Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe

Welcome to a taste of the tropics with these mouthwatering Hawaiian Turkey Sliders! When I first created these sliders, I was searching for a dish that could feed a crowd while still feeling special and unique. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of our favorite Hawaiian restaurant, I combined lean ground turkey with sweet grilled pineapple, tangy teriyaki sauce, and a hint of jalapeño to create a slider that is both lighter and more exciting than your average burger.

These sliders quickly became my go-to party food, impressing guests and leaving them asking for the recipe before they even finished their first bite. The secret lies in grilling the pineapple rings to caramelized perfection and mastering the art of cooking the turkey patties just right. The result is a flavor explosion that transports your taste buds to a sunny Hawaiian paradise with every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal gathering, these Hawaiian Turkey Sliders are sure to be a hit. The slider format makes them perfect for socializing, while the colorful toppings and savory-sweet combination make them a feast for both the eyes and the palate. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the islands with these irresistible sliders!

Quick Benefits

• Lighter alternative to regular burgers
• Burst of tropical flavors with grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and jalapeños
• Impressive and restaurant-quality presentation
• Adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences

Why You’ll Love This Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet grilled pineapple, tangy teriyaki sauce, and fresh jalapeños creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is both unique and satisfying.
• Lighter Alternative: Ground turkey provides plenty of protein without the heavy feeling of traditional beef burgers, making these sliders a lighter yet still flavorful option.
• Easy Grilling Technique: The grilling method ensures moist and flavorful turkey patties by cooking them evenly while developing a nice crust, making it forgiving even for less experienced grillers.
• Transformative Pineapple Grilling: Grilling the pineapple adds caramelized sugars and a slightly smoky flavor that elevates the entire eating experience, distinguishing these sliders from ordinary turkey burgers.
• Perfect Party Food: The slider format is ideal for gatherings, making them easy to eat while socializing. Plus, the impressive presentation on a platter adds a touch of elegance to any event.
• Adaptable to Preferences: Easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs by using alternative meats, cheeses, or additional toppings like avocado slices, making it versatile for various preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Many components can be prepped in advance, such as forming the patties or grilling the peppers, allowing for easier party execution and making them a convenient option for entertaining.
• Leftover Perk: Leftover sliders keep well, and the tropical flavors actually develop and improve overnight, creating surprisingly delicious next-day eats that are perfect for a quick meal.

Ingredients for Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe

Turkey Patties

• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1/3 cup green onions, sliced thin

Hawaiian Toppings

• 6-8 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce
• 1-2 cups bell peppers, any color
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced into rings

Slider Assembly

• Vegetable oil for grill grates
• 8 slider buns or small hamburger buns

How to Make Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Make Turkey Patties

Combine ground turkey, minced jalapeño, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Shape mixture into 8 small slider-sized patties, creating a slight indent in the center of each. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place on a plate.

Step 2: Prep and Heat Grill

Preheat grill to high heat and grease grates with oil-dipped paper towel to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Peppers

Grill whole bell peppers for about 30 seconds on each side until grill marks form. Transfer to a cutting board, cool briefly, and slice into strips.

Step 4: Cook Turkey Sliders

Lower grill heat to medium-high. Place turkey patties on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes without moving. If patties stick to grates, continue cooking. Flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Grill Pineapple

Grill pineapple rings for 2 minutes on each side until caramelized with grill marks. Transfer to a plate.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese

In the last minute of cooking, spoon teriyaki sauce over each patty and place a slice of cheese on top to melt slightly from the grill heat.

Step 7: Toast Buns and Assemble

Grill slider buns cut-side down for 1-2 minutes until warm and lightly toasted. Assemble sliders with patty on bottom bun, grilled peppers, grilled pineapple, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Top with remaining bun half and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Hawaiian turkey burger sliders, they are best served fresh and hot to enjoy the flavors and textures at their peak. However, you can prep several components ahead of time to streamline party preparation. Form the turkey patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before grilling. Grilled peppers can also be prepared in advance and quickly reheated when needed. Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days and reheat well in a toaster oven or a covered skillet. The tropical flavors actually intensify and improve overnight, making the leftovers surprisingly delicious.

To store the finished dish, place any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to reheat them, it’s best to store the components separately, such as the turkey patties, grilled pineapple, and toppings, to maintain their individual textures and flavors. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the sliders in a toaster oven or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sliders will retain their delicious flavors and can be enjoyed for another meal, making them a convenient and tasty leftover option.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Hawaiian Turkey Sliders recipe, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make based on dietary preferences or availability. If you prefer a different protein than ground turkey, you can easily swap it out for ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative to cater to different tastes. This allows for variety while still maintaining the delicious tropical flavors of the sliders.

