Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders

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Introduction

Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate comfort meal, blending savory turkey with the sweet, tangy kick of pineapple, all nestled between soft, toasted buns. The flavors come together beautifully, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. The gooey melted cheese and tender turkey create a mouthwatering experience, while the touch of pineapple adds a delightful tropical twist. These sliders aren’t just a snack; they’re a crowd-pleasing delight that turns any meal into a special occasion.

I first made these sliders during a casual get-together with friends, and they quickly became a hit. The aroma of the sliders baking in the oven, with the sweet hint of pineapple and the rich scent of turkey and cheese melting together, fills the air and makes everyone eager for the first bite. The combination of soft, slightly crispy buns with the warm filling is truly irresistible.

Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner or a fun game-day snack. They’re incredibly easy to make, yet taste so flavorful and satisfying. If you’re looking for a dish that will have everyone coming back for more, these sliders are the way to go!

Perfect For:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings and parties
• Meal prep for the week ahead
• Game day snacks or Breakfast
• Kid-friendly meals
• Sandwich lovers looking for a lighter, yet tasty option

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love these Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The sweet Hawaiian rolls are perfectly complemented by the savory turkey, cheese, and a zesty glaze, making each bite irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: These sliders come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch out ingredients or toppings based on your preferences. Add more veggies or try different types of cheese for variety.
• Great for Meal Prep: These sliders are ideal for prepping ahead of time, making them a perfect choice for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and smaller portion sizes make these sliders perfect for kids, while still being satisfying for adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (preferably soft and slightly sweet)
• 1 lb lean turkey breast slices (deli-style, or leftover cooked turkey)
• 12 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella are great options)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the pan)

For the Glaze

• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• Pickles or pickled jalapeños for extra crunch
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (for garnish)

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Sliders

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inch size works well) with olive oil or butter to prevent the sliders from sticking.
3. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves together as one piece. Lay the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
4. Layer the sliced turkey evenly across the bottom of the rolls, ensuring the turkey covers the entire surface.
5. Place one slice of cheese on top of each turkey portion. Feel free to fold the cheese if the slices are too large to fit the rolls.

Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Whisk the glaze ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
3. Pour the glaze evenly over the turkey and cheese layers, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will help infuse the sliders with sweetness and tang while they bake.

Assemble and Bake

1. Place the top half of the rolls onto the sliders, pressing down gently to secure everything in place.
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to ensure the sliders steam and don’t dry out while baking.
3. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
4. Remove the sliders from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before cutting into individual sliders.

How to Serve

These Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to serve and enjoy them:

• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve the sliders on a platter as an appetizer for a gathering or a snack for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• With a Side Salad: Pair these sliders with a light side salad, such as a spinach or mixed greens salad, to balance out the richness of the sliders.
• With Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For a more filling meal, serve the sliders with crispy fries or roasted sweet potato fries.
• As a Party Platter: These sliders are perfect for a party platter. You can prepare them ahead of time, bake them, and serve them on a large serving tray for easy snacking.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Serve the sliders with a side of pickled vegetables, like cucumber or onions, to add a tangy and crunchy contrast to the savory sliders.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls will give your sliders the best texture and flavor. If you’re using rolls that are a bit stale, you can lightly toast them to improve their softness.
• Slightly Toast the Rolls: If you want a crispier texture, toast the rolls in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the sliders. This will give them a little more structure when you bake them.
• Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add more veggies to your sliders, such as spinach, fresh tomatoes, or even caramelized onions, to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free rolls, ensuring that the soy sauce used in the glaze is also gluten-free (use tamari instead).
• Meal Prep Tip: These sliders are great for meal prep. Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, bake them off as needed for an easy meal.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try to customize your Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders:

1. BBQ Turkey Sliders: Swap out the glaze for your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
2. Pineapple-Glazed Sliders: Add pineapple slices between the turkey and cheese to bring in a tropical flair.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Turkey Sliders: Add slices of pickled jalapeños to the sliders for a spicy kick.
4. Cranberry Turkey Sliders: For a seasonal twist, use cranberry sauce as the glaze to complement the turkey’s flavor.
5. Avocado Turkey Sliders: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and to enhance the richness of the turkey.
6. Turkey and Bacon Sliders: Add turkey bacon as an optional topping for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Pesto Turkey Sliders: Swap out the mustard in the glaze for pesto to add an herby, fresh flavor.
8. Veggie Turkey Sliders: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies to the turkey layer for extra nutrition and flavor.
9. Sweet Potato Turkey Sliders: Add roasted sweet potato slices for a naturally sweet and hearty component.
10. Cheddar & Swiss Turkey Sliders: Combine both cheddar and Swiss cheese for a perfect balance of sharp and mild flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These sliders can be easily frozen for later use. After assembling, wrap them tightly in foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Special Equipment

For preparing Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders, the following kitchen tools can be helpful:

1. Baking Dish (9×13 inch): A large baking dish ensures the sliders are perfectly baked.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the Hawaiian rolls without squishing them.
3. Whisk: A small whisk is useful for mixing the glaze ingredients evenly.
4. Aluminum Foil: Covering the baking dish with foil ensures the sliders stay moist during baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these sliders in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or party planning.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a vegan cheese option would work perfectly in these sliders.
3. Can I make these sliders without the glaze?
   Yes, you can skip the glaze and simply use mayonnaise or mustard to spread on the rolls, or use a store-bought sauce of your choice.
4. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
   Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the turkey slices, especially if using deli meat. Avoid overloading the sliders with sauce and keep the rolls slightly toasted for structure.
5. Are these sliders gluten-free?
   To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls and ensure the soy sauce in the glaze is gluten-free (tamari is a great alternative).
6. Can I add more veggies?
   Yes, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers to the sliders for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders are a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and savory flavors that will quickly become a crowd favorite. The tender turkey combined with melted cheese and the sweet, tangy notes of pineapple create a mouthwatering contrast in every bite. The soft, buttery rolls add the perfect touch of richness, elevating this dish to a new level of comfort food bliss.

What makes these sliders stand out is their versatility. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a snack for the big game, they’re easy to assemble and bursting with flavor. You can even adjust the level of sweetness or add a bit of spice to make them your own.

Perfect for any occasion, Hawaiian Turkey and Cheese Sliders are sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. I’m excited for you to try these tasty little sandwiches that are as fun to make as they are to eat! Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I can’t wait to see how you put your personal spin on these sliders. Enjoy every delicious bite!