BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders

These BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders are an easy, flavor-packed crowd pleaser that comes together in under an hour. Soft dinner rolls layered with smoky barbecue sauce, tender sliced turkey, and melted cheddar are brushed with a buttery, spiced glaze and baked until golden and irresistible. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or any time you want handheld comfort with minimal fuss.

Why you’ll love these sliders

If you love simple recipes that deliver big flavor, these BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders are for you. They use pantry-friendly ingredients, require little hands-on time, and the result is a tender, cheesy sandwich with a slightly sweet and smoky top. The recipe scales easily, reheats well, and makes an impressive appetizer or a full meal when paired with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 rolls) dinner rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 8 ounces sliced turkey deli meat
• 8 slices (about 6 ounces) sliced cheddar cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Notes on ingredients

The formula is intentionally straightforward. Choose soft dinner rolls with a slightly sweet crumb for the best contrast with the smoky-sweet topping. Sliced turkey deli meat keeps the filling lean and easy to assemble; sliced cheddar brings that melty, savory balance. The butter-spice glaze infuses every bite with smoky paprika and a hint of brown sugar sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika by half. For extra heat, add a pinch more chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Small bowl for mixing glaze
• Basting brush or spoon
• Sharp knife for slicing the roll block
• Optional: foil for covering while baking

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these clear, ordered steps to make the sliders. The directions have been rewritten so each action is precise and easy to follow while keeping the ingredient amounts exactly as listed above.

1. Prep the roll base: Keeping the package of 12 dinner rolls intact, slice the entire block horizontally so you have a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure the rolls sit snugly together in a single layer.
2. Spread the barbecue sauce: Evenly spread ¼ cup barbecue sauce across the bottom half of the rolls. Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to reach into the seams so each roll receives some sauce.
3. Layer the turkey: Arrange 8 ounces of sliced turkey deli meat over the sauced bottom rolls. Spread the slices so they overlap slightly and cover the surface from edge to edge.
4. Add the cheese: Place 8 slices of cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces total) over the turkey in a single even layer. If a slice is too large, tear it gently to fit the roll layout without leaving gaps.
5. Replace the top buns: Position the top half of the dinner roll block back over the layered turkey and cheese so the sliders are closed and ready for glazing.
6. Prepare the butter glaze: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup melted unsalted butter with 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon chili powder. Whisk or stir until the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed.
7. Brush the glaze: Using a basting brush or a spoon, brush the spiced melted butter mixture evenly over the top of the roll block. Make sure the entire top surface receives glaze so the spices can caramelize and flavor the buns while baking.
8. Bake: Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 8 additional minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on the sliders during the final minutes to avoid burning the glazed tops.
9. Finish and serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the sliders rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This short resting time helps the cheese set slightly and makes the sliders easier to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls and serve warm.

Serving suggestions

These BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders are great on their own, but they also pair well with crisp sides. Try them with a simple green salad, coleslaw, oven-baked fries, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a game-day buffet, arrange sliders on a platter and provide extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Leftovers reheat well in a covered 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for a quick lunch.

Make-ahead and storage

You can assemble the sliders through the glazing step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If refrigerating, allow an extra 2–3 minutes of baking time to ensure the cheese melts fully. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve the roll texture and melted cheese.

Tips for success

• Slice the roll block with a serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion to keep the tops intact and avoid squashing the rolls.
• Brush the butter glaze over the entire top for even browning and flavor. Don’t skip the brown sugar in the glaze; it helps create a slightly caramelized finish.
• If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 8 minutes of baking and watch closely so the tops don’t burn.
• To serve more people, double the recipe and bake in two pans, or use 18 rolls if you need a larger batch—adjust the pan size accordingly.

Variations and add-ins

These sliders are a brilliant base for creative tweaks. Add a thin layer of caramelized onions between the turkey and cheese for added sweetness, or spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom rolls for a tangy lift. For a smoky-sweet twist, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar into the ¼ cup barbecue sauce before spreading it on the rolls. If you’d like more heat, add sliced pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the butter glaze.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a different cheese? Yes. Cheddar is recommended for its melting quality and flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack will also work.

Can I make these vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with seasoned, grilled thinly sliced plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, keeping all other quantities the same.

How many sliders does this make? This recipe uses one package of 12 dinner rolls, so it yields 12 sliders (one slider per roll).

Final thoughts

Comforting, cheesy, and easy to throw together, these BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders strike the perfect balance between fuss-free prep and memorable flavor. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, quick dinners, or whenever you want a satisfying handheld meal with minimal cleanup. Follow the step-by-step instructions above, and you’ll have a tray of delicious sliders that disappear fast.

Recipe recap

Ingredients: 1 package (12 rolls) dinner rolls; ¼ cup barbecue sauce; 8 ounces sliced turkey deli meat; 8 slices (about 6 ounces) sliced cheddar cheese; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon chili powder.

Steps: Slice rolls horizontally and place bottom half in a 9×13 pan. Spread ¼ cup barbecue sauce over bottom rolls. Layer 8 ounces of turkey over sauce, then add 8 slices of cheddar. Replace top roll half. Mix melted butter with smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder. Brush glaze over tops. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, remove foil and bake 5–8 more minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Let rest 3–5 minutes, slice, and serve warm.

Enjoy these BBQ Turkey Cheddar Sliders with friends and family—simple ingredients, big reward. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.