Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe
Introduction
These Santa Fe Turkey Sliders are a flavorful twist on classic sliders, packed with spicy mayo, tender turkey, and melted pepper jack cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner, they come together easily and deliver a deliciously satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound deli sliced turkey
- 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 or 8×11-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Prepare the spicy mayo by mixing together mayonnaise, paprika, yellow curry powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package and slice them in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in the prepared pan.
- Step 4: Spread the spicy mayo evenly over the bottom slab. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack cheese over the mayo layer.
- Step 5: Layer the deli sliced turkey evenly on top of the cheese, then evenly distribute the drained diced green chiles over the turkey. Sprinkle the remaining pepper jack cheese on top.
- Step 6: Place the top slab of rolls over the completed layers to form the sandwiches.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
- Step 8: Drizzle or brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the assembled rolls.
- Step 9: Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through.
- Step 10: Remove from oven and serve hot for a delicious, satisfying meal or snack.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the spicy mayo.
- Swap pepper jack cheese for cheddar or Monterey jack if you prefer a less spicy cheese.
- Serve with pickles or a tangy slaw for added crunch and contrast.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of turkey for a quick variation.
Storage
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge and add the butter mixture just before baking for best results.
Can I freeze the assembled sliders?
It’s best to freeze the components separately rather than the fully assembled sliders, as the rolls can become soggy. Freeze turkey and cheese separately, then assemble fresh before baking.
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Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Santa Fe Turkey Sliders are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or meal with a spicy mayo, tender deli turkey, pepper jack cheese, and a buttery poppy seed topping, all baked to melty perfection on soft Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
Spicy Mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sliders
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound deli sliced turkey
- 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 (7 ounce can) diced green chiles (drained)
Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 or 8×11-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Prepare the Rolls: Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package, keeping them intact as one slab. Slice the slab horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half into your prepared baking pan.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the spicy mayo mixture evenly over the bottom slab. Sprinkle half of the shredded pepper jack cheese over the mayo. Arrange the deli sliced turkey evenly on top of the cheese, followed by spooning the diced green chiles over the turkey. Sprinkle the remaining shredded pepper jack cheese evenly on top, then place the top slab of rolls over everything to form the sliders.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.
- Apply Butter Topping: Drizzle or brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and browning.
- Bake the Sliders: Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven, uncover, and serve the sliders warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper to the spicy mayo mixture.
- Use fresh rolls for best texture—avoid pre-sliced to keep sliders intact.
- Covering with foil ensures the tops don’t brown too quickly while cheese melts.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftover sliders reheat well in a covered dish in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, Turkey Sliders, Hawaiian Rolls Sandwich, Spicy Mayo, Pepper Jack Cheese Sliders, Easy Appetizers, Party Food, Baked Sliders