In terms of cheese options, feel free to experiment with different types to suit your preferences. While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can elevate the sliders by using Swiss cheese for a touch of sophistication or pepper jack for added heat. This simple swap can change the flavor profile of the sliders and cater to different spice levels desired by you and your guests. Remember, personalizing the cheese selection can bring a whole new dimension to the dish without compromising the overall taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY Hawaiian Turkey Slider Bar at your next gathering. Arrange all the components – grilled turkey patties, pineapple rings, bell peppers, cheddar cheese slices, and slider buns – in separate bowls or platters. Let your guests build their own sliders, customizing them with their favorite toppings and sauces. This not only adds a personalized touch to the meal but also gets everyone involved and mingling while creating their perfect island-inspired creation.

To take your Hawaiian turkey sliders to the next level, consider serving them alongside a refreshing tropical slaw. Mix together shredded cabbage, carrots, pineapple chunks, and a tangy dressing made with lime juice, honey, and a hint of sriracha for some extra kick. This vibrant and crunchy slaw not only complements the flavors of the sliders but also adds a delightful contrast in texture and freshness to the meal. It’s a perfect side dish that enhances the overall Hawaiian dining experience and is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can definitely use ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives to make these sliders. Feel free to experiment with different options based on your dietary preferences or flavor preferences.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time for a party?

You can prep many components ahead of time to make party execution easier. The patties can be formed and refrigerated for up to a day before grilling. Grilled peppers can be prepared earlier and reheated quickly. Leftover sliders also keep well for a couple of days in the refrigerator and can be reheated in a toaster oven or covered skillet.

What is the key to grilling the perfect Hawaiian turkey burger sliders?

The grilling technique is crucial for keeping the turkey moist and flavorful. Make sure to use lower heat and avoid moving the patties too soon to ensure they develop a nice crust while cooking evenly throughout. With the right timing, turkey can be more forgiving than you might think.

How can I customize these sliders to suit different tastes?

These sliders are highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can experiment with various types of cheese, such as Swiss for sophistication or pepper jack for heat. Additionally, consider adding avocado slices for creaminess, using different colored bell peppers for visual appeal, or trying out different brands of teriyaki sauce for unique flavor profiles.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these delightful Hawaiian Turkey Sliders, remember that the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its tropical flavors and impressive presentation but also in its versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal gathering, these sliders are sure to be a hit and leave your guests asking for more.

So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let the sweet aroma of grilled pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce transport you to a sunny Hawaiian paradise right in your own backyard. Embrace the spirit of aloha and share the joy of these Hawaiian Turkey Sliders with those around you. Happy grilling, and may your gatherings always be filled with laughter, good food, and unforgettable memories centered around these delicious sliders.

Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Sliders Recipe

“Juicy Hawaiian turkey sliders with grilled pineapple, tangy teriyaki sauce, and fresh jalapeños – a lighter, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing party favorite!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time10 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 sliders)

Ingredients

Turkey Patties

• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1/3 cup green onions, sliced thin

Hawaiian Toppings

• 6-8 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce
• 1-2 cups bell peppers, any color
• 1 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced into rings

Slider Assembly

• Vegetable oil for grill grates
• 8 slider buns or small hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Make Turkey Patties: Combine ground turkey, minced jalapeño, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Shape mixture into 8 small slider-sized patties, creating a slight indent in the center of each. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place on a plate.
2. Prep and Heat Grill: Preheat grill to high heat and grease grates with oil-dipped paper towel to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Peppers: Grill whole bell peppers for about 30 seconds on each side until grill marks form. Transfer to a cutting board, cool briefly, and slice into strips.
4. Cook Turkey Sliders: Lower grill heat to medium-high. Place turkey patties on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes without moving. If patties stick to grates, continue cooking. Flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.
5. Grill Pineapple: Grill pineapple rings for 2 minutes on each side until caramelized with grill marks. Transfer to a plate.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, spoon teriyaki sauce over each patty and place a slice of cheese on top to melt slightly from the grill heat.
7. Toast Buns and Assemble: Grill slider buns cut-side down for 1-2 minutes until warm and lightly toasted. Assemble sliders with patty on bottom bun, grilled peppers, grilled pineapple, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Top with remaining bun half and serve promptly.