Name: Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 – 12 count package Hawaiian rolls (dinner rolls can be substituted); 12 ounces sliced deli turkey or thinly sliced leftover turkey; 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese; 1/2 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tsp poppy seeds; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp brown sugar

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If you’re looking for a delightful blend of flavors that will impress everyone at your next gathering, this Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine gooey, double-layered Havarti cheese mingling with tart, vibrant cranberry sauce and tender turkey, all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Baked with a flavorful butter sauce that adds a perfect finishing touch, these sliders are both comforting and elegant, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you want a quick snack or a show-stopping party appetizer, these sliders bring together a balance of savory, sweet, and buttery goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of various food items neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a small white bowl filled with dark red cranberry sauce at the top left, next to a white plate piled with soft, golden small sandwich rolls at the top right. Below the cranberry sauce is a white bowl containing thin, folded slices of roasted turkey with a light brown edge. To the right of the turkey slices, there are several pale yellow slices of cheese layered on a white parchment paper. Below the turkey is a small rectangular piece of butter. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds a mix of black, beige, and brown spices. Next to it on the right is a small white bowl with smooth yellow mustard, and to the far right is another small white bowl containing a dark brown liquid. The overall color palette is warm and neutral, with a focus on natural food textures and a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of making these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these create the perfect base that holds all the filling together while adding a delicate sweetness.
Sliced deli turkey: Tender and flavorful, turkey brings a savory element that balances beautifully with the other ingredients.
Havarti cheese: Gooey and mild, this cheese melts flawlessly, creating that luscious double cheese layer everyone loves.
Cranberry sauce: Adds a tart pop that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter.
Melted butter: The foundation for the sauce that adds moisture and richness to the baked sliders.
Poppy seeds and sesame seeds: These seeds bring both subtle crunch and visual appeal to the tops of the sliders.
Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick to brighten up the butter sauce.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a gentle savory note.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Brown sugar: Balances the tang and savoriness with a touch of sweetness in the butter sauce.

How to Make Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Buns

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—that perfect temperature for melting cheese without overbaking. Next, carefully slice your slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two halves to create a top and bottom layer. This split sets the foundation for stacking all the delicious fillings.

Step 2: Layer the Bottom Buns

Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish to prevent sticking, then arrange the bottom halves of your buns snugly in the pan. This will be the sturdy base that supports all the layers of turkey, cheese, and cranberry.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Turkey Layers

Spread half of your sliced Havarti cheese evenly over the bottom buns—this ensures every bite is cheesy. Then, pile the sliced turkey on top, covering the cheese layer completely for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

Step 4: Spread the Cranberry Sauce

Gently spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey. This glossy, tart layer brings that signature zing to the sliders, perfectly complementing the richness of the cheese and turkey.

Step 5: Complete the Cheese and Bun Stack

Top the cranberry layer with the remaining Havarti slices, creating a double dose of cheesy goodness. Finally, place the top half of the buns over everything, completing your slider masterpiece.

Step 6: Mix and Brush on the Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until well incorporated. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops and sides of your buns with this flavorful butter sauce, which will caramelize and crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 7: Bake and Crisp

Cover the baking dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes to give the tops a wonderfully golden, crisp finish.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, give the sliders a few minutes to cool slightly. This helps the layers set just enough so they won’t fall apart when you dig in, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

How to Serve Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe

The image shows three sandwich pieces stacked on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Each sandwich has a soft golden brown bun with poppy seeds on top. The bottom layer of each sandwich is filled with tender slices of light pink turkey, above that is a thin layer of melted white cheese, and the top layer consists of a thick spread of bright red cranberry sauce. The sandwich on top is slightly lifted, showing the inside layers clearly. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely fragrant note and a pop of green that contrasts nicely with the warm colors of these sliders. A few extra cranberries scattered around the serving platter can brighten the presentation and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve these sliders alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance. Roasted root vegetables or sweet potato fries also make fantastic accompaniments, adding a complementary earthiness to the sweet and savory sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For larger crowds, present the Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe on a rustic wooden board or in a large party platter lined with parchment. Wrap each slider individually in parchment tied with twine for a charming, portable appetizer or pack them in lunchboxes for a gourmet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the buns together helps maintain moisture and stops the turkey and cheese from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled and baked sliders before the crisping step. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then crisp the tops in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a 325-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For a crisper top, finish with a quick broil, but watch closely to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese instead of Havarti?

Absolutely! While Havarti’s creamy melt is perfect, Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can work well depending on your taste preferences. Just be mindful of how each cheese melts and complements the cranberry’s tartness.

Is it okay to use leftover turkey in this recipe?

Yes! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and makes for a great way to transform your turkey into a totally new and exciting meal without any waste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Definitely. Swap out turkey for a hearty grilled vegetable like portobello mushrooms or a flavorful veggie patty, and the taste will still be delicious paired with the Havarti and cranberry layers.

What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

You can substitute with dinner rolls or slider buns of your choice. Just ensure they are slightly sweet and soft to mimic the texture and taste of Hawaiian rolls as closely as possible.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble the sliders and prepare the butter sauce ahead of time but hold off on the final baking. When your guests arrive, simply brush on the sauce and bake to serve fresh, hot sliders.

Final Thoughts

This Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or your next celebration, these sliders bring warmth, comfort, and joy to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the smiles they inspire around your table!