Imagine sinking your teeth into a delightful bite of crisp, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls paired with the savory layers of turkey and Havarti cheese, all crowned with a luscious spread of cranberry sauce. These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any gathering or an easy dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, these sliders are a swift solution for busy days.
- Leftover Friendly: A great way to use up leftover turkey, turning it into something entirely new and exciting.
- Crowd Pleaser: These are perfect for parties, disappearing quickly at any gathering due to their great flavor and appealing presentation.
- Flavor Combination: The mix of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, yet each component plays a crucial role in crafting these delightful Turkey Cranberry Sliders. From the buttery rolls to the vibrant cranberry sauce, every bite offers a symphony of flavor and texture.
- 12 count package Hawaiian rolls: These slightly sweet rolls are perfect for balancing the savory and tart elements.
- 8 ounces sliced turkey: A lean and flavorful protein that provides the hearty base for your sliders.
- 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese: Known for its creamy and mild flavor, it melts beautifully over the turkey.
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the savory elements wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Essential for adding richness and helps to evenly distribute the topping flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the mustard and adds a hint of caramel sweetness to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: Provides an unexpected and delightful crunch and flavor boost.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This umami-rich sauce deepens the overall flavor profile.
Variations
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are wonderfully versatile. Feel free to tailor them to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this recipe can adapt!
- Cheese Swap: Try Swiss or cheddar cheese instead of Havarti for a different melt and flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the turkey and cheese with plant-based versions and use a vegan butter for the topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and check your seasonings to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves snugly in the prepared dish. This forms the sturdy base and ensures every slider holds together nicely.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Arrange the turkey slices over the bottom layer of rolls, followed by the Havarti cheese. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese. The careful layering helps to distribute the flavors throughout every bite, with each layer contributing its unique character to the sliders.
Step 3: Top and Bake
Place the tops of the rolls over the cranberry layer. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the rolls. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to make the tops golden and irresistibly crisp.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Perfect Temperature: Melt the butter over low heat to avoid scorching and allow flavors to meld beautifully in your topping.
- Tailor the Tartness: Opt for homemade cranberry sauce if you desire a specific sweetness level or extra zest.
- Quick Prep: Use pre-sliced turkey and cheese to cut down on preparation time and keep the process swift and enjoyable.
- Even Distribution: Drizzle with a spoon to ensure the seasoned butter mixture covers each roll top evenly.
How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Garnishes
Simplicity is key with garnishes for these Turkey Cranberry Sliders. A light sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro can add a hint of freshness and color contrast. You might also consider a thin slice of lemon for an added citrus zip before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with a crisp, simple salad like an arugula and apple combination, or roasted vegetables seasoned with olive oil and garlic. These sides balance the hearty sliders with light, refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by presenting your Turkey Cranberry Sliders on a wooden cutting board with a few scatterings of fresh cranberries. Use small decorative toothpicks to keep each slider intact, making it easier for guests to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store, wrap the sliders in plastic or transfer them to an airtight container, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully, making them even more delectable.
Freezing
These sliders freeze well, offering a fantastic make-ahead option. Wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a faster option, heating in short 20-second bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of roll besides Hawaiian?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls offer a perfect sweet balance, you can opt for any soft dinner rolls or slider buns you prefer.
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What other meats can I use if turkey isn’t available?
Chicken or even ham can be excellent substitutes for turkey, providing a savory base that still pairs wonderfully with the cranberries and cheese.
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Is it possible to substitute the cranberry sauce?
You can swap in a different fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot for a unique twist, maintaining the sweet-tart component that complements the other flavors.
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How can I make these sliders spicier?
Consider adding a slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the layers before baking for an added kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
These Turkey Cranberry Sliders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation, offering comfort and zest in every bite. Dive into the warm, layered goodness and enjoy sharing—or savoring solo—these delightful treats. Give them a try, and you might find them becoming a tradition in your home.
Print
Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Turkey Cranberry Sliders combine tender turkey, melted Havarti cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce layered on soft Hawaiian rolls, all topped with a savory butter glaze. Perfect for a quick lunch or party appetizer, they are baked to perfection for a warm, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiin rolls (packaged, about 1 dozen)
- 8 ounces sliced turkey (deli sliced)
- 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Cut the rolls in half horizontally. Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls into top and bottom halves without tearing them.
- Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly in a single layer.
- Layer the turkey over the bottom buns. Place the sliced turkey evenly over the rolls.
- Add cheese over the turkey. Layer the sliced Havarti evenly on top of the turkey.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the cheese. Use a spoon to distribute the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with the upper halves of the rolls. Place the top pieces over the assembled sliders, aligning them properly.
- Prepare the butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Drizzle the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Use a spoon or pastry brush to evenly coat the tops.
- Cover with aluminum foil. Tightly cover the baking dish to keep the heat in and help melt the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the foil and bake briefly to give the tops a slight crisp.
- Serve warm. Slice into individual sliders and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a more toasted top, remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute the Havarti cheese with Swiss or Provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Use fresh or day-old rolls for better texture and binding.
- This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
