Pull-Apart Pesto Turkey Sliders: A Delicious Twist on Classic Party Fare
Buttery herb-infused rolls layered with cheese promise a hassle-free crowd favorite.
Pull-Apart Pesto Turkey Sliders Recipe
Looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe to serve at your next gathering? These pull-apart pesto turkey sliders combine tender, seasoned ground turkey with vibrant pesto, gooey mozzarella, and crisp-topped dinner rolls. Perfect for game days, family get-togethers, or weeknight meals, these sliders promise melty, aromatic satisfaction in every bite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master these irresistible sliders—ingredients, directions, pro tips, storage, customizations, and FAQs.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Perfectly Shareable: Baked as a single pull-apart tray, these sliders are ideal for serving a crowd with minimal fuss.
- Flavor-Packed: Bold pesto, fragrant herbs, and savory turkey elevate the flavor profile beyond ordinary sliders.
- Simple Prep and Cleanup: Built on store-bought dinner rolls and one-pan preparation, making these is stress-free.
- Versatile: Customize the filling or make ahead for further convenience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these sliders to life:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 Tbsp. |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup, divided |
| Garlic Cloves, finely chopped | 4, divided |
| Dried Basil | 2 tsp., divided |
| Dried Oregano | 2 tsp., divided |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 tsp., divided |
| Dinner Rolls (12-count package, attached) | 1 (16-oz.) pack |
| Ground Turkey | 1 1/4 lbs. |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp. |
| Small Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomato Paste | 1/4 cup |
| Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups (about 8 oz.) |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, divided |
| Pesto | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Infuse Butter with Herbs: In a large skillet, melt butter with half the olive oil over low heat. Add half the garlic, and 1 teaspoon each of basil and oregano, plus 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir and transfer this aromatic butter to a bowl.
- Toast the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire batch of rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Arrange the cut sides up on your baking sheet. Brush generously with half the herb butter mixture and toast for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven but keep it on at 400°F.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat the remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium. Add the ground turkey and season with salt. Break up the meat as it cooks, until there’s no pink left (4–5 minutes). Add chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 4 minutes).
- Layer Flavors: Create an empty space in the skillet, add tomato paste, remaining garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let sizzle for a minute before stirring through the turkey. Pour in 1/2 cup water and simmer until the pan is almost dry (1–2 minutes).
- Assemble the Sliders: Evenly spoon the turkey mixture over the bottom half of the rolls. Use a spatula to gently press down so it stays in place. Sprinkle with mozzarella and half the parmesan.
- Pesto and Cheese: Spread the cut sides of roll tops with pesto, then place them pesto-side-down over the cheese-covered filling. Brush tops with the remaining herb butter and scatter the rest of the parmesan on top for a beautiful finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled sliders back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is molten and the rolls are crisp and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a minute or two, then use a sharp knife or bench scraper to separate the sliders. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, herby, savory flavor explosion.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overload Pesto: Spread pesto in a thin layer to prevent soggy rolls.
- Keep Rolls Intact During Assembly: Slicing the entire pack, rather than each roll individually, ensures easy pull-apart serving and a soft, fluffy middle.
- Cheese Options: Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and stays gooey. Try mixing in provolone, Monterey Jack, or a little extra parmesan for richer flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or reduce red pepper flakes based on your preferred heat level.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
Customization Ideas
- Switch up the Protein: Substitute ground chicken, lean beef, or Italian sausage for the turkey.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Layer in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced spinach.
- Pesto Variations: Traditional basil works beautifully, but so does arugula, sundried tomato, or a nut-free pesto.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free slider rolls or mini buns and confirm all condiments are gluten-free.
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced fried onions or crispy bacon beneath the cheese for added texture.
Pairing Suggestions
- Italian-Style Salad: A peppery arugula or crisp romaine salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty sliders.
- Potato Wedges or Chips: Serve with oven fries, sweet potato chips, or kettle chips for a classic combo.
- Crudités and Dips: Round out your slider tray with fresh veggies and ranch, pesto, or marinara for dipping.
- Pickles: The acidity cuts the richness of melted cheese and pesto.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered lightly with foil, for 10–12 minutes until heated through. For a crispier top, uncover in the last 3 minutes of reheating.
- Freezing: You can freeze assembled (unbaked) sliders. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What others are reading
Nutrition Information (per slider—approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Note: Exact nutrients may vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
- Game Day: Sliders are a can’t-miss party snack that bring everyone to the table.
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and serve, making them a go-to for gatherings.
- Quick Family Dinner: Pair with salad, chips, and fruit for a complete meal.
- Lunch Boxes: Pack up cooled sliders for satisfying school or work lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare the sliders in advance?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders up to several hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature as the oven heats, then bake as directed.
Q: What if I don’t have ground turkey?
A: No problem! Ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based crumbles all work well.
Q: Are these sliders freezer friendly?
A: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely. Try provolone, fontina, or a blend of mozzarella and gouda for different gooey results.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms on my sliders?
A: Toast the bottom half of the rolls briefly before filling, and avoid over-saturating with pesto or sauce.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun family meal, pull-apart pesto turkey sliders deliver flavor, comfort, and communal enjoyment. Their make-ahead potential, customizable filling, and crowd-pleasing taste make them a staple recipe worth adding to your repertoire. Fire up your oven and get ready to savor the perfect blend of herbs, pesto, turkey, and cheese—all wrapped in soft, golden rolls.
References
- https://noblepig.com/turkey-pesto-sliders/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43967061/pull-apart-pesto-turkey-sliders-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g46672633/slider-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40838059/turkey-recipes/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
