Easy, Cheesy Turkey and Swiss Sliders

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Oct 21, 2022
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Turkey sliders on serving platter.
Credit: Photo: Yunhee Kim; Food Stylist: Jessie YuChen

Turkey and cheese sliders are the easiest and cheesiest party bites.

Makes12 sliders

Prep12 minutes

Cook21 minutes to 28 minutes

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Turkey sliders on serving platter.
Credit: Photo: Yunhee Kim; Food Stylist: Jessie YuChen

Big-batch cooking is one of the best ways I know to feed hungry crowds without spending hours in the kitchen. Slow cooker chili or lasagna may be the first things to come to mind, but these easy-to-assemble sandwiches are also perfect for parties. Instead of laboring over building a dozen two-bite sandwiches, build a whole pan of them using a loaf of Hawaiian rolls.

Turkey and cheese is a beloved combo made even better when served in warm, sweet Hawaiian rolls. You can use sliced turkey from the deli or leftover turkey from your holiday dinner; either way, these sliders are perfect for parties and weeknight dinners alike.

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Turkey and Cheese Sandwich Sliders?

  • Turkey: Use sliced deli meat or leftover roasted turkey. You can easily use this same formula with your favorite meat. Ham, roast beef, or salami would all be delicious, too.
  • Sliced cheese: We call for Swiss or Havarti with the turkey, but feel free to use whatever melty cheese you have on hand.
  • Hawaiian rolls: The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls is great with the savory turkey and cheese. Plus, they come packaged in a loaf, so all you have to do is slice the loaf horizontally, layer on your fixings, and bake.
  • Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard: For this sandwich, we mix the two classic condiments together for a custom sandwich spread.
  • Unsalted butter: To give the rolls a nice sheen and some extra flavor and texture, we brush the tops on the rolls with a mix of melted butter spiked with a little Dijon.
Credit: Photo: Yunhee Kim; Food Stylist: Jessie YuChen

What Cheese Is Best for Turkey Sliders?

Havarti and Swiss are mild cheeses that melt easily with moderate heat, that’s why they are the best choices for turkey sliders. Feel free to experiment, making these sliders your own by using your favorite sliced cheese.

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How Long Should Sliders Go in the Oven?

These sliders need less than 30 minutes total bake time. Begin by baking them covered with aluminum foil until the cheese melts completely, 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese around the edges will melt more quickly than the center of the sliders. Once the sandwiches are warm throughout, uncover the baking dish and continue to bake until the tops of the rolls are toasted.

What Sides Go with Turkey Sliders?

Start with turkey and cheese sliders and add a few easy sides to make these bite-sized sandwiches into a meal.

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Turkey and Cheese Sandwich Sliders Recipe

Turkey and cheese sliders are the easiest and cheesiest party bites.

Prep time 12 minutes

Cook time 21 minutes to 28 minutes

Makes 12 sliders

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) package

    Hawaiian sweet rolls, such as King’s

  • 1/4 cup

    mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons

    whole grain or smooth Dijon mustard, divided

  • 2 tablespoons

    unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 8 ounces

    sliced Havarti or Swiss cheese, divided

  • 12 ounces

    thin slices deli turkey

Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Without separating the rolls, cut 1 package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls in an 11x7- or 9x13-inch baking dish.

  3. Place 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of the Dijon mustard in a small microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine. Spread the mixture onto the cut sides of both the bottom and top halves of the rolls.

  4. Wipe out the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the bowl and microwave until melted, about 20 seconds. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and the remaining 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and stir to combine.

  5. Arrange 4 ounces Havarti or Swiss cheese on the bottom half of the rolls in an even layer. Top with 12 ounces sliced turkey, folding the slices into quarters before placing them onto the rolls. Top with the remaining 4 ounces cheese. Close with the top half of the rolls, mayonnaise-side down. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter mixture, using it all. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

  6. Bake until the cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the rolls are lightly browned and toasted, 6 to 8 minutes more. Cut the serrated knife to separate the sliders into individual sandwiches before serving.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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