Delicious Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese: Your Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

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If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistible recipe that can bring family, friends, or coworkers together around a shared meal, you’ve found it. These Delicious Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, combining juicy deli turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and smooth, creamy cheese on soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday gathering, game day snacks, or a casual dinner, these sliders promise to be the star of the table.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to make these sliders flawlessly—from ingredient selection and preparation to baking tips and serving ideas. You’ll also learn how to customize the recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs, plus answers to common questions about the dish. Let’s dive in!

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Why These Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Are a Must-Try for Your Next Gathering

The Ultimate Party Starter

You want appetizers that are both impressive and effortless, right? These sliders check both boxes. Made with pre-sliced deli turkey and store-bought Hawaiian rolls, they come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. The sweet, soft rolls paired with the tart cranberry sauce create a flavor contrast that’s both nostalgic and fresh. You’re offering a mini sandwich that’s perfectly bite-sized, easy to share, and satisfying to eat.

Flavor Harmony You’ll Love

What makes this recipe truly shine is the balance of flavors and textures:

• Savory deli turkey: Lean, tender, and subtly seasoned.
• Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce: Adds a festive pop of flavor that awakens your palate.
• Creamy Havarti or provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, offering a smooth richness.
• Buttery poppy seed topping: Adds a satisfying crunch and aroma, tying everything together.

This combination creates a layered taste experience that’s comforting yet elevated.

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Gathering Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have all the essentials on hand. Here’s a handy table to guide your shopping list:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Hawaiian rolls	1 package (16 oz, 12-count)	Soft and slightly sweet
Deli turkey, thinly sliced	1 lb	Lean and flavorful
Cranberry sauce	1 cup	Jellied or whole berry options
Havarti or provolone cheese	6 slices	Creamy and melts well
Unsalted butter, melted	4 tablespoons	For brushing tops
Worcestershire sauce	2 teaspoons	Adds umami flavor
Dijon mustard	2 teaspoons	Adds tanginess
Dried minced onion	2 teaspoons	Flavor enhancer
Poppy seeds	2 teaspoons	Adds texture and visual appeal
Fresh minced chives	2 teaspoons	Adds freshness

Pro Tips for Choosing Ingredients

• Hawaiian Rolls: Opt for classic King’s Hawaiian or a similar brand for that signature softness and slight sweetness.
• Turkey: Choose freshly sliced deli turkey from the deli counter for the best texture and flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce offers more texture, while jellied sauce provides smoothness—both work well, so pick based on your preference.
• Cheese: Havarti is creamier with a buttery note, while provolone gives a sharper tang. You can’t go wrong either way!

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer

Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom halves intact in the baking dish. You want a sturdy base that holds all the fillings.

Step 3: Layer the Star Ingredients

• Evenly distribute the thinly sliced turkey over the bottom half of the rolls.
• Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the turkey, making sure each bite gets a touch of tart sweetness.
• Place the Havarti or provolone cheese slices on top, covering the cranberry sauce completely.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Step 4: Add the Top Layer of Rolls

Lay the top halves of the rolls gently over the cheese, pressing lightly to ensure everything stays together during baking.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and fresh minced chives. Stir thoroughly until blended.

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the slider buns with this flavorful butter mixture. This step is crucial—it not only adds richness but helps the tops brown beautifully and develop a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese is perfectly melted.
• Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the tops to become golden and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is gooey and the rolls are soft but with a buttery crust on top.

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Tips and Tricks to Make Your Sliders Irresistible Every Time

• Thinly sliced turkey matters: Thick slices can make the slider bulky and hard to eat. Ask your deli to slice turkey thin for easy layering.
• Cheese choices: Don’t hesitate to try other melt-friendly cheeses like Swiss or mild cheddar if Havarti or provolone isn’t available.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, use less cranberry sauce or opt for a whole berry variety with less sugar.
• Make ahead: Assemble the sliders the day before, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving to save time.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel.

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Nutrition Information at a Glance

Understanding the nutritional content helps you plan meals better. Each slider provides a balanced serving size that’s satisfying without being overindulgent.

Nutrition Info	Per Slider (Approximate)
Calories	250
Protein	Moderate (from turkey and cheese)
Fat	Moderate (butter and cheese)
Carbohydrates	Moderate (from rolls and cranberry sauce)
Serving Size	1 slider
Total Sliders	12
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30-35 minutes

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Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey and Cranberry Sliders

Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders fully, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed. This is a lifesaver for busy hosts!

What Other Cheese Options Can I Use?

While Havarti and provolone are ideal for their creamy meltability, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar work well, depending on your flavor preference.

Are These Sliders Freezer-Friendly?

Yes! Assemble the sliders, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When you want to bake them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.

What Should I Serve With These Sliders?

Pair your sliders with easy sides like kettle chips, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw for a full meal.

Can I Make a Vegetarian Version?

Definitely. Swap the deli turkey for plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables, and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to keep that umami punch.

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Wrapping Up: Why You Should Make These Delicious Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Today

You’ve got a recipe here that delivers on flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal. The layers of juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, creamy cheese, and buttery, aromatic buns create a bite that feels festive yet familiar. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles, sparks conversation, and satisfies hungry guests.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious, these sliders are a smart, tasty choice. You’ll love how quickly they come together and how many compliments you get.

So go ahead—gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and bring these Delicious Turkey and Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese to life. Your next memorable meal is just a bake away.

Ready to try the recipe? Bookmark this page, share it with friends, and don’t forget to let us know how your sliders turned out. Happy cooking!

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