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
Scale
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.
