If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that packs a punch of flavor and nostalgia, this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brilliantly combines tender leftover turkey with tangy cranberry sauce and melty Havarti cheese, all nestled inside soft slider buns and topped with a buttery, savory glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to turn those holiday leftovers into something spectacular, these sliders deliver comforting vibes and irresistible taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from adding moisture and tang to creating the perfect golden finish on top. Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful sliders:
- Slider buns: Soft and petite, perfect for bite-sized sandwiches that hold all the fillings without falling apart.
- Leftover turkey (1 1/2 cups): The star protein of the dish, shredded or sliced to layer beautifully and soak up the flavors.
- Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Adds a sweet-tart burst that complements the savory turkey perfectly.
- Havarti cheese (6-8 slices): A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully to add richness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Used to create a savory, flavorful glaze that helps brown the sliders to perfection.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle tang and depth to the butter mixture.
- Poppy seeds (1 tbsp): Adds a delightful crunch and a pop of visual interest on the slider tops.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Infuses a hint of umami and complexity in the butter topping.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up and to prevent the sliders from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Take the bottom halves of the slider buns and arrange them evenly in your prepared baking dish. Next, generously layer the leftover turkey across each bun, then spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Place slices of Havarti cheese over the cranberry sauce, and then cap each slider with the top halves of the buns. This assembly packs in all the flavors so every bite is a wonderful mix of savory, sweet, and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. This glossy glaze will create a golden, flavorful crust that makes these sliders so special.
Step 4: Brush the Sliders
Carefully brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders, making sure every bun is well coated. This step is crucial for getting that irresistible golden finish and adding a burst of flavor with each bite.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese has melted to gooey perfection.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes to let the flavors settle and the cheese set slightly. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear fast as everyone reaches for another delicious bite!
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
The sliders are scrumptious as is, but you can elevate their presentation by adding fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a few arugula leaves tucked in each slider, or a gentle drizzle of a simple balsamic glaze adds just the right hint of freshness and zing to complement the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with simple sides like crunchy pickles, a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted sweet potato fries. The sweet and tangy notes of the cranberry in the slider harmonize well with earthy, fresh, or lightly seasoned sides that balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your baked cranberry turkey sliders on a wooden serving board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard for dipping. You can also skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick or small rosemary sprig to make them perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days and make for quick, delicious next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save these sliders for longer, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble the sliders, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a warm oven at 325°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the buns soft and the cheese melty without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey?
Absolutely! You can use freshly cooked turkey as long as it is sliced or shredded thinly. Just make sure it’s properly seasoned or slightly moist for the best results in the sliders.
Is Havarti cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Havarti melts wonderfully, but feel free to substitute with other mild, melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss. Just pick a cheese that melts well and balances the sweet cranberry sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the turkey with a flavorful vegetarian protein like sliced grilled mushrooms, roasted tofu, or seasoned tempeh, and these sliders will still shine with that delicious cranberry and cheese combo.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can leave them out or substitute with sesame seeds for a slightly different but still tasty crunch and visual appeal.
How spicy is the butter mixture?
The butter mixture is mild and flavorful but not spicy hot. The Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add tang and umami without heat, making it perfect for all palates.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe is a joyous celebration of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for using up leftovers or simply making something comfortingly delicious that everyone will love. Once you try it, these sliders are guaranteed to become a go-to for your gatherings and weeknight comfort meals alike!
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 flavorful and comforting way to enjoy leftover turkey. Layered with tart cranberry sauce, creamy Havarti cheese, and nestled in soft slider buns, then baked with a buttery Dijon poppy seed topping, they make a perfect appetizer or casual meal for gatherings or quick dinners.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 6–8 slices Havarti cheese
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer the turkey evenly over the buns, then spoon the cranberry sauce on top of the turkey, followed by slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the top halves of the slider buns to cover the fillings.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to create a flavorful butter glaze.
- Brush the Sliders: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders, ensuring each bun is coated to achieve a golden and flavorful crust.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the savory-sweet combination.
Notes
- You can substitute Havarti cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- Leftover turkey can be used fresh or shredded from the refrigerator.
- For added texture, consider adding sliced onions or pickles inside the sliders before baking.
- These sliders reheat well in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes.
