 135mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Quick and Easy Meal

The beauty of turkey sliders lies in their simplicity. This recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, so you can throw them together with minimal preparation. The use of leftover turkey, whether from a recent holiday meal or deli slices, makes this dish perfect for repurposing ingredients you already have. The convenience of having ready-to-go turkey means that making these sliders becomes a hassle-free experience. Plus, the assembly takes only minutes, and the baking time is short, making it a great option for a busy weeknight or when you want to serve something tasty without much effort.

Rich and Flavorful Ingredients

The sliders start with soft, pillowy party rolls that provide the perfect base for the turkey and cheese. These rolls are easy to handle and have just the right amount of fluff to complement the richness of the fillings. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom rolls to add a slight tang, which perfectly balances the creaminess of the Havarti cheese. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese known for its smooth texture and mild, buttery flavor. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, indulgent layer between the turkey and the top roll.

Next, the turkey slices are stacked on top of the cheese, creating a meaty, satisfying layer that will keep you coming back for more. The turkey, especially if it’s freshly cooked or from a previous meal, adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese. The combination of these ingredients sets the stage for the delicious, buttery topping that will tie everything together.

The Secret to the Buttery Topping

What really takes these turkey sliders to the next level is the flavorful, buttery sauce poured over the top before baking. A mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced dried onion, and poppy seeds creates a rich glaze that adds complexity and depth to the sliders. The Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami kick, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy edge. The dried onion contributes a savory bite, and the poppy seeds introduce a light crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the rolls. The butter in this topping is key to achieving the golden, crispy finish on top, ensuring that each slider has a satisfying, slightly crisp texture on the outside while staying soft and melty on the inside.

Baking the Sliders to Perfection

Once the sliders are assembled and the buttery topping is brushed generously over the top, they are covered with foil and baked in the oven. The foil helps to steam the sliders, keeping the ingredients moist and allowing the cheese to melt perfectly. After the first 10 minutes of baking, the foil is removed, and the sliders are allowed to bake for an additional 7 minutes. This second stage of baking ensures that the tops become golden brown and crispy, while the cheese inside continues to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.

The result is a slider with a crispy, buttery exterior, a melty cheese layer, and juicy turkey nestled in between. The sliders are then topped with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before serving, adding an extra burst of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

A Crowd-Pleasing Snack for Any Occasion

Turkey sliders aren’t just for leftover turkey. While they’re an excellent way to use up holiday turkey, they’re equally great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing, and the bite-sized portions mean that guests can easily try multiple sliders without feeling too full.

This dish can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. You can double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving. The beauty of turkey sliders is that they are adaptable to different party sizes, so they’re perfect for both intimate dinners and large celebrations.

Customizing Your Turkey Sliders

One of the best things about turkey sliders is that they’re highly customizable. While the original recipe calls for Havarti cheese and turkey, you can easily switch up the ingredients to match your preferences or use what you have on hand. For a sharper contrast, try swapping the Havarti for cheddar or Swiss cheese. If you prefer a more decadent slider, adding a slice of crispy bacon or caramelized onions can bring in additional layers of flavor.

You can also experiment with the type of mustard used in the recipe. For a tangier, more flavorful bite, try using a spicy brown mustard or honey mustard in place of the Dijon. Additionally, adding some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of garlic powder can infuse the sliders with extra flavor. The options are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make the recipe your own.

Perfect Pairings for Turkey Sliders

Turkey sliders are already a complete meal on their own, but serving them alongside the right sides can take your meal to the next level. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders. You could also pair them with a side of roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, for added texture and flavor. If you’re craving something more indulgent, consider serving the sliders with crispy fries or potato wedges for a classic comfort food combo.

For drinks, a cold beer pairs wonderfully with turkey sliders, especially if you’re serving them at a party or gathering. A light lager or pale ale complements the buttery, savory flavors of the sliders without overpowering them. If you prefer wine, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be a great choice. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade would complement the richness of the sliders beautifully.

Conclusion

Turkey sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and a buttery topping creates a satisfying dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as a snack, or as part of a larger spread, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Their versatility and simplicity make them a great go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With endless opportunities for customization and an irresistible taste, turkey sliders are sure to become a favorite in your household.