Introduction

These turkey sliders are small bites packed with flavor, perfect for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The juicy ground turkey patties are seasoned well and topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese, served on sweet Hawaiian rolls for a delicious balance.

Turkey Sliders with Cheddar on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground turkey (preferably 85 percent lean)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
Ground cayenne (optional)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 slices sharp Cheddar (about 6 ounces), each torn into 4 squares
1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 buns), split
Barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, caramelized onions and pickle chips (optional), for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and a large pinch of cayenne if using. On a large plate or cutting board, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1/4 cup each), then shape them into patties about 2 ½ inches wide.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When hot, add 6 patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through with no pink inside. Place 2 squares of cheese on each patty and cook 1 to 2 more minutes until the cheese melts. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining patties and cheese.
Step 3: Preheat the broiler. Place the split Hawaiian rolls on a baking sheet and position on the top third rack of the oven. Broil just until the buns are lightly toasted, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 4: Assemble the sliders by spreading barbecue sauce and mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted buns if desired. Place the turkey patties inside and top with caramelized onions and pickle chips, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For juicier patties, avoid pressing down on the turkey while cooking to keep moisture inside.
Try swapping sharp Cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Caramelizing onions beforehand adds sweetness and depth but you can substitute with raw red onion slices for crunch.

Storage

Store leftover turkey slider patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat and toast buns briefly before assembling. Slider components are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare the turkey patties a day in advance and keep them uncooked in the refrigerator. Cook and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?

If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, small soft dinner rolls or slider buns work well as alternatives, providing a similar size and softness for the sliders.

Turkey Sliders with Cheddar on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 105 reviews

These Turkey Sliders are juicy, flavorful mini sandwiches perfect for gatherings or a quick meal. Made with lean ground turkey seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in a skillet, they’re topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese and served on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Optional toppings like barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, caramelized onions, and pickle chips add layers of deliciousness. Quick to prepare and packed with taste, these sliders make a delightful appetizer or snack.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Patties

1½ pounds ground turkey (preferably 85 percent lean)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons)
Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon)
Ground cayenne pepper (a large pinch, optional)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Cheese

6 slices sharp Cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces), each torn into 4 squares

Buns and Toppings

1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 buns), split
Barbecue sauce (optional)
Mayonnaise (optional)
Caramelized onions (optional)
Pickle chips (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Mix thoroughly until well combined. On a large plate or cutting board, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, approximately 1/4 cup each, and shape each portion into a 2½-inch-wide patty.
Cook the Patties: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add 6 turkey patties to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the patties are browned, cooked through, and no longer pink inside. After flipping, place 2 squares of torn sharp Cheddar cheese on each patty and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Transfer the cooked patties onto a plate. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining patties and cheese.
Toast the Buns: Preheat the oven broiler. Arrange the split Hawaiian sweet rolls on a baking sheet with the cut sides facing up. Place the baking sheet on a rack in the upper third of the oven and broil for a few minutes until the buns are lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Assemble the Sliders: If desired, spread barbecue sauce and mayonnaise generously on both sides of the toasted buns. Place one turkey patty with melted cheese on each bun. Top with optional caramelized onions and pickle chips for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For juicier patties, avoid overworking the turkey mixture when forming the patties.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more cayenne pepper for heat.
Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth but can be omitted for a simpler slider.
These sliders are best served immediately to enjoy the melted cheese and fresh buns.
Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a nice contrast with their sweetness, but any dinner roll can be substituted.

Keywords: turkey sliders, ground turkey, mini sandwiches, Hawaiian rolls, cheddar cheese, quick appetizers, party food