If you’re looking for a delightful and crowd-pleasing twist on classic sliders, the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender slices of turkey layered atop soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, slathered with a tangy cranberry sauce, and melted Havarti cheese creating that perfect gooey bite. Then, a golden, buttery poppy seed topping infused with a hint of Dijon and Worcestershire elevates these sliders to savory-sweet perfection. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, these sliders bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of festive charm that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a complex palate of flavors and textures. Each item plays a specific role, from the soft Hawaiian rolls providing the perfect base to the tangy cranberry sauce adding a wonderful vibrant color and fruity sweetness.
- Hawaiian rolls (1 package, 12 count): Their slight sweetness and pillowy texture make them ideal for sliders and help keep everything together.
- Deli turkey (1 lb, sliced): Lean and tender, it’s the hearty protein star of the dish.
- Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Choose jellied for smoothness or whole berry for added texture and bursts of fruitiness.
- Havarti or Provolone cheese (6 slices): Mild and melty, this cheese binds the flavors while offering creamy richness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds moisture and helps create that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Provides a deep umami kick that balances sweetness perfectly.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle sharpness and tang that cuts through the richness.
- Minced dried onion (2 teaspoons): Brings a subtle savory note and texture to the topping.
- Poppy seeds (2 teaspoons): Give a delightful crunch and visual appeal for the topping.
- Fresh minced chives (2 teaspoons): Brighten the flavor and add a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bun Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally while keeping the top and bottom sections intact to maintain that classic slider shape. This base sets the stage for layering all the delicious ingredients.
Step 2: Layer Your Turkey and Cheese
Place all the bottom halves of the rolls on a baking dish. Evenly spread the sliced deli turkey over the bottom buns, making sure every bite will be packed with protein. Then, layer the Havarti cheese slices over the turkey, which will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Generously spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese-covered turkey layers. This ingredient adds that vibrant color and a burst of tart sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors and creamy cheese.
Step 4: Mix the Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh minced chives. This aromatic mixture will transform into a golden, flavorful crust once baked.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the cranberry-covered turkey and cheese. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly drizzle the buttery poppy seed topping all over the top buns. Cover the entire baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Although these sliders are flavorful on their own, a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh chives or a few whole cranberry berries on top can add a fresh and festive touch. If you want a little heat, a light drizzle of honey mustard or a side of spicy aioli makes for an unexpected yet welcome contrast.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a warming bowl of butternut squash soup. For a heartier combo, creamy mashed potatoes or seasoned sweet potato fries would round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliders stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by festive cranberries and fresh herbs for a visually stunning centerpiece. For party settings, consider separating sliders onto individual mini plates with a toothpick or decorative skewer to make grabbing easy and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, let any leftover Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick and delicious snack without the full prep time.
Freezing
If you want to save these sliders for longer, you can freeze them before baking by assembling the sliders in a freezer-safe container and wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. They freeze well for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding additional time to ensure they are heated through thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen sliders in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warm and the cheese is melted again, about 10-15 minutes. Using the oven instead of a microwave helps maintain the crispy topping and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Havarti provides a lovely melt and mild flavor, Provolone, Swiss, or even Monterey Jack can be excellent alternatives depending on your preference.
Is it okay to use homemade cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that can make the sliders even more special and customizable to your taste for sweetness and texture.
How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Simply substitute the turkey with a plant-based deli slice or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version that still pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add the poppy seed topping and bake right before serving for fresh, hot sliders.
What is the best way to keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Using the sweet yet sturdy Hawaiian rolls helps, but avoid adding extra moisture-heavy ingredients until just before baking. Also, reheating in the oven instead of a microwave preserves texture best.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. Their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors wrapped in soft, buttery rolls is irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and create a deliciously memorable meal that brings people together around the table, just as it did for me.
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Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are a delicious and festive twist on traditional turkey sandwiches, perfect for holiday gatherings or any casual get-together. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory deli turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, then topped with a buttery, flavorful poppy seed mixture and baked until golden and melty.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 (16 oz) package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 1 lb deli turkey, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 6 slices Havarti or Provolone cheese
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced chives
Instructions
- Prepare the slider bases: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping all rolls connected in the pan to maintain their shape. This creates the base and top layer for your sliders.
- Layer the fillings: On the bottom half, evenly spread cranberry sauce over the rolls. Next, layer the sliced deli turkey evenly, followed by the slices of Havarti cheese, ensuring full coverage across all rolls.
- Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh minced chives. Stir thoroughly to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Apply the topping and assemble: Brush the butter-poppy seed mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling to complete the sliders.
- Bake the sliders: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled sliders for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, the topping is golden, and the rolls are slightly toasted.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and carefully cut the sliders between the rolls to serve warm. Enjoy these flavorful, melty holiday sliders fresh out of the oven.
Notes
- You can substitute Havarti with Provolone or any mild melting cheese.
- For more tang, use whole berry cranberry sauce instead of jellied.
- If fresh chives are unavailable, dried chives can also be used but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- These sliders can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving for convenience.
- To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts like pecans on top before baking.
