There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfect blend of savory and sweet, especially when it comes together in a handheld delight like these sliders. The Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is my go-to when I want a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. Soft Hawaiian rolls cradle tender turkey breast, creamy Havarti cheese, and vibrant whole berry cranberry sauce, all topped with a buttery glaze that’s kissed by Dijon mustard and everything bagel seasoning. These sliders are truly the ultimate comfort snack or appetizer that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for any festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe shine, it’s really about using a few key ingredients that each bring something unique to the party. From the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls to the zingy, aromatic bagel seasoning, every component contributes to that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls: The sweet, pillowy base that keeps everything together and adds a hint of buttery softness.
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast: Lean, tender, and packed with savory protein, turkey is the heart of these sliders.
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced: Creamy and mild with a slight nuttiness that melts beautifully.
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a burst of tart sweetness and gorgeous ruby color to every bite.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Creates a rich, golden finish on top of the sliders once baked.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the butter glaze.
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: A flavorful mix of sesame seeds, garlic, and onion that adds irresistible crunch and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami depth and ties all the flavors together in the butter glaze.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. This little step ensures your sliders won’t stick and makes clean-up much easier later on.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. This creates a perfect top and bottom layer to sandwich all the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls in your prepared dish. Then, evenly layer the sliced turkey breast, followed by the Havarti cheese slices. Next, spread the whole berry cranberry sauce generously over the cheese, making sure it covers as much surface as possible. Finally, cap everything with the top half of the rolls.
Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until you have a well-combined, flavorful glaze.
Step 5: Apply the Glaze
Drizzle this glossy butter mixture evenly over the tops of your assembled sliders. This will give them a flavorful, beautiful golden-brown finish when they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to achieve that perfectly crisp, golden crust on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Take the sliders carefully out of the oven, slice into individual portions if you like, and serve them warm. They’re absolutely irresistible fresh from the oven, making this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe a sure winner at any table.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top adds a pop of color and subtle herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors perfectly. You can also add a few whole cranberry jewels on each slider for a festive touch that invites curiosity and smiles.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with light, crunchy sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggie chips. For a heartier meal, consider creamy coleslaw or sweet potato fries—they bring textural contrast and brighten up the spread nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe on a festive platter lined with leafy greens or even a wooden board for a warm, rustic vibe. For holiday gatherings, add small decorative toothpicks or flags to make them extra fun and easy to grab during mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack or light meal later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders by wrapping the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the baking instructions as usual. This Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe adapts well to freezing, perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crust the glaze creates on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella also work wonderfully in this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe if you prefer a different taste or texture.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the sliced turkey with your favorite plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a delicious meat-free version that still captures all the cozy flavors.
How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Spreading the cranberry sauce over the cheese, not directly on the rolls, helps protect the bread from moisture. Also, baking uncovered at the end crisps the tops nicely, keeping the sliders from turning soggy.
Can I make this recipe smaller or larger?
Definitely. This recipe scales easily—just adjust ingredient amounts proportionally based on how many sliders you want to make. Using a smaller or larger baking dish works fine too, just keep an eye on the baking times.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Keep them warm by covering with foil and placing on a warming tray. Arrange on a large platter with garnishes and toothpicks for easy grabbing. These Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe treats make a fantastic and fuss-free party platter!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor, this Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. They come together quickly, taste incredible, and always bring smiles to the table. Whether for a cozy family dinner or your next get-together, these sliders are guaranteed to become a new favorite.
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 are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, perfect for holiday gatherings or any casual get-together. Featuring tender turkey breast, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce on soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with a buttery, flavorful seasoning glaze that bakes to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slices Hawaiian rolls
- 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 ensure easy removal of the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two halves, creating a top and bottom layer for the slider sandwiches.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Evenly layer sliced turkey breast over the bottoms, followed by a layer of sliced Havarti cheese. Spread whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese, covering as much surface as possible. Place the top half of the rolls over the cranberry sauce to complete the slider sandwiches.
- Make Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful glaze for the sliders.
- Glaze Sliders: Drizzle the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the assembled sliders to infuse them with rich flavor and aid in browning during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the sliders to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top, enhancing the flavor and texture of the sliders.
- Serve: Carefully remove the sliders from the oven and slice if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within a short time.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce to the butter glaze before drizzling.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Substitute Havarti with Swiss or provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls to adapt to dietary preferences.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain their moistness.
