If you’ve been searching for an irresistibly delicious and comforting small bite, this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Imagine tender turkey breast layered with creamy Havarti cheese and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, then brushed with a buttery, savory glaze. These sliders come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for family dinners, game days, or holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice creates an unforgettable flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing an important role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color in your sliders. From the soft Hawaiian rolls to the zesty butter topping, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this dish shine.
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they provide the perfect base for the layers.
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast: Tender and lean, giving the sliders hearty protein.
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced: This creamy cheese melts beautifully, adding richness.
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Essential for the flavorful glaze that crisps the tops.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and depth to the butter glaze.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the mustard with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: Adds a crunchy, savory texture and complex flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami for a more layered taste in the butter topping.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet lightly—this step keeps the sliders from sticking as they bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Carefully cut your package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. This creates a sturdy bottom layer and a matching top layer for your sandwich masterpiece.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls neatly in your prepared baking dish. Lay the sliced turkey breast evenly over the bottom buns, then layer the Havarti cheese on top of the turkey. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce generously over the cheese to infuse every bite with flavor. Finally, top this with the other half of the rolls, completing your slider stacks.
Step 4: Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. This savory-sweet glaze is what makes these sliders stand out with a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Dress and Bake
Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the top layer of rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden brown and slight crisp on top.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once baked, carefully remove the sliders from the oven. They can be sliced if you prefer individual portions or served as a full tray for guests to grab. Enjoy these sliders fresh for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh twist and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or finely sliced green onions on top before serving. A light smear of extra cranberry sauce on the side can elevate the presentation and allow guests to tailor sweetness to their liking.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing mixed green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. For a cozy meal, serving alongside creamy baked mac and cheese is also a wonderful complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the sliders on a wooden board with autumnal decor or a colorful platter with mini flags or toothpicks to keep them together and add charm. You can also create a slider bar where guests build their own with extra cheese, cranberry sauce, or mustard for a personalized experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the rolls soft and the meat fresh without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
These sliders freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain softness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place your sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Havarti?
Absolutely! Swiss, Gouda, or even Monterey Jack work well if you want a different flavor or don’t have Havarti on hand. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely for the best result.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the turkey breast for grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, or use a plant-based deli slice. The cranberry and creaminess of the cheese keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free buns or rolls that have a similar soft texture. Ensure all other ingredients, like the Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free as well.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders have mild spice, courtesy of the Dijon mustard and everything bagel seasoning, but nothing too intense. If you love spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the butter glaze or include sliced jalapeños in the layering step.
What occasions are best for serving Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe?
They’re perfect for holiday parties, game days, casual family dinners, or even as an appetizer for larger gatherings. Their festive cranberry element makes them especially fitting for Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this flavorful Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe in your kitchen arsenal, I can promise it will quickly become a fast favorite. Easy to make, irresistible to eat, and perfect for sharing, these sliders combine cozy, comforting tastes with a touch of festive flair. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together into something truly special.
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a delightful combination of savory turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and sweet whole berry cranberry sauce layered between soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a buttery, seasoned glaze and baked to golden perfection, these sliders make a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings and holiday parties.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 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) and 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 breast evenly over the bottom buns, then arrange the sliced Havarti cheese evenly over the turkey. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese, covering the surface thoroughly. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over 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 fully blended.
- Dress the rolls: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders to add flavor and help develop a golden crust during baking.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish and a slightly crisp top.
- Serve hot: Carefully remove the sliders from the oven and slice if desired. Serve warm for best taste. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a short period.
Notes
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to keep the sliders moist and to melt the cheese evenly.
- For a spicier touch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter topping mixture.
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for a tangier flavor or canned whole berry cranberry sauce for convenience.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead, assembled, covered, and refrigerated before baking.
