Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are the perfect mix of smoky, crispy, and creamy, making them a favorite for parties, game days, or casual dinners. These sliders bring together tender smoked turkey, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and homemade ranch dressing on buttery Hawaiian rolls. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture, making this recipe a guaranteed hit.

Can I make the turkey ahead of time?

Yes! Smoking turkey can take time, so preparing it ahead is a great option. You can smoke the turkey breast and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to assemble the sliders, just reheat the turkey gently in the oven with a little melted butter to keep it moist. Making the turkey ahead also gives you more time to focus on assembling the sliders when you’re ready to serve them.

What makes homemade ranch better for this recipe?

Homemade ranch adds a fresh and zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky turkey and crispy bacon. While store-bought ranch is fine, making it yourself allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Adding fresh herbs, garlic, or even a dash of hot sauce can take the flavor up a notch. It’s easy to make and gives these sliders a unique and flavorful edge.

Can I use other wood for smoking?

Yes. Apple wood is great because it’s mild and slightly sweet, but cherry or pecan wood work well too. Cherry adds a touch of sweetness and a deep color to the turkey, while pecan gives a rich, nutty flavor. Hickory can also be used, but it’s stronger, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the turkey’s natural flavor.

Ingredients:

Basic Ingredients for Sliders:

•1 bone-in turkey breast (8 lbs)

•1 bottle jalapeño butter injection (e.g., Tony’s)

•Hot sauce (as a binder)

•All-purpose rub (store-bought or homemade)

•Apple wood chunks for smoking

•1 stick melted butter

•12 strips thick-cut bacon

•Parchment paper

•12 King’s Hawaiian Original Rolls (halved and toasted)

•12 slices sharp cheddar cheese

•2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredients for Spicy Ranch:

•1 cup mayonnaise

•½ cup buttermilk

•2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

•1 teaspoon garlic powder

•1 teaspoon onion powder

•¾ teaspoon salt

•½ teaspoon chipotle powder

•½ teaspoon dried dill

•¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

•⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

•⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey

Thaw the turkey breast for 12 to 14 hours on the counter, then place it in the fridge for one full day. Once thawed, remove the skin to allow the seasonings to soak in better. Inject the turkey with jalapeño butter to add moisture and flavor. Coat the turkey with hot sauce to act as a binder, then season it generously with all-purpose rub, making sure to cover all sides.

Preheat your smoker to 250°F and add apple wood chunks. Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Remove the turkey and wrap it tightly in foil with 1 stick of melted butter to keep it moist and flavorful. Return it to the smoker and continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 160°F. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into thick pieces.

Prepare the Bacon

While the turkey is cooking, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the strips of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Remove it from the oven and wrap it in foil to keep warm until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.

Assemble the Sliders

Toast the King’s Hawaiian rolls in the oven or on a skillet until they are golden. On the bottom half of each roll, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a few slices of smoked turkey. Drizzle a generous amount of homemade ranch over the turkey, then add another slice of cheddar cheese and a strip of crispy bacon. Place the top half of the roll on top, then brush the tops of the buns with melted butter.

Bake the Sliders

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the sliders on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Add extra ranch on the side for dipping if you like.

Below is a printable recipe card!

Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders

Difficulty: Easy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

- 1 bone-in turkey breast 8 lbs
- 1 bottle jalapeño butter injection e.g., Tony’s
- Hot sauce as a binder
- All-purpose rub store-bought or homemade
- Apple wood chunks for smoking
- 1 stick melted butter
- 12 strips thick-cut bacon
- Parchment paper
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Rolls halved and toasted
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

Ingredients for Spicy Ranch

- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper optional

Method

Thaw the turkey breast for 12 to 14 hours on the counter, then place it in the fridge for one full day.
Remove the skin to allow the seasonings to soak in better.
Inject the turkey with jalapeño butter to add moisture and flavor.
Coat the turkey with hot sauce to act as a binder, then season it generously with all-purpose rub, making sure to cover all sides.
Preheat your smoker to 250°F and add apple wood chunks.
Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Remove the turkey and wrap it tightly in foil with 1 stick of melted butter to keep it moist and flavorful.
Return it to the smoker and continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 160°F.
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into thick pieces.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the strips of thick-cut bacon in a single layer.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Remove it from the oven and wrap it in foil to keep warm until you're ready to assemble the sliders.
Toast the King’s Hawaiian rolls in the oven or on a skillet until they are golden.
On the bottom half of each roll, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a few slices of smoked turkey.
Drizzle a generous amount of homemade ranch over the turkey.
Add another slice of cheddar cheese and a strip of crispy bacon.
Place the top half of the roll on top and brush the tops of the buns with melted butter.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange the sliders on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with extra ranch on the side if desired.

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, tender meat, crispy textures, and creamy goodness, these Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders are the answer. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or even a casual dinner, they’re easy to customize and guaranteed to impress. The smoky turkey breast, crispy bacon, and spicy homemade ranch come together on soft, buttery rolls to create the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, these sliders are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to pair them with extra ranch for dipping and watch them disappear! If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring all the other delicious recipes I have waiting for you in the link.