Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that combines cozy comfort with a festive twist, you have to try this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe. Imagine tender turkey layered with creamy Havarti cheese and that tangy burst of whole berry cranberry sauce, all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. The crown jewel is a buttery, savory topping with Dijon mustard and everything bagel seasoning that creates a golden, irresistible crust. These sliders come together quickly, making them perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a fun, flavorful bite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful, textured, and eye-catching dish. Each component plays its part: the Hawaiian rolls bring softness and sweetness, the turkey adds heartiness, the Havarti cheese melts to gooey perfection, and the cranberry sauce delivers that signature pop of sweetness and tartness.
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for slider-sized sandwiches that hold everything together without overpowering.
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast: Tender, lean, and packed with flavor, turkey keeps these sliders hearty and satisfying.
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced: This creamy, mild cheese melts beautifully and complements the sweetness of the rolls and cranberry sauce.
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a burst of tangy sweetness with texture thanks to whole berries.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Creates a rich, golden crust when mixed with seasonings and brushed on top.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick that balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the butter mixture.
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: The perfect savory finish, lending a little crunch and a pop of garlic and onion.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the buttery topping.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the sliders heat evenly without drying out, and it helps the cheese melt perfectly. Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet—this makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully slice the package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer just like a sandwich bun. This split lets you build layers without the rolls falling apart and gives you enough surface area to add plenty of turkey, cheese, and that gorgeous cranberry sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls snugly in the baking dish. Spread the turkey evenly over the bottom buns—this makes sure every bite has plenty of savory meat. Then layer the Havarti slices right on top of the turkey so they can melt into softness while baking. Dollop and spread the whole berry cranberry sauce across the cheese, covering as much area as possible; this creates a lovely brilliant color and a burst of fruity flavor. Finally, lay the top halves of the rolls over everything, gently pressing down to keep it all together.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This magical blend will transform the rolls as they bake, giving them a savory-sweet crust that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Dress and Bake
Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders, making sure each roll is coated. Then cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and help the cheese melt thoroughly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is bubbling. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to give the tops a beautiful golden-brown finish with a slightly crisp crust.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the sliders from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole. These warm, gooey sliders are heavenly fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment. The aroma and combination of flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To take these sliders up a notch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A few extra dollops of cranberry sauce on the side add sweetness, and a light drizzle of honey mustard can bring more dimension if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine best alongside classic side dishes like crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even creamy coleslaw. The freshness and texture contrasts of these sides balance the warm, melty layers in the sliders perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive table or party platter, arrange sliders in a circular pattern on a wooden board, garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or sage. You can also serve these sliders as part of a mini sandwich bar, letting guests add extra toppings like pickles, arugula, or different mustards to create their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, which means you can enjoy a quick and delicious snack the next day without sacrificing any flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the fully assembled but unbaked sliders tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, uncovered, so the cheese melts again and the rolls regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bun from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of Havarti?
Absolutely! Havarti works wonderfully because it melts nicely and has a mild flavor, but you can substitute with mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack depending on your preference. Each brings a slight twist to the flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Is it possible to make vegetarian sliders using this recipe?
Yes, just swap the turkey with a plant-based deli slice or roasted vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant. The cranberry sauce and buttery topping will still make these sliders delicious regardless of the filling.
Can I prepare these sliders without the cranberry sauce?
The cranberry sauce is a key part of the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe’s charm, adding that perfect balance of sweet and tart. However, if you don’t have it on hand, a cranberry chutney or even a splash of cranberry juice mixed with a bit of jam can be a good substitute.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders are very mild with no overt spiciness. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors but won’t overwhelm anyone sensitive to spice.
Can I make these sliders smaller or larger?
The recipe is designed for 12 Hawaiian rolls, which are standard slider size. If you want smaller bites for finger food, cut each slider in half. If you want larger sandwiches, you can use regular buns but adjust baking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that brings people together instantly. It’s quick to prepare, packed with layers of flavor, and bursting with a lovely holiday vibe that’s welcome all year round. So next time you want a dish that’s both special and easy, give these sliders a go—you’ll be glad you did!
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Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal option featuring tender turkey breast and creamy Havarti cheese layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. A buttery, savory topping infused with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and everything bagel seasoning is drizzled over the sliders and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, these sliders combine sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Slice the rolls: Carefully cut the package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Assemble the sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns, then arrange the sliced Havarti cheese on top of the turkey. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls onto the cranberry sauce to form sandwiches.
- Make the butter topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Dress the rolls: Drizzle the prepared butter mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders to enhance flavor and aid browning during baking.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to create a golden crust.
- Serve hot: Carefully take the sliders out of the oven, slice if desired, and serve warm. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a short period.
Notes
- You can substitute Havarti cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter topping mixture.
- Make sure to cover the sliders while baking to melt the cheese without drying out the rolls.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- To store leftovers, keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
