Turkey Cheddar Apple Sliders

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, toasty sandwiches instead of cold ones. These Turkey Cheddar Apple Sliders are perfect for fall and are also a great way to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. Of course, they are just as delicious made with sliced deli turkey any time of year.

Turkey and cheddar are already a classic combination, but the addition of thin Honeycrisp apple slices really makes these sliders stand out. The apples add a sweet, crisp bite that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and melted cheese.

Then comes the Dijon mustard and pepper jelly. The mustard adds a tangy kick, while the pepper jelly brings in just the right amount of sweet heat. Together, they give the sliders a little more personality without overpowering the other ingredients.

The sliders bake covered in the oven for about 25 minutes, which allows the cheese to melt and everything to heat through. After that, the tops are brushed with melted butter and baked uncovered for another 5 minutes. This gives the rolls extra flavor and a lightly crisp, golden finish.

These Turkey Cheddar Apple Sliders are easy to serve in so many ways. They make a great appetizer, snack, party food, or simple main dish. Whether you are making them with Thanksgiving leftovers or deli turkey, they are a cozy and flavorful option for fall.

Ingredients for Turkey Cheddar Apple Sliders

• HAWAIIAN ROLLS OR OTHER SIMILAR SMALL DINNER ROLLS – Hawaiian rolls provide a soft, slightly sweet base for the sliders. Their sweetness pairs especially well with the savory turkey, sharp cheddar, apples, and pepper jelly.
• LEFTOVER OR DELI SLICED TURKEY – Turkey provides the hearty, savory filling for the sliders. Leftover roasted turkey makes these perfect after Thanksgiving, while deli turkey lets you enjoy them any time of year.
• HONEYCRISP APPLE – Fresh apple slices add fresh sweetness and a crisp texture. Its sweet-tart flavor is a great contrast to the rich cheese and savory turkey.
• SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE – Sharp cheddar adds bold cheese flavor and melts beautifully as the sliders bake. Its slight tang pairs especially well with the apples and pepper jelly.
• PEPPER JELLY (STORE-BOUGHT OR HOMEMADE) – Pepper jelly adds a delicious combination of sweetness and mild heat. Store-bought works perfectly, or you can use homemade pepper jelly if you have some on hand.
• DIJON MUSTARD – Dijon mustard adds tangy, slightly sharp flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls, apples, and pepper jelly.
• BUTTER – Melted butter is brushed over the tops of the rolls toward the end of baking. It adds richness and helps give the sliders a lightly golden, crisp finish.

Instructions for Turkey Sliders Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Without separating the Hawaiian rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire slab in half horizontally so you have one solid top and one solid bottom. If using individually packaged dinner rolls, slice each roll in half lengthwise.

Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the cut side.

Layer half of the cheddar cheese over the rolls, followed by all of the turkey and the sliced Honeycrisp apple.

Drop small spoonfuls of pepper jelly over the filling, placing some near the center of each slider. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, then place the top of the sliders over the filling.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Return the sliders to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.

Let the sliders cool for a few minutes, then cut them apart and serve warm. Makes 4 servings as a main dish or 12 sliders as an appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apple works best?
Honeycrisp is a great choice because it is crisp, sweet, and slightly tart. Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith would also work well.

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Sharp cheddar gives the sliders bold flavor, but Swiss, provolone, Muenster, or Monterey Jack would also melt nicely.

What kind of pepper jelly should I use?
Use your favorite mild or spicy pepper jelly. Red pepper jelly works especially well with turkey, cheddar, and apples.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if they are cold from the fridge.

Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
No. Any soft, small dinner rolls will work. Hawaiian rolls add a little sweetness that pairs especially well with the pepper jelly and apple.

How thin should I slice the apple?
Slice it fairly thin so it softens slightly as the sliders bake and is easy to bite through.

Can I leave out the Dijon mustard?
Yes. You can omit it or substitute honey mustard if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Avoid using too much pepper jelly and slice the apples thinly. Baking uncovered for the final few minutes also helps lightly crisp the tops.

What can I serve with these sliders?
They pair well with soup, salad, potato chips, sweet potato fries, or fresh fruit.

Tips and Tricks

• Slice the apples thinly. Thin slices fit better inside the sliders and soften just enough during baking while still keeping a little crunch.
• Layer cheese on both sides of the filling. Putting cheese below and above the turkey and apples helps hold everything together as it melts.
• Use pepper jelly sparingly. Small spoonfuls give you plenty of sweet heat without making the rolls sticky or soggy.
• Keep the sliders covered for most of the baking time. Foil helps the filling heat through and the cheese melt without letting the tops brown too quickly.
• Brush the top half of the rolls with butter at the end. Adding melted butter before the final uncovered bake gives the rolls extra flavor and a lightly golden finish.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Cheddar French Dip Sandwiches
• Turkey Brie and Cranberry Sandwiches
• Eggo Monte Cristo Sandwiches
• Turkey Bacon Avocado Paninis

This recipe is adapted from The Reluctant Entertainer.