Can I assemble these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the step before baking, then cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Add the butter sauce just before baking to keep the rolls from absorbing too much moisture.

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You can, but the slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are truly special here. If using other rolls, aim for something soft and slightly sweet to get the same balance.

Is there a way to make these less spicy?

Definitely! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a mild cheese like Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack. The flavor will still shine.

What should I do if the tops of the sliders brown too quickly?

If you notice the bread getting dark before the cheese is melty, keep your foil on a bit longer. You want everything gooey and golden, not overdone on top.

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Description

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders are flavorful mini sandwiches packed with deli turkey, spicy mayo, pepper jack cheese, and green chiles, all layered within soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a savory butter sauce and baked until the cheese melts, these sliders are the perfect appetizer or party snack.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

Sandwiches

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 Sauce

1/2 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or 8×11-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, paprika, yellow curry powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth. Set aside for assembling.
Prepare the Rolls: Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the packaging and keep them together in one slab. Slice the entire slab horizontally to create top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking pan.
Assemble the Sliders: Spread the spicy mayo evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Sprinkle half the shredded pepper jack cheese on the mayo. Layer the deli turkey evenly over the cheese. Distribute the drained diced green chiles on top of the turkey, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Place the top slab of rolls on the layered fillings.
Make the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, poppy seeds, dijon mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until well mixed.
Add Butter Sauce: Drizzle or brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the assembled sandwiches, ensuring full coverage for flavor and moisture.
Bake the Sliders: Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Serve the sliders hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken or ham for the turkey if desired.
If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the mayo.
Sliders can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
For crispier tops, remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 224 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 617 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 58 mg