Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders (Leftover Turkey Idea!)

Does your fridge still hold a mountain of leftover turkey after the big holiday feast? Are you tired of the same old cold turkey sandwiches? What if you could transform those leftovers into a warm, melty, and slightly spicy meal that feels brand new and exciting?

These Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders are the perfect solution to turkey fatigue. They combine savory roasted turkey, crispy bacon, zesty green chiles, and spicy pepper jack cheese, all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Brushed with a savory butter glaze and baked until golden and gooey, these sliders are a flavor explosion that takes just minutes to assemble. They’re perfect for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or simply using up those holiday leftovers in the most delicious way possible!

Ingredients

This recipe balances savory, spicy, and sweet flavors perfectly. Using Hawaiian rolls adds a delightful softness and subtle sweetness.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

These sliders are incredibly fast, making them a lifesaver for busy nights or hungry crowds.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of warm, cheesy, and zesty sliders.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Rolls

Move an oven rack to the top position and preheat your broiler to High (500°F). Alternatively, you can bake them at 350°F if you prefer a slower melt.

Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (crosswise) using a large serrated knife. You should have one large “slab” of bottom buns and one large slab of top buns. Place the bottom slab, cut-side up, on a large rimmed baking sheet.

• Actionable Tip: Keeping the rolls connected makes assembly much faster and easier than filling them individually.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

Evenly distribute the chopped roasted turkey over the bottom slab of rolls. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the turkey. Next, spoon the diced green chiles evenly over the bacon layer. Finally, cover everything with the shredded pepper jack cheese.

• Actionable Tip: Make sure the green chiles are well-drained so they don’t make the bread soggy. Spread ingredients all the way to the edges!

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Place the sheet pan with the open-faced sandwiches under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching very closely. You want the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread to be slightly toasted but not burnt.

• Actionable Tip: Do not walk away! The broiler works very fast. As soon as the cheese is melted, remove the pan.

Step 4: Top and Finish

Remove the pan from the oven and turn off the broiler. Place the slab of top buns over the melted cheese layer.

• Optional Step: If you want warm, buttery tops, brush the top buns with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder. You can then return the sliders to the warm oven (turned off) for a few minutes to let the residual heat warm the tops and set the glaze.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer the giant slider slab to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice along the natural lines of the rolls to separate them into individual sandwiches. Use a gentle sawing motion to cut through without squishing the soft bread. Serve immediately while warm and gooey!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per slider (assuming 12 sliders) and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approx. 180-220 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-18 g
• Fat: 8-10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4-5 g
• Sodium: 350-450 mg

Healthier Alternatives

While these are a comfort food treat, you can make a few adjustments:

• Turkey: Use lean roasted turkey breast without skin.
• Cheese: Substitute pepper jack with a reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit it entirely for less fat.
• Bread: Whole wheat slider buns are a good alternative for more fiber, though they may not be as soft as Hawaiian rolls.
• Chiles: Green chiles are naturally low in calories and packed with Vitamin C!

Serving Suggestions

These Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders are versatile and crowd-pleasing!

• Game Day Snack: They are the perfect handheld food for watching football or hosting a party.
• Soup Pairing: Serve alongside a bowl of tortilla soup or white chicken chili for a hearty meal.
• Dip: Offer a side of ranch dressing, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
• Quick Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad or some chips for an effortless weeknight meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best sliders, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Soggy Rolls: Using wet green chiles or too much sauce can make the bottom buns mushy. Solution: Drain the chiles very well and serve immediately.
• Burnt Cheese: The broiler is intense. Solution: Watch the sliders constantly while broiling. It only takes a minute or two!
• Squished Sandwiches: Cutting the soft rolls with a dull knife will crush them. Solution: Use a sharp serrated bread knife and a sawing motion.
• Cold Centers: If using cold leftovers, the turkey might not heat through just under the broiler. Solution: Briefly warm the turkey in the microwave before assembling, or bake the sliders at 350°F for 10-15 minutes (covered with foil) instead of broiling.

Storing Tips

These sliders are best eaten fresh and warm.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, wrap individual sliders in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but the bread will be softer.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze these assembled, as the bread can become soggy and the texture will change.

Conclusion

These Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders are a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover turkey. With the perfect combination of spicy, savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, they transform simple ingredients into a warm, cheesy comfort meal that feels special. Whether for a party or a Tuesday night, these sliders are a winner every time.

Ready to melt some cheese? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Did you add extra spice? We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy, delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use deli turkey?

Yes! Thick-sliced roasted deli turkey works perfectly if you don’t have leftovers.

Q2: What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can substitute the pepper jack cheese with Monterey Jack, Havarti, or Cheddar cheese for a milder flavor. You can also use mild green chiles or omit them and use sautéed bell peppers instead.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them at 350°F for about 20 minutes (covered for the first 10) to ensure everything heats through from cold.

Q4: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or shredded poached chicken all work wonderfully in this recipe.

Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders (Leftover Turkey Idea!)

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 Sliders 1x

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Description

Transform those holiday leftovers into a warm, melty, and slightly spicy meal! These Green Chile Turkey Melt Sliders combine savory roasted turkey, crispy bacon, zesty green chiles, and spicy pepper jack cheese, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. They are a flavor explosion perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 8 ounces Roasted Turkey, chopped
• 1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Diced Green Chiles (canned), drained well
• 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
• Optional Glaze: 2-3 tablespoons Melted Butter mixed with 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

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Instructions

• Preheat and Prepare Rolls: Move oven rack to the top position and preheat broiler to High (500°F). Slice the entire block of rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom slab, cut-side up, on a rimmed baking sheet.

• Layer the Fillings: Distribute the chopped turkey evenly over the bottom rolls. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Spoon the drained green chiles over the bacon, then cover everything with the shredded pepper jack cheese.

• Melt the Cheese: Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching very closely. Remove as soon as the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.

• Top and Finish: Place the slab of top buns over the melted cheese. (Optional: Brush tops with garlic butter and let warm in the residual heat of the turned-off oven for a few minutes).

• Slice and Serve: Transfer to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice along the natural lines of the rolls to separate. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

• Drain Chiles: Make sure the green chiles are well-drained so they don’t make the bread soggy.
• Don’t Walk Away: The broiler works very fast! Do not walk away during step 3, or the cheese and bread can burn in seconds.
• Assembly Tip: Keeping the rolls connected as a single slab makes assembly much faster than filling them individually.
• Cutting: Use a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife to cut through the sliders without squishing the soft bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Appetizer, Leftovers
• Method: Broiling/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg