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Easy Mini Turkey and Cheddar Sliders: Best Lunchbox Recipe

Easy Mini Turkey and Cheddar Sliders - featured image

These Easy Mini Turkey and Cheddar Sliders are a lunchbox hero you can actually trust. They hold up, taste great cold or at room temperature, and take almost no time to throw together on a Sunday afternoon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (preferably Martin’s or King’s Hawaiian)
  • 1 lb (450g) deli-sliced turkey breast (oven-roasted or smoked)
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (recommend Tillamook or Cabot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for the barrier)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider buns in half horizontally if not already split. Place bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cut side up.
  2. Make the barrier: Spread a thin layer of the extra softened butter on the cut side of each bottom bun.
  3. Layer the turkey: Fold deli turkey slices in half and lay them evenly over the bottom buns.
  4. Add the cheese: Place a slice of cheddar over the turkey on each slider.
  5. Top with the bun tops: Place top halves of buns over the cheese, cut side down. Press down gently.
  6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened butter, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
  7. Brush the tops: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the buns, getting some down the sides.
  8. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until tops are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  10. Rest and slice: Let sliders rest in the dish for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut between the buns. Serve warm or let cool completely for lunchboxes.

Notes

The butter barrier is non-negotiable to prevent sogginess. Let sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Use room temperature butter for easy spreading. For extra crunch, toast the top buns under the broiler for 1-2 minutes before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey sliders, cheddar sliders, lunchbox recipe, easy sliders, mini sliders, meal prep, kid-friendly