These Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the perfect party food, ready in just 30 minutes! With a rich, buttery mustard sauce and creamy Havarti cheese, these sliders are not only quick but incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving them for a game day gathering or a casual dinner, they’re sure to impress with minimal effort. Plus, you can bake them in the same packaging as the rolls, making cleanup a breeze.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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24 Hawaiian rolls (or any party rolls)
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24 slices turkey
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12 slices creamy Havarti cheese (or your preferred cheese)
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½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
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½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
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½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried minced onion
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1½ teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Rolls: Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the packaging, keeping the box. Slice the tops off the rolls and set them aside.
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Layer the Cheese: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the box. Layer cheese slices to cover the rolls completely.
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Add Turkey: Layer turkey slices on top of the cheese, ensuring each roll gets a slice.
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Add the Tops: Place the top half of the rolls back on and reseal the sides of the box.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, and poppy seeds (if using). Whisk together.
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Brush with Sauce: Pour the sauce over the top of the rolls, using a pastry brush or spoon to spread it evenly.
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Wrap in Foil: Wrap the entire box tightly in foil.
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Bake: Place the foil-wrapped sliders in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Unwrap and serve!
Nutrients
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Calories: 194 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 11g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
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Trans Fat: 0.3g
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Cholesterol: 43mg
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Sodium: 215mg
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Potassium: 50mg
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Fiber: 0.1g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 238 IU
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Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
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Calcium: 91 mg
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Iron: 0.2 mg
What Makes These Sliders So Irresistible
The appeal of these turkey sliders goes beyond their convenience. They bring together the best of sweet and savory in one simple dish. The Hawaiian rolls’ soft, slightly sweet bread serves as the perfect vessel for the savory turkey and creamy cheese. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor of the buttery sauce. With a sprinkle of dried minced onion and poppy seeds for an extra pop of flavor, these sliders are anything but ordinary. The whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for when you’re short on time but still want to serve something that will stand out.
Why Turkey Sliders Are a Great Party Food
Turkey sliders are a fantastic choice for parties, gatherings, and casual get-togethers for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. The entire dish can be assembled in the same box the rolls come in, which not only saves time but also reduces cleanup. The sliders can be baked, served, and eaten with ease, making them a hassle-free choice when you’re hosting a crowd.
Another reason turkey sliders are a great party food is that they are universally loved. They offer a simple, yet satisfying, meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Whether your guests are looking for a quick snack or a more substantial bite, these sliders are versatile and filling. The balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and tangy—ensures that every guest will find something to enjoy.
How to Customize These Turkey Sliders
One of the best things about turkey sliders is their adaptability. While the classic combination of turkey and Havarti cheese is delicious on its own, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use a different type of cheese if Havarti isn’t available, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, each bringing its own unique flavor to the dish.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free rolls to cater to those with dietary restrictions. For a spicier version, try adding a few slices of jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce. You can also experiment with different meats, such as ham, roast beef, or chicken, depending on what you have available.
Adding extra toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles can also elevate the flavor profile of your sliders, giving them a more substantial feel while maintaining their bite-sized appeal. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to create variations that cater to different tastes.
The Perfect Sauce for Turkey Sliders
The sauce is what sets these turkey sliders apart from other sandwich recipes. The combination of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of dried onion creates a rich and tangy coating that soaks into the rolls, infusing them with deep flavor. The mustard offers a slight sharpness, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami note that balances the richness of the butter.
If you enjoy a bit of crunch and texture, poppy seeds are the perfect addition. While optional, they provide a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal. The sauce itself is what transforms these turkey sliders from simple sandwiches into a gourmet snack, making them a memorable dish at any event.
Why These Sliders are Great for Busy Hosts
As a busy host, time is often your most precious resource, and Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are an excellent way to save time without sacrificing taste. The recipe requires very little hands-on time, as the rolls are assembled in the packaging they come in, and the sliders bake in just 15-20 minutes. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your gathering, such as entertaining guests or preparing drinks, while your oven does the work.
Additionally, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, meaning you don’t have to make a special trip to a gourmet store or spend hours hunting down hard-to-find ingredients. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator, making it easy to whip up these sliders at the last minute for an impromptu gathering.
The Secret to Perfect Turkey Sliders
While the recipe for these sliders is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time. First, make sure to use fresh Hawaiian rolls, as they provide the soft texture and sweet flavor that is essential to the recipe. Avoid rolls that are too dry or stale, as they won’t absorb the sauce properly, and the sliders won’t have the desired texture.
When layering the turkey and cheese, be sure to cover each roll completely, ensuring an even distribution of flavor. The cheese should melt perfectly over the turkey, creating a gooey, flavorful center. If you’re using a different type of cheese, like cheddar, ensure it melts well and compliments the turkey and sauce.
Once the sauce is made, make sure to brush it generously over the top of the rolls. You want each slider to be fully coated in the buttery mustard sauce, as this will contribute to the flavor and texture. Don’t skip wrapping the sliders in foil—this helps trap the heat and steam, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly and ensuring the sliders are heated through evenly.
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey Sliders
In addition to being tasty and easy to prepare, these turkey sliders also offer some nutritional benefits. Turkey is a lean protein source, which means it provides essential nutrients without excess fat. It’s also high in B vitamins, particularly niacin (vitamin B3) and B6, which are important for energy production and maintaining healthy skin, brain function, and metabolism.
The butter used in the recipe provides richness and flavor but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its saturated fat content. However, you can adjust the amount of butter or use a lighter alternative if desired. The Havarti cheese offers a creamy texture and a good amount of calcium, which is important for bone health. While these sliders are not low in calories or fat, they provide a balanced and filling snack or meal when served as part of a well-rounded spread.
Conclusion
Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate party food—simple to make, quick to bake, and irresistibly delicious. With a flavorful, buttery mustard sauce, creamy cheese, and savory turkey, they are sure to impress guests at any event. The fact that these sliders can be made in the same packaging as the rolls means minimal effort for maximum enjoyment, allowing you to spend more time socializing and less time cleaning up. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering, serving dinner to your family, or just craving a quick snack, these sliders are a fantastic choice. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delectable flavor profile ensure they will be a hit at any occasion.