If you’re craving a bite-sized burst of festive flavor that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour, Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping might just become your new go-to recipe for gatherings, parties, or cozy family nights. Imagine layers of juicy sliced turkey and creamy Havarti cheese, hugged between soft, pillowy rolls and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then brushed with a buttery, poppy seed–flecked topping before baking to golden perfection. Whether you’re making the most of Thanksgiving leftovers or simply looking for a show-stopping appetizer, these sliders deliver big comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping comes from simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create something wonderful. Each component brings its own flavor, texture, or color, and you’ll find most of these already in your kitchen after a holiday meal.
- Slider rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls (like Hawaiian rolls) hold everything together and soak up all the amazing flavors.
- Sliced cooked turkey breast: Go for thick, juicy slices—perfect for using up leftover turkey or grabbing from the deli.
- Havarti cheese: These creamy, mild slices melt beautifully and pair perfectly with turkey and cranberries.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds a tart and slightly sweet punch, making every bite sing with holiday flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter forms the base of the dreamy topping, lending rich flavor and gorgeous color.
- Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and depth to the buttery topping without overpowering the sliders.
- Poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of crunch and visual flair on top of each slider.
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami that adds savory depth to the butter topping.
- Onion powder: Delivers mellow, aromatic notes throughout the topping.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to tie all the flavors together and enhance every layer.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving your kitchen that cozy aroma that says “something delicious is coming.” Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it so nothing sticks—this is where all the magic will happen.
Step 2: Slice the Slider Rolls
Without pulling the rolls apart, carefully slice the entire slab in half horizontally. This keeps each slider uniform and makes layering a total breeze—your bottom and top halves are ready to cradle all the tasty fillings.
Step 3: Build the Base Layer
Place the bottom half of your slider rolls into the greased baking dish. This is your foundation, and it’s ready for the flavors you’ll pile on top.
Step 4: Layer on the Turkey
Arrange your sliced turkey evenly over the bottom rolls. Opt for thick, hearty slices for maximum juiciness and a satisfying bite—don’t be shy about covering every corner!
Step 5: Add Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce over the turkey and gently spread it out. You want plenty of cranberries in every bite; their sweet-tart zing is what makes these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping so special.
Step 6: Cheese, Please!
Lay the Havarti cheese slices over the cranberry layer, making sure you cover the surface as evenly as possible. Havarti melts smoothly, joining forces with the turkey and cranberry for that irresistible, gooey middle.
Step 7: Cap It Off
Place the top half of the slider rolls over the fillings, matching them up with the bottoms to keep everything neat and simple.
Step 8: Make and Apply the Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush this buttery mixture generously over the tops of the rolls—the poppy seeds and Dijon create a flavor-packed, slightly crunchy crown for each slider.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. The foil lets everything heat through gently. After that, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes, so the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese inside bubbles and melts.
Step 10: Cool & Slice
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes—just enough so everyone’s hands can dive in without burning. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls and serve these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping warm and melty.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping
Garnishes
Garnish these sliders with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green, or scatter a few extra poppy seeds on top right before serving. If you’re feeling festive, a quick grating of orange zest over the rolls adds beautiful citrusy aroma that works wonders with the cranberry theme.
Side Dishes
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are wonderfully versatile—serve them with a crunchy green salad, sweet potato fries, or even a cozy mug of butternut squash soup. For parties, pair with simple veggie sticks and a creamy ranch dip for contrast and color on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and stack the sliders on a wooden board or rustic tray, separated by parchment squares for an artisanal look. You can even use festive toothpicks to keep them together—perfect for finger food at parties. If it’s a brunch, plate two or three sliders per person on small dishes with a side salad for a charming lunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping, wrap them snugly in foil or store in an airtight container. Pop them in the refrigerator, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches and snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking if you’d like! Assemble the sliders, including the butter topping, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover sliders in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes). This keeps the bread soft and the cheese oozy, just like when they were fresh. You can also microwave them for a few seconds in a pinch, but the oven works best for reviving that fresh-baked crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken swaps in seamlessly and provides just as much flavor and moistness; just shred or slice it to layer inside.
What kind of rolls work best?
Soft, sweet slider rolls like Hawaiian rolls are ideal for Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping, but potato rolls or brioche sliders are delicious alternatives too, so use what you love!
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the sliders (topping and all) up to a day in advance. Just cover your baking dish with foil and refrigerate; when ready to bake, add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
Is there a substitute for Havarti cheese?
If you don’t have Havarti, mild Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella are fantastic substitutes that still melt smoothly and pair well with turkey and cranberry.
How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free slider rolls and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free—everything else in the recipe should fit the bill!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly comforting about sharing a platter of warm, melty Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy yet impressive meal, these sliders are sure to win hearts. Give them a try—you’ll love how fast they disappear!
Print
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are a delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers or simple, flavorful sliders any time. Layers of turkey, cranberry sauce, Havarti cheese, and a poppy seed butter topping baked to perfection on sweet slider rolls.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls:
- 12 slider rolls (such as Hawaiian rolls)
Cranberry Turkey Sliders:
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast
- 6 slices Havarti cheese (halved)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Poppy Seed Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sliders: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Havarti over the rolls.
- Make the Topping: Whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and salt. Brush this mixture over the rolls.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare these sliders in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Feel free to use Swiss or provolone cheese as alternatives.
- Perfect for utilizing leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
