Name: Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 12 count package Hawaiian rolls; 1 pound deli sliced turkey; 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese; 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 45 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s easy, packed with flavor, and downright addictive, you need to try this Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem when looking for a fun way to use deli turkey, and honestly, it’s become a staple in my house for game days and casual get-togethers. The spicy mayo and buttery poppy seed topping bring it all together for a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and just enough heat. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through each step so your sliders turn out amazing every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold Flavors in Every Bite: The combination of spicy mayo, green chiles, and melted pepper jack cheese gives these sliders a zesty kick that’s balanced perfectly by the buttery topping.
Super Easy Assembly: No complicated steps or fancy ingredients here—you can literally have these sliders ready in under 20 minutes.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are perfect for kids and adults alike—comfort food with a little southwestern flair.
Great for Entertaining: Baking them in one pan makes cleanup a breeze, and they’re the perfect finger food for parties or casual dinners.

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, turkey sliders recipe, spicy turkey sliders, easy turkey sliders, flavorful sliders recipes - The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with twelve golden brown sandwich rolls arranged in three rows of four. Each roll has a slightly crispy top with visible poppy seeds sprinkled over them, giving a textured look. The edges of the rolls touch each other, and a melted, creamy layer is seen bubbling around the sides beneath the rolls. In the background, there are some green fresh peppers resting on a white marbled surface. A black spatula is placed beside the dish. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture that complement each other beautifully. Plus, these are all easy-to-find at any grocery store, so you won’t have to do a special run.

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, turkey sliders recipe, spicy turkey sliders, easy turkey sliders, flavorful sliders recipes - Flat lay of sliced Hawaiian rolls, deli sliced turkey, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, mayonnaise mixed with paprika and curry powder, melted butter with poppy seeds, dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the spicy mayo and helps bind the flavors together.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor, enhancing the southwestern vibe.
Yellow Curry Powder: Brings a subtle warmth and complexity you wouldn’t expect in a slider but totally love.
Cayenne Pepper: The secret weapon for a little kick—start small and add more if you like it spicy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, don’t skip it!
Hawaiian Rolls: They’re sweet and soft—the perfect contrast to the spiciness and gooey cheese.
Deli Sliced Turkey: Using sliced turkey makes assembly quick and keeps sliders tender.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with just the right amount of spice.
Diced Green Chiles: Adds a subtle heat and texture, elevating the whole sandwich experience.
Butter: The base for the buttery sauce that keeps the tops golden and delicious.
Poppy Seeds: Give a lovely crunch and nutty flavor—don’t leave these out!
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the butter’s richness.
Onion Powder: Adds savory depth without overwhelming the other spices.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings an umami boost that rounds everything out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love to mix things up depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge.

Go Cheesy or Extra Cheesy: Sometimes I double up on the pepper jack, or add a slice of cheddar to give a sharper flavor.
Swap the Turkey: Ground beef, chicken breast slices, even pulled pork works well for a different protein kick.
Make it Vegetarian: Replace turkey with sliced portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini for a hearty veggie option.
Dial Up the Spice: If you’re a heat lover like me, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mayo mix.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Make That Spicy Mayo Magic

Start by mixing your mayonnaise with paprika, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl. I like to whisk it until it’s nice and smooth. This spicy mayo is where all the Southwestern flavors start, so taste it as you go and adjust the cayenne pepper if you want more heat. Setting it aside to let the flavors mingle is worth the wait.

Step 2: Preparing the Rolls

Keep the Hawaiian rolls together in one slab and slice them horizontally into two big layers – a bottom and a top. I always do this carefully with a serrated knife so the rolls don’t squish. Then, pop the bottom slab into your greased baking dish. This will be the base layer of your sliders.

Step 3: Layer Up the Goodness

Spread your spicy mayo generously over the bottom layer of rolls—don’t be shy because it’s where a lot of the flavor happens. Then sprinkle half of your shredded pepper jack cheese evenly on top. Next, layer on the sliced turkey, followed by all those diced green chiles. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top before placing the top half of the rolls over everything. It’s going to look like a big, delicious sandwich waiting to happen.

Step 4: Brush on the Butter Sauce and Bake

Whisk together melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl—this sauce is going to glaze the tops for that beautiful golden crust and extra flavor. Brush it generously all over the top of the sandwich (don’t miss those edges!). Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese inside is perfectly melted. Watch it so it doesn’t get too brown—the smell while baking will have you drooling.

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Pro Tips for Making Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Choose Fresh Rolls: Using fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls makes a huge difference for that iconic sweet-savory balance and a perfect texture.
Don’t Skip Draining the Chiles: If those diced green chiles are too wet, they can make the sliders soggy, so drain well before adding.
Brush Butter Sauce Generously: This step guarantees a golden, flavorful crust that your guests will rave about.
Cover While Baking: The foil keeps the sliders moist and the cheese melty without drying out.

How to Serve Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, turkey sliders recipe, spicy turkey sliders, easy turkey sliders, flavorful sliders recipes - The image shows a close-up of a freshly baked pastry with a golden-brown crust sprinkled with black poppy seeds. The pastry is filled with creamy layers of white cheese mixed with small chunks of pale green vegetables, and beneath that, there is a layer of shredded orange filling that looks soft and moist. The pastry pieces are stacked slightly on top of each other, with the focus on the front piece showing the textures clearly. The background has a white marbled texture, with hints of blurred elements to keep attention on the pastry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like adding a few slices of fresh avocado or a handful of cilantro on top when serving—it adds a fresh, creamy contrast that brightens up those spicy, cheesy flavors. A little squeeze of lime on the side never hurts either!

Side Dishes

These sliders go great with something crunchy like tortilla chips and salsa or a fresh corn salad. When we’re craving something lighter, I serve them with a simple mixed greens salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. And for cozy nights? Sweet potato fries are my go-to.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a fun girls’ night in, I sliced the slider slab into individual portions and served them on small wooden boards lined with parchment paper, with little jars of extra spicy mayo on the side. It made everything feel super special and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a batch, I wrap the leftover sliders tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 2–3 days. I find that reheating them in the oven helps keep the bread from getting too soggy, unlike the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders before by wrapping individual portions tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in the oven. They keep their flavor and texture better than many frozen sandwiches I’ve tried!

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the sliders loosely with foil again, and warm them for about 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melty and the rolls are soft but not soggy. This way, you get nearly fresh-out-of-the-oven deliciousness all over again.

FAQs

Can I make the Santa Fe Turkey Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to keep them covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls add a sweet softness that’s fantastic, you can substitute with other soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Just make sure they’re small and soft so the sliders don’t turn out too bulky or dry.
Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! You can increase the cayenne in the mayo or add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the sandwich layers. I recommend starting small and tasting as you go to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe?

Yes, you can replace turkey with grilled veggies, portobello mushrooms, or even a plant-based deli slice, and it’ll still be delicious. Just keep the spicy mayo and cheese for that tasty kick!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but comes together so effortlessly. Every time I make them, friends ask for the recipe, which is always a nice compliment. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a tasty dinner that pleases everyone, these sliders hit the spot. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again!