Turkey Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls

The first time I placed a tray of these Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls on the table, the whole room paused for a moment.

Not because they were fancy or dramatic, but because they felt inviting in a way people recognize instantly.

Soft rolls, glossy tops, a bright layer of cranberry, and that gentle stack of turkey and cheese—everything looked calm, balanced, and ready to be enjoyed without fuss.

I’ve made countless snacks over the years, but these sliders carry a steadiness that always pulls me back to them.

Whenever life gets noisy, I like working on dishes that bring a bit of order to my kitchen. Lining up the rolls, brushing the tops with butter and seeds, making sure each layer sits neatly—it all feels grounding.

And when the tray comes out of the oven, warm and lightly toasted, it has this quiet way of making the place feel more generous and welcoming.

They disappear quickly, of course. You can’t really hold back when the rolls stay tender and the cranberry melts slightly into the turkey.

People reach for seconds without thinking, and I never mind, because that’s the joy of food like this—straightforward, inviting, and made with care.

These sliders look beautiful on any table, but more than that, they carry a sense of ease that everyone responds to.

They’re the kind of bites that make the moment feel fuller and a little more joyful, every single time.

Turkey Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian slider rolls
12 slices roasted turkey breast (evenly sized, not shredded)
6–8 slices mild cheese such as provolone or Swiss, cut in half to fit the sliders
1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
½ teaspoon garlic granules
½ teaspoon dried black sesame seeds (optional but adds the same final appearance)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s fully warmed when the sliders are assembled.
Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally without separating them too much. Keep the tops attached to the bottoms so the sliders are easy to handle.
Spread a thin, even layer of cranberry sauce across the bottom halves of all the rolls. Make sure the layer reaches the edges—this helps the sliders look full and consistent.

Place one slice of turkey on each bottom half. If the slices are large, fold them neatly once so they sit evenly and do not hang far over the edges.
Add the cheese by placing half-slices directly over the turkey. Press lightly so the cheese sits flat and gives that clean stacked look.
Place the top halves of the rolls back on and gently press down so all sliders align in height.

Mix the melted butter with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic granules, black sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Brush this seed-butter mixture generously over the tops of all rolls. Make sure each top is evenly coated so you achieve the signature glossy, speckled finish.
Transfer the assembled sliders onto a baking sheet. Arrange them close together to keep them soft and prevent browning on the sides.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or just until the cheese melts slightly and the tops become lightly toasted but not overly browned.
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes so the structure sets and they hold together cleanly when lifted.
Serve warm. If serving on a platter, keep the sliders together in rows for the same clean, bakery-style appearance your readers expect.

Can I Prepare Turkey Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls Ahead Of Time?

Making these sliders ahead can save a lot of time, and they still turn out soft and delicious when handled correctly.

Assemble Without Baking: You can put the sliders together a few hours before serving and keep them in the fridge. This keeps the rolls fresh and the fillings in good shape.
Add Sauce Carefully: Spread cranberry sauce in a thin layer so the rolls don’t become wet while resting.

Brush Butter Right Before Heating: Mix the butter and seeds ahead but brush it on the rolls just before warming. This keeps the tops glossy and prevents sogginess.
Cover Tightly: Keep the sliders covered with foil so they stay soft and don’t dry out in the fridge.

How Do I Keep The Sliders From Getting Soggy?

Moisture control makes a big difference, especially with cranberry sauce involved.

Use Thick Cranberry Sauce: Thicker cranberry sauce sits neatly on the bread and doesn’t soak in.
Keep Turkey Slices Dry: Pat the turkey slices gently with a napkin to remove any extra moisture.
Avoid Overfilling: Use enough sauce for taste but not so much that it spills over when warmed.

Bake Uncovered At The End: Remove foil during the last few minutes of heating to help the tops stay firm.

What Type Of Cheese Works Best For These Turkey Sliders?

To get the same smooth melt and clean look, the cheese choice matters.

Use Mild Cheese: Provolone or Swiss melt evenly and sit neatly on the turkey.

Cut Slices To Fit: Halve the cheese slices so they fit inside the roll without hanging out.
Avoid Strong-Smelling Cheese: Mild flavors blend better with the cranberry and turkey.

Can I Use Different Sauces Or Add-Ins For Flavor?

You can adjust the sliders to match the flavors you enjoy without losing their clean look.

Try A Light Mayo Spread: Spread a thin layer under the turkey for creaminess.
Add A Bit Of Mustard: A very small amount brings a light balance without overpowering the cranberry.
Include Thinly Cut Onions: Soft, thin onion slices add mild sharpness if you like extra flavor.

How Do I Keep Hawaiian Rolls Soft While Baking?

Roll texture is important because Hawaiian rolls can brown quickly if not handled correctly.

Cover With Foil First: Covering the sliders traps steam so the rolls stay soft inside.
Brush Butter Evenly: A thin layer of butter helps the tops brown gently without drying out.

Bake At Moderate Heat: Medium oven heat makes the filling warm while the rolls stay tender.

How Can I Serve Turkey Sliders For A Crowd?

Large servings require some planning so everything stays warm and organized.

Use A Large Baking Sheet: A wide sheet lets the sliders sit close together, keeping them soft.

Keep Them Covered After Baking: Foil helps hold the warmth when you place the tray on the table.
Serve With Extra Sauce: Place a small bowl of cranberry sauce or mayo on the side for anyone who wants more.

How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Sliders?

Leftovers stay enjoyable when stored the right way.

Cool Fully Before Storing: Let the sliders cool so steam doesn’t build up inside the container.

Place In An Airtight Box: A closed container keeps the rolls from drying out in the fridge.
Eat Within 2–3 Days: The rolls and filling stay at their best for this amount of time.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Turkey Sliders Without Drying Them Out?

Warmth brings back the softness and flavor when reheating is done gently.

Use The Oven For Even Heating: Warm at low heat so the rolls stay moist.
Cover With Foil: Lightly cover the tray to protect the tops while the cheese melts again.
Avoid High Heat: High heat makes the tops too dry and the rolls too firm.

Can I Freeze Turkey Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls?

Freezing can be helpful if you want to prepare a larger batch.

Freeze Before Heating: Assemble the sliders and freeze them before baking so the rolls stay soft later.
Wrap Each Slider Well: Use plastic wrap or freezer-safe bags to avoid ice crystals.