If you are looking for a burst of festive flavors wrapped up in a perfectly handheld treat, this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender turkey breast, creamy Havarti cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls, drizzled with a buttery, savory glaze that bakes into a golden crown of deliciousness. This dish is easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing sandwich with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe are simple yet essential. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy flavors, while adding texture and color to the final dish.
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet buns that cradle all the filling beautifully.
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast: The lean, tender protein that makes these sliders hearty and satisfying.
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced: A mild and creamy cheese that melts smoothly over the turkey.
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a bright sweetness and real fruit texture for contrast.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Creates a luxurious coating for a perfectly golden top crust.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and depth to the butter glaze.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramelized sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: Brings a burst of crunch and a savory seasoning hit.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness to tie all flavors together.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. This ensures your delicious sliders won’t stick, making for an easy cleanup and perfectly intact servings.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully slice the package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. This simple step creates the foundation for your sliders by separating the top and bottom layers you will fill and layer.
Step 3: Build Your Sliders
Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls into the baking dish. Lay the sliced turkey evenly on top of the bottom buns, followed by a layer of creamy Havarti cheese. Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce generously over the cheese, spreading it as much as possible to cover the surface. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over the cranberry sauce to form your assembled sliders.
Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until combined. This glaze is what gives your sliders a beautiful golden crust and an extra punch of flavor.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders, making sure every bite will have that savory, slightly sweet finish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and everything heats through. Then, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes to create a golden, slightly crispy top layer that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once taken out of the oven, carefully slice the sliders if they are still joined together. Serve these warm to enjoy the melty cheese, juicy turkey, and fruity cranberry in every bite. Freshly baked, these sliders shine brightest but leftovers can be saved, too.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add some fresh flavor contrast, try garnishing your sliders with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. A light sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top can add a burst of color and flavor that fires up your senses.
Side Dishes
Turkey Cranberry Sliders pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, sweet potato fries, or a creamy coleslaw complement the rich and sweet notes of the sliders perfectly. For a cozy, hearty meal, pair these sliders with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or roasted root vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard for dipping. You can even jazz things up by sprinkling the top of the slider platter with extra everything bagel seasoning or fresh herbs. These sliders also work great as part of a party platter alongside assorted cheeses and nuts for a festive feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making lunchtime the following day just as delicious with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze your assembled but unbaked sliders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the original instructions for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
To warm up leftover sliders, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method ensures the cheese melts anew and the rolls regain a bit of their fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While Havarti cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild creaminess, you can substitute with Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the flavor profile you want to maintain.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Though Hawaiian rolls add a lovely sweetness and softness, you can use other soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Slightly sweet or plain buns will still hold the fillings well and deliver delicious results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the turkey for hearty grilled vegetables such as portobello mushrooms or roasted butternut squash slices. Keep the cranberry sauce and cheese for that sweet-savory contrast that makes this recipe shine.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Just substitute the Hawaiian rolls with your favorite gluten-free slider buns. Make sure any additional sauces or ingredients you use are also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day ahead and refrigerate them unbaked. Before guests arrive, simply brush with the butter glaze and bake them fresh. This keeps them tasting homemade and warm without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and celebratory about the Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe—it’s like a cozy holiday feast shrunk down to perfect little sandwiches. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering, a family dinner, or just craving something special, these sliders deliver that wonderful combination of sweet, savory, and melty goodness that always hits the spot. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these sliders disappear from the plate—they truly bring people together in the yummiest way.
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders combine tender sliced turkey breast, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a savory buttery glaze infused with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and everything bagel seasoning, then baked to golden perfection, these sliders make for a deliciously easy appetizer or party snack that’s bursting with festive flavors.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls (whole package split horizontally into top and bottom)
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Butter Glaze
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat 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 and prepare for baking.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer for the sliders.
- Build Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Evenly layer sliced turkey breast over the rolls, then layer the sliced Havarti cheese on top of the turkey. Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese, covering the surface as much as possible. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over the cranberry sauce to form sandwiches.
- Make Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Apply Glaze: Drizzle the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders to ensure a flavorful and golden-brown finish after baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through fully.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered to develop a desirable golden color and slight crust on top of the sliders.
- Serve: Carefully remove the sliders from the oven, slice if needed, and serve warm. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored briefly in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use freshly sliced turkey breast for the best flavor and moisture.
- Havarti cheese melts well and complements the sweetness of cranberry sauce perfectly, but Swiss or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
- If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried onion works well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter glaze.
- These sliders can be made ahead and reheated covered in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
