If you have some leftover turkey hanging out in the fridge and a craving for something vibrant, cozy, and downright irresistible, then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe. Imagine warm, buttery slider buns piled high with tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Havarti cheese, all baked together to melty perfection. Whether it’s a holiday aftermath or a casual gathering, these sliders bring a festive flair without any fuss, making every bite a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, creating a balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the soft, fluffy buns to the tangy cranberry sauce that adds a pop of brightness.
- 12 slider buns: Soft and small to keep each slider perfectly handheld and sandwich-ready.
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded: Tender turkey is the hearty star that makes these sliders satisfying.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that livens up every bite and complements the turkey beautifully.
- 6-8 slices Havarti cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts into gooey delight throughout the slider.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the buns for a golden, buttery crust packed with flavor.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A touch of sharpness to the butter mix to elevate the taste complexity.
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds: Adds wonderful texture and a subtle nutty crunch on top.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the buttery glaze with umami notes that tie everything together.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This sets the stage for the sliders to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden on top.
Step 2: Layer the Sliders
Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns snugly in the baking dish. Layer on the sliced or shredded turkey, followed by spoonfuls of the vibrant cranberry sauce. Then, lay down the Havarti cheese slices to cover the turkey and sauce. Finish by placing the top halves of the buns on to complete each slider.
Step 3: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. This flavorful glaze adds moisture and a savory crunch, pairing perfectly with the sweet cranberry and melty cheese.
Step 4: Brush the Tops
Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of all the sliders, ensuring each bun gets a good coating. This will help the tops brown beautifully and become irresistibly golden once baking is done.
Step 5: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the baking dish with foil to help the cheese melt without drying out the buns. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the sliders are bubbling with melted cheese and the tops have turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven so everything settles and the cheese firms up slightly, making these warm, handheld sandwiches less messy—and way more enjoyable.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your sliders to party-perfect status. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the richness of the turkey and cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with light, crisp sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw. They offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, buttery sliders and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive spread, serve the sliders on a large wooden board lined with parchment and add small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard for dipping. For a family-style dinner, place the sliders in the baking dish itself, letting everyone help themselves—comfort food with zero fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture beautifully if wrapped tightly.
Freezing
You can freeze the sliders before baking in a sealed container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. This will melt the cheese again and restore that buttery crispness on top much better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey provides a classic holiday flavor, shredded or sliced cooked chicken works wonderfully for these sliders and pairs perfectly with the cranberry sauce and cheese.
What type of cheese works best besides Havarti?
Havarti melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, or even a creamy cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.
Is it okay to use store-bought cranberry sauce?
Yes! Store-bought cranberry sauce is convenient and tastes great here. If you have homemade cranberry sauce, it adds an extra touch of freshness, but both options shine in this recipe.
Can these sliders be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap out regular slider buns for gluten-free buns to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Try adding a little cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the butter glaze for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweet cranberry sauce.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like the cozy, festive charm of the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe to bring a little magic to your table. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to wow guests. Once you try these sliders, they’re sure to become a beloved staple whenever turkey is on hand. So why wait? Warm up your oven and dive into this comforting, flavorful delight today!
Print
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal perfect for using leftover turkey. Layered with tart cranberry sauce and melty Havarti cheese, then baked to golden perfection with a flavorful butter and mustard topping, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser for holidays or casual gatherings.
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. This prepares your cooking space for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer evenly with turkey, then cranberry sauce, followed by slices of Havarti cheese. Top with the remaining bun halves to form sliders.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until thoroughly mixed to create a savory and flavorful topping.
- Brush Sliders: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders, ensuring good coverage for flavor and browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and ingredients to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the slider tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to settle. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberry in each bite.
Notes
- Use leftover turkey for convenience or substitute with cooked chicken if preferred.
- Havarti cheese can be swapped for Swiss or Monterey Jack if desired.
- The cranberry sauce adds sweetness and moisture; homemade or store-bought both work well.
- Ensure the sliders are covered during the initial baking to keep them moist and melt the cheese effectively.
- For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mayonnaise or herb spread on the buns before assembling.
- These sliders are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
