It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. These Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the perfect solution for your busy evening. They are warm, cheesy, and satisfy every craving. You only need a few simple ingredients to start. Your family will love the sweet and savory mix. This recipe is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
You can have these on the table in about 35 minutes. They use soft Hawaiian rolls and deli turkey for speed. The cranberry sauce adds a bright, festive touch. It is a great way to use up holiday leftovers too. Let’s get cooking and make something everyone will enjoy. You deserve a stress-free dinner tonight.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
These sliders are a total crowd-pleaser for any gathering. The Havarti cheese melts into a creamy, gooey layer that kids love. Using a whole slab of rolls saves you so much time. You don’t have to build each sandwich one by one. This makes it perfect for feeding a hungry group quickly. It is a great choice for your next football Sunday.
The balance of flavors here is truly special. Sweet cranberry meets savory Dijon mustard in every single bite. The poppy seed butter creates a perfectly golden crust on top. It feels like a fancy meal without the hard work. You can easily double the batch for larger parties. These are the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall nights.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these sliders is incredibly straightforward and fast. You start by slicing the entire pack of rolls horizontally. This creates two large sheets of bread for easy layering. Layer your turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese evenly across the bottom. Then, you just place the top half back on. It is like making one giant sandwich at once.
The secret is the savory butter glaze you brush on top. Whisking the butter with Dijon and Worcestershire adds deep flavor. You bake them covered first to melt the cheese perfectly. Then, you uncover them to get that beautiful golden crunch. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this. It is a foolproof way to impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry. Using quality deli turkey makes a big difference here.
- 12 count package sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli turkey breast
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and apply non-stick coating to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bisect the entire slab of rolls horizontally to create a continuous top and bottom half.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish.
- Layer the turkey breast evenly across the surface of the bottom rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce in a uniform layer over the turkey.
- Arrange the Havarti cheese slices over the cranberry sauce to ensure edge-to-edge coverage.
- Place the top slab of rolls onto the assembly.
- In a small vessel, whisk the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until emulsified.
- Apply the butter mixture to the top of the rolls using a pastry brush for even distribution.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until the cheese reaches melting point and the bread tops exhibit golden-brown color.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to stabilize the internal structure before slicing into 12 individual sliders.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these sliders while they are still warm and melty. They look beautiful on a wooden serving board. Pair them with a crisp green salad for balance. They also go great with a bowl of tomato soup. For a party, add some crunchy kettle chips on the side. Your guests will love the colorful cranberry filling inside.
These are excellent for a casual weekend lunch. You can also serve them as a heavy appetizer. They are easy for kids to grab and eat. Set the table with some festive napkins for a holiday feel. Don’t forget to provide extra napkins for the buttery tops. Enjoy these with your favorite cold beverage and good company.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, they store quite well. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, avoid using the microwave if possible. It can make the sweet rolls a bit soggy. Instead, put them back in the oven at 350°F.
Cover them with foil to prevent the tops from burning. Heat them for about 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the bread soft and the cheese melty. You can also use an air fryer for a quick fix. Just a few minutes at 320°F will do the trick. These make a wonderful quick lunch the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking the sliders.
- Avoid using too much cranberry sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute Swiss cheese if you cannot find Havarti at the store.
- Assemble the sandwiches a few hours early to save time later.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach for a pop of color.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly and easily.
- Brush the butter glaze all the way to the edges.
- Double the glaze if you like extra savory flavor on top.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the turkey for thinly sliced ham for a classic flavor.
- Use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe allergy-friendly for guests.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick that cuts the sweetness.
- Replace poppy seeds with sesame seeds for a different crunch.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge without the butter glaze. Brush the butter on just before you put them in the oven. This keeps the bread from getting too soft before baking.
What is the best turkey to use?
Thinly sliced deli turkey works best for a tender bite. Smoked turkey adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use leftover roasted turkey from your holiday meal. Just make sure it is sliced or shredded thinly.
Will my kids like the cranberry sauce?
Most kids enjoy the sweetness that the cranberry sauce provides. It tastes very similar to a mild fruit jam when baked. If they are very picky, you can use less sauce. The melted cheese usually wins them over regardless.
I hope these Cranberry Turkey Sliders bring a little extra warmth to your table. They are so simple to make and always disappear fast. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 12 count package sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli turkey breast
- 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and apply non-stick coating to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bisect the entire slab of rolls horizontally to create a continuous top and bottom half.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish.
- Layer the turkey breast evenly across the surface of the bottom rolls.
- Spread the cranberry sauce in a uniform layer over the turkey.
- Arrange the Havarti cheese slices over the cranberry sauce to ensure edge-to-edge coverage.
- Place the top slab of rolls onto the assembly.
- In a small vessel, whisk the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce until emulsified.
- Apply the butter mixture to the top of the rolls using a pastry brush for even distribution.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until the cheese reaches melting point and the bread tops exhibit golden-brown color.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to stabilize the internal structure before slicing into 12 individual sliders.
