Delicious Turkey Sliders: An Easy & Versatile Recipe for Quick Meals & Leftovers
Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, quick weeknight dinners, or transforming holiday leftovers into something new and exciting. These Easy Turkey Sliders embody that versatility, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you have a bounty of roast turkey from a festive meal or just a pack of your favorite deli turkey on hand, this recipe makes it effortless to create mouth-watering mini sandwiches that everyone will love, any day of the year.
The beauty of sliders lies in their adaptability. They’re small, easy to handle, and pack a punch of flavor in every bite. This particular turkey slider recipe stands out for its minimal prep and maximum taste, combining tender turkey with gooey cheese and a savory butter topping, all nestled in soft, buttery buns.
I don’t know about you, but I am always searching for inventive ways to utilize leftover turkey. The holiday season, especially, often leaves us with an abundance of roast meat, inspiring me to explore delicious new preparations. Over the years, classics like Turkey Noodle Soup, Turkey Salad, and Turkey Enchiladas have become family favorites. What makes these recipes so special is how they cleverly disguise the fact that you’re eating leftovers, making every meal feel fresh and exciting!
These Turkey Sliders are particularly fantastic because they are so forgiving. You can effortlessly adapt them to suit your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you happen to have in your pantry. Feel free to mix and match cheeses, sauces, and even add-ins to create your perfect personalized slider experience. It’s a testament to simple cooking that delivers big on flavor.
Why These Turkey Sliders Will Become Your New Favorite
Once you try these savory turkey sliders, you’ll quickly understand why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen. They offer a winning combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility that’s hard to beat.
- Effortlessly Repurpose Leftovers – This recipe is a brilliant solution for any leftover roast turkey you might have. Instead of mundane reheated meals, transform your turkey into something truly special. But don’t wait for holiday leftovers; these sliders are equally delicious with your favorite sliced deli turkey, making them a fantastic option any day of the week. You can even elevate them further by incorporating other leftovers like crispy bacon bits or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a seasonal twist. It’s all about minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
- Incredibly Easy to Assemble – Forget complicated recipes! These sliders are designed for simplicity. The process is straightforward: layer your ingredients, brush with a savory topping, and bake. No fancy techniques or extensive cooking skills required, making this a perfect recipe for beginner cooks, busy parents, or anyone looking for a stress-free meal solution.
- Blazingly Fast to Prepare – When hunger strikes, you don’t want to wait around. These turkey sliders come together in a flash. The assembly takes mere minutes, and the baking time is short, just enough to melt the cheese and warm everything through. You’ll have a delicious, hot meal on the table in under 30 minutes, freeing up more time for family, friends, or simply relaxing.
- Convenient One-Pan Wonder – Who loves doing dishes? Nobody! That’s why the one-pan nature of this recipe is a huge win. You assemble everything right in your baking dish, then pop it straight into the oven. This means fewer dishes to wash and a quicker, easier cleanup process, making your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Turkey Sliders
For exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
Crafting delicious sliders starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- Slider Buns – The foundation of any great slider! Hawaiian sweet rolls are a popular choice, offering a delightful hint of sweetness that complements the savory turkey and cheese. However, feel free to use your favorite savory dinner rolls, potato rolls, or even small brioche buns for a richer flavor. Their soft texture and ability to absorb the buttery topping are essential.
- Turkey – This recipe shines whether you’re using tender, shredded leftover roast turkey or thinly sliced deli turkey. Leftover roast turkey provides a robust, home-cooked flavor, while deli turkey offers convenience and a consistent texture. Both options create a fantastic base for these sliders.
- Cheese – I personally love using sliced cheddar for its sharp flavor and excellent melting capabilities. However, the beauty of sliders is customization! Provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Monterey Jack blend would all be delicious. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the turkey.
- Ranch Dressing – This is my secret weapon for adding a burst of flavor that goes beyond plain mayo or mustard. Ranch dressing provides a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous layer that truly elevates the sliders. If ranch isn’t your preference, you can certainly substitute with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a honey mustard spread, or even a savory cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
- Butter – Melted butter is crucial for the savory topping that gives these sliders their irresistible golden-brown crust and rich aroma.
- Garlic – Minced garlic, when combined with butter, creates an aromatic and intensely flavorful topping that seeps into the buns during baking, adding depth to every bite.
- Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the butter topping, brightening the overall flavor profile.
Simple Steps to Craft Your Turkey Sliders
Making these sliders is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick meal without sacrificing flavor. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, cheesy turkey sliders:
- Prepare the Pan and Buns – Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your slider buns (if they are still connected, slice them horizontally through the middle, keeping the tops and bottoms intact). Place the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×13 inch baking dish. This makes for easy assembly and ensures all sliders bake evenly together.
- Layer the Flavor – Spread an even layer of ranch dressing over the bottom buns. This acts as a delicious moisture barrier and flavor base. Next, arrange half of your sliced cheese over the ranch, creating a cheesy foundation. Pile your turkey generously over the cheese layer. Finally, top the turkey with the remaining cheese slices, then carefully place the top halves of the buns back over the cheese, completing your sandwich assembly.
- Brush and Bake – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. This aromatic mixture is key to the sliders’ irresistible golden crust and savory flavor. Brush this butter mixture generously over the tops of the buns, ensuring every slider gets a flavorful coating. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be gloriously melted and bubbly, and the buns to be lightly golden and warmed through. Keep an eye on them; if the tops start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Slice and Serve – Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the buns along their natural divisions into individual sliders. Arrange them on a platter for an appealing presentation, or simply let everyone grab their own directly from the pan. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Tips & Customization Suggestions
These turkey sliders are already fantastic, but with a few simple tips and creative additions, you can make them truly your own:
- Choosing Your Turkey:
- Leftover Roast Turkey: If using leftover roast turkey, it might take a bit longer to heat through completely, especially if it’s cold from the fridge. You can either gently warm the turkey in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sliders, or if you prefer to bake it with the sliders, cover the dish with foil for the first 10-15 minutes of baking. This prevents the buns from browning too quickly while the turkey warms up. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to get a nice golden crust.
- Deli Turkey: For deli turkey, almost any variety works well! Smoked, roasted, or honey-glazed deli turkey slices are all excellent choices. Simply stack them neatly to ensure even distribution in each slider.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese! Provolone offers a mild, creamy melt, Swiss brings a nutty flavor, mozzarella delivers incredible stretchiness, and pepper jack adds a delightful kick. Don’t hesitate to use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor.
- Sauce & Spread Alternatives:
- Ranch: Homemade Ranch Dressing offers unparalleled freshness, but your favorite bottled brand works perfectly for convenience.
- Beyond Ranch: Mayo is a simple and creamy alternative. Dijon mustard or honey mustard can add a tangy zip. For a unique, holiday-inspired twist, spread a layer of leftover cranberry sauce on the bottom buns – it pairs beautifully with turkey and cheese!
- BBQ Sauce: A thin layer of smoky BBQ sauce can give your sliders a whole new flavor profile.
- Elevate the Topping: For extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle a few sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the butter-garlic-parsley mixture before baking.
- Add-Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture:
- Onions: Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions can add a wonderful bite or sweetness.
- Pickles: Thin pickle slices inside the sliders offer a tangy contrast.
- Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon is always a welcome addition for savory, smoky flavor.
- Spinach/Arugula: A handful of fresh greens can add a peppery or earthy note once the sliders are baked.
- Spices: A pinch of onion powder or dried Italian herbs can be added to the butter mixture for more depth.
Storing and Reheating Your Turkey Sliders
If you happen to have any leftover turkey sliders (a rare occurrence, I warn you!), they store wonderfully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the individual sliders to an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
These sliders are surprisingly delicious cold, making them an excellent option for packed lunches or a quick snack. However, if you prefer them warm and gooey, you have a couple of reheating options:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place one or two sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-40 seconds, or until warmed through and the cheese is soft. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the buns tough.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: For the best results, mimicking their freshly baked state, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly crispy again. You can loosely cover them with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Turkey Sliders
These versatile turkey sliders are fantastic as a standalone snack or appetizer, especially for a casual gathering or game day. But they also make a hearty and complete meal when paired with the right sides. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Fresh Tossed Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders.
- Colorful Fruit Skewers: Bright, sweet fruit adds a delightful pop of freshness and a touch of sweetness, especially if you used savory rolls for your sliders.
- Crispy Tater Tots or Fries: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve with a side of golden, crispy tater tots or French fries.
- Creamy Homemade Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a fantastic textural and flavor balance.
- Pickle Spears: A simple side of dill pickle spears can cut through the richness and add a satisfying briny bite.
- Soup: A light tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup makes for a comforting meal when served alongside your sliders.
Can I Prepare These Turkey Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These turkey sliders are an excellent make-ahead option, perfect for party prep or busy weeknights. You can fully assemble them a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
To make them ahead:
- Assemble the sliders in your baking dish exactly as directed, layering the buns, sauce, turkey, and cheese.
- Prepare the melted butter, garlic, and parsley mixture, but store it separately in a small airtight container in the fridge.
- Cover the assembled sliders tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When you’re ready to serve, remove the sliders from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats.
- Brush the tops of the buns generously with the prepared butter mixture.
- Since the sliders will be cold, you’ll want to bake them for a slightly longer period. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the initial 15-20 minutes of baking to ensure everything warms through without the buns browning too quickly. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
This make-ahead method is a lifesaver for entertaining or meal prepping, ensuring you can enjoy fresh, hot sliders with minimal last-minute effort.
Explore More Delicious Slider Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of these turkey sliders, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of slider possibilities waiting to be discovered. Sliders are perfect for experimenting with different fillings and flavor profiles. Here are some other fantastic slider recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Ham & Cheese Sliders: A classic combination, often made with a buttery poppy seed topping.
- French Dip Sliders: Sliced roast beef and provolone cheese, served with a savory au jus for dipping.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, often paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone or Cheez Whiz.
Each of these offers a unique and delicious twist on the slider concept, guaranteeing you’ll find a favorite for every taste and occasion.
Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 pound turkey
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
- Cut the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom halves together. Place the bottom halves of the buns into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread ranch dressing evenly over the bottom buns. Arrange half of the cheese slices over the dressing.
- Top the cheese with your turkey (leftover roast or deli slices), then layer the remaining cheese over the turkey. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the buns.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the filling is warmed through. If the buns start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
These turkey sliders are a true testament to how easy and delicious repurposing ingredients can be. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or as a creative way to use up holiday turkey, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Their simple assembly, fast cooking time, and customizable nature make them an absolute must-try. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful turkey sliders!
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