Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Looking for a weeknight dinner or party bite that absolutely wows with minimal effort? These Santa Fe Turkey Sliders deliver incredible flavor in every single bite, and you won’t believe how quick they are to make. Combining the spicy kick of green chiles, creamy pepper jack cheese, tender sliced turkey, and a buttery, perfectly seasoned topping on pillowy Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are truly irresistible. The vibrant spices in the homemade mayo bring warmth to each mouthful, while the gooey melted cheese and toasty sweet rolls make them comfort food perfected. They come together in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy evenings, gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something delicious without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients and a baking pan, and you’re almost there!
Each ingredient plays a key role, so here’s the lowdown:

• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the spicy spread, adding richness and moisture.
• Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness to the mayo.
• Yellow Curry Powder: Unexpected, but it brightens up the flavors and ties everything together.
• Cayenne Pepper: A hint of heat that perks up each bite.
• Salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet, and the perfect vessel for these bold fillings.
• Deli Sliced Turkey: Tender protein that soaks up all the lovely spices and juices.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds melt-in-your-mouth heat and creaminess.
• Diced Green Chiles (canned, drained): The Santa Fe twist! Bright, tangy, and just spicy enough.
• Butter (melted): Ensures the tops of the rolls get golden and flavorful.
• Poppy Seeds: A classic slider topping for a slight nutty crunch.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharpness and depth to the buttery topping.
• Onion Powder: Rounds out the topping with gentle sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich, giving an extra savory boost.

Variations

Ready to play with flavors? Here are some easy twists:

• Spicy Southwest: Swap pepper jack for jalapeño cheddar and add diced pickled jalapeños for extra zing.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute turkey with roasted vegetables—try sliced portobello mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
• Different Proteins: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast beef work beautifully too.
• Cheese Swap: Monterey jack, cheddar, or smoked gouda all melt well and bring their own flavor profile.
• Add Crunch: Layer in sliced red onion or fresh cilantro before baking for extra bite and freshness.

How to Make Santa Fe Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set the oven to 350℉ and grab a 9×13 or 8×11-inch baking pan. Lightly grease it; this ensures the rolls don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Up the Spicy Mayo

Stir together mayonnaise, paprika, curry powder, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl. You’ll want this well-blended so every slider gets that extra layer of flavor.

Step 3: Slice and Layer

Take the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls and slice horizontally; don’t separate them! Place the bottom half in your baking pan.

Spread the spicy mayo over this bottom layer—be generous. Next, sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the mayo, then layer on the deli turkey slices. Spoon the drained diced green chiles evenly across the turkey, then finish with the rest of the cheese.

Top with the remaining slab of rolls.

Step 4: Whip Up the Butter Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush or drizzle this mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders—don’t skimp, as this gives that signature golden, flavor-packed finish.

Step 5: Bake

Cover loosely with foil (this helps the cheese melt without drying out the tops). Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil, and check that the cheese is fully melted.

Serve hot, savoring the steam and that amazing aroma!

How to Serve

These sliders are best enjoyed hot out of the oven, with the cheese all perfectly gooey and the tops glistening. They’re fantastic as a main for a casual dinner or the star of a party platter.

Pairing ideas:

• Fresh Salad: Something crisp and cooling, like a chopped cucumber-tomato salad, balances the rich flavors.
• Corn or Black Bean Salad: Both complement the Southwest vibe.
• Pickled Jalapeños or Onions: For tang and a bit of crunch.
• Chips or Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: Classic sides for scooping up any cheesy bits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sliders keep beautifully for 2-3 days in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in foil or stash in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze any cooked leftovers, though the texture may be a bit softer upon reheating. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

Warm them in a 350℉ oven, loosely covered, for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick bite, a microwave works too—just a minute or so will do the trick (though the rolls may get a little softer).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders are a joy to make and even better to eat. With their bold, punchy flavors and meltingly soft texture, they’re bound to brighten up any meal, gathering, or last-minute dinner rescue. Gather your ingredients, have some fun with the layering, and treat yourself—you deserve a meal this easy and this delicious. Give them a try; you’re sure to find yourself making them again and again!

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