If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful dish that brings together all the best holiday vibes in a single bite, you need to try this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. These little sandwiches pack layers of tender leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled inside soft slider buns and topped with a buttery, savory glaze that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or craving something irresistibly comforting, these sliders make a spectacularly easy and crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with mouthwatering tastes and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you – each one plays a starring role in making this dish taste like a festive celebration in every bite. From the buttery poppy seed topping to the rich, melty cheese, these elements combine to create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these form the perfect handheld base for the filling.
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey: Sliced or shredded, this lean protein adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: The star fruity note that brings bright color and a hint of tart sweetness.
- 6-8 slices Havarti cheese: A smooth, creamy cheese that melts beautifully over the turkey and cranberry.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the buttery glaze.
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of nuttiness and crunch that top off the sliders with flair.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a savory umami kick that elevates all the flavors.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticking. This small prep sets the stage for perfectly baked sliders with no fuss!
Step 2: Build the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the slider buns snugly in your lined baking dish. Next, layer on the sliced or shredded leftover turkey, dollop the cranberry sauce generously, and add the creamy Havarti slices. Finally, crown the stack with the top halves of the buns – the structure of these layers is what makes every bite a harmony of flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This luscious glaze is the secret behind the sliders’ gorgeous golden tops and deliciously savory aroma.
Step 4: Brush the Sliders
Generously brush the buttery mixture all over the tops of the assembled sliders. Don’t be shy here; this step ensures each bite delivers that perfect poppy seed crunch and mouthwatering flavor.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the turkey to warm through and the cheese to melt just right. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the buns are delightfully golden and slightly crisp on top.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe sit for a few minutes to settle. Serving these warm lets the cheese stay ooey-gooey and all the flavors shine at their best.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top adds a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal note that complements the richness perfectly. You can also add a few whole poppy seeds over the glaze before baking for extra texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables for a balanced meal. If you want to keep the feast festive, creamy mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw work beautifully with the flavors without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders on a wooden board with little decorative flags to make them party-ready. Alternatively, layer them in a casserole dish and bake right before serving for a casual family dinner. They also make fantastic portable bites for potlucks or tailgates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any remaining Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders as directed but skip baking. Wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time to heat through thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the texture of the buns and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced freshly cooked turkey works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure the turkey is warm or at room temperature before assembling to help the cheese melt evenly.
What kind of cranberry sauce is best to use?
Store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce both work perfectly. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds lovely texture, but smooth sauces create a more uniform spread. Pick whichever you prefer!
Can I substitute Havarti cheese with something else?
Yes, mild cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even mozzarella are great alternatives that melt nicely and complement the turkey and cranberry flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey for sliced roasted vegetables or a plant-based deli meat, and enjoy the same wonderful combo of cheese, cranberry sauce, and buttery topping.
How do poppy seeds enhance the sliders?
Poppy seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a slight crunch that contrast beautifully with the softness of the buns and the creaminess of the cheese, making each bite more interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to dishes whenever I want to transform simple ingredients into a comforting, festive treat. They’re easy to throw together, endlessly delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try soon—you’ll be surprised how this humble slider can steal the show at any meal!
Print
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delightful and easy-to-make meal featuring leftover turkey layered with tangy cranberry sauce and creamy Havarti cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re baked to golden perfection with a flavorful butter and poppy seed topping.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6–8 slices Havarti cheese
Butter Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced or shredded turkey evenly over the buns, then spread the cranberry sauce on top, followed by layering the Havarti cheese slices. Finally, cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing until well incorporated to create a flavorful glaze for the sliders.
- Brush Sliders: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders to ensure a golden, flavorful crust as they bake.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the slider tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using leftover turkey makes this recipe quick and reduces food waste.
- Havarti cheese melts beautifully, but you can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of poppy seeds in the butter mixture to suit your taste.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.
