If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that brings a festive twist to any gathering, the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is the answer. These sliders pack tender leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Havarti cheese between soft slider buns, all topped with a buttery poppy seed glaze that bakes to perfection. Whether for a holiday party, game day, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable bite that everyone will reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor and texture. From the savory turkey providing hearty protein to the sweet cranberry sauce adding a zingy pop, each component enhances the overall experience in a deliciously balanced way.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and fluffy, these are essential for the perfect handheld bite-sized sandwiches.
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded: Using leftover turkey adds wonderful moisture and meaty satisfaction without extra fuss.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Sweet-tart cranberry sauce brings festive brightness and moisture to every slider.
- 6-8 slices Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, Havarti melts beautifully to bind the flavors while adding a buttery richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter forms the base of the topping that crisply bakes on top and adds indulgent flavor.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A touch of tangy spice in the butter mixture helps cut through the richness and ties the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds: These give the topping a subtle crunch and a visually appealing speckled finish.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth with its savory, umami kick making this slider anything but ordinary.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking while the sliders bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of your slider buns snugly in the prepared dish. Layer on the juicy turkey, then spoon on the tart cranberry sauce followed by the creamy slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, top each slider with the bun tops, ready for the buttery glaze.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. This flavorful mixture will create a beautifully shiny, crunchy crust that elevates the sliders’ presentation and taste.
Step 4: Brush the Sliders
Generously brush the entire top surface of the sliders with the butter mixture. This step ensures a mouthwatering, golden topping with the perfect crunch and savory-spiced notes that everyone will love.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is delightfully melted.
Step 6: Serve
Take the sliders out and let them cool just a bit so the cheese sets slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve them warm for a comforting, crowd-pleasing snack or meal that will disappear in no time.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top to add a pop of green and fresh herbal aroma. A few extra poppy seeds make a nice visual touch, too.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warming butternut squash soup. For something heartier, consider oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries to complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter for a casual, inviting vibe. For parties, arrange them like little sandwiches around a center bowl of extra cranberry sauce or mustard for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes a perfect next-day lunch or quick snack that only requires reheating to enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled, unbaked sliders before brushing with the butter mixture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing the assembly and baking.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. This helps preserve the delightful texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Havarti is creamy and mild, Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack make great substitutions. Choose a cheese that melts well and balances nicely with cranberry sauce.
Is this recipe good for using fresh turkey?
Yes, fresh turkey works perfectly too. Just slice or shred it before layering. Leftovers are popular but any cooked turkey will shine in these sliders.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
You can swap the turkey for a meatless alternative like a plant-based deli slice or grilled vegetables with extra cheese to keep them hearty and satisfying.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
No worries if you don’t have poppy seeds; you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds for a different but equally lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Can this recipe be doubled easily?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate pans to ensure even baking and perfect slider results every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and festive about the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe that it’s become a beloved go-to in my kitchen whenever I want to impress without stress. The marriage of savory turkey, sweet cranberry, and melty cheese inside a buttery bun feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try at your next gathering—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a favorite for so many!
Print
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or snack perfect for using up leftover turkey. Tender turkey slices layered with tangy cranberry sauce and creamy Havarti cheese on soft slider buns, all brushed with a flavorful butter, Dijon mustard, and poppy seed mixture, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6–8 slices Havarti cheese
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced or shredded leftover turkey evenly over the buns, then spread the cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Add the Havarti cheese slices over the cranberry sauce, and finally, cover everything with the top halves of the slider buns.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Brush the Sliders: Generously brush the prepared butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders, ensuring an even coating that will add flavor and help create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the Havarti cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delightful appetizer, snack, or meal.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or freshly cooked turkey slices for freshness.
- Havarti cheese can be substituted with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for variation.
- For extra crunch, toast the slider buns before assembling.
- Poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- These sliders are best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and soft buns.
