Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the ultimate post-holiday comfort snack—sweet, savory, and irresistibly melty. With buttery Hawaiian rolls, tender turkey, creamy Havarti, and tangy cranberry sauce, these little sandwiches bring big flavor in every bite.
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the ultimate holiday leftover makeover—layered with turkey, melty Havarti cheese, cranberry sauce, and brushed with a buttery seed topping, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sandwiches
1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls (or dinner rolls)
12 ounces sliced deli turkey or leftover turkey
8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (see notes)
Butter 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
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut the slab of buns in half horizontally, separating tops and bottoms.
3. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and place bottom buns into the pan.
4. Layer half the Havarti cheese over the bottom buns.
5. Add all of the turkey evenly over the cheese.
6. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
7. Top with the remaining cheese slices, then place the top buns on.
8. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
9. Brush the tops and sides of the buns with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated and cheese is melted.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes to crisp up the tops.
12. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Turkey: Leftover or deli-sliced turkey both work great.
Cheese: You can substitute any sliced cheese or omit it altogether.
Cranberry sauce: Do not use jellied cranberry sauce as it will melt and become runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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Table of Contents
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders: Sweet Meets Savory
These Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are perfect for using up leftover turkey or for making an easy party dish that everyone will love. The combination of buttery rolls, melted cheese, and cranberry glaze gives each bite a balance of richness and freshness—similar to the cozy satisfaction of this Red Lobster Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders: Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist
This recipe is as simple as layering and baking. Slice the rolls in half, add Havarti, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then brush the tops with a buttery mustard glaze. After a quick bake, you get warm, golden sliders that pull apart in cheesy, cranberry-filled perfection. They’re great for dinner, game days, or even holiday brunches.
Ingredients & Notes
You’ll need:
- Hawaiian rolls, sliced deli or leftover turkey, Havarti cheese, cranberry sauce, butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and brown sugar.
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- You can swap Havarti for Swiss or provolone if preferred.
- Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving works perfectly, but deli slices make it weeknight-easy.
How It Comes Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the rolls in half horizontally, then layer cheese, turkey, cranberry sauce, and the remaining cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on and brush with a buttery glaze made of melted butter, mustard, sugar, seeds, and seasoning. Cover with foil and bake until the cheese is melted, then uncover to let the tops crisp up. Serve warm and watch them disappear fast!
Pro Tips
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
- Add a slice of cooked bacon for an extra savory twist.
- Keep them covered for the first bake so the rolls stay soft, then uncover to crisp.
- These sliders reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover them with foil, and refrigerate. Brush with butter right before baking.
Q2: What can I use instead of Havarti cheese?
A2: Swiss, provolone, or even brie cheese works beautifully for a creamy melt.
Q3: Can I make these sliders with chicken instead of turkey?
A3: Absolutely—rotisserie or leftover roast chicken makes a great substitute.
Q4: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
A4: Drain excess cranberry sauce and don’t overdo the butter glaze—just enough for golden tops.
Q5: What sides go best with these sliders?
A5: Try serving with a crisp salad, sweet potato fries, or creamy coleslaw.
