Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place! These Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are an absolute favorite in my house. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. The combination of gooey Havarti cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and savory turkey all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls makes these sliders truly irresistible.

What I adore about this recipe is how it brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that feels special. Whether it’s game day or just another Tuesday, this recipe has got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These sliders come together in just 40 minutes, making them a great choice for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be coming back for seconds with this tasty combo.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy Havarti and sweet-tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to holiday parties, these sliders fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe features simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. You’ll love how easy it is to whip these sliders up!

Ingredients:
– 1 – 12 count package of Hawaiian rolls (dinner rolls will work if you can’t find Hawaiian rolls)
– 12 ounces sliced deli turkey (or thinly sliced leftover turkey)
– 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
– 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce (see the notes below)
– 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

Variations

One of the best things about these sliders is their versatility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or prefer.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or even a plant-based turkey substitute if you want a different flavor profile.
• Change the cheese: Try using gouda or cheddar for a different twist on this classic!
• Add some greens: Layer in some spinach or arugula for a fresh crunch.
• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

How to Make Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important step as it ensures your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Cut the slab of buns in half horizontally so that you have separate tops and bottoms. This makes layering your delicious fillings super easy.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish and place the bottom buns into the pan. Spread half of the Havarti cheese over the buns first. Then layer all the turkey on top, making sure it’s evenly spread out.

Step 4: Add Cranberries

Next, spread the cranberry sauce generously over the turkey. The tartness from the cranberries adds such a wonderful flavor contrast that compliments the savory turkey beautifully.

Step 5: Top It Off

Cover everything with the remaining slices of Havarti cheese followed by placing the top halves of the buns back on. This creates a delightful cheesy layer inside!

Step 6: Make Your Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt your butter in the microwave, then stir in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. This mixture will give your sliders a wonderful buttery glaze once baked.

Step 7: Brush It On

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops and sides of your buns with this flavorful butter mixture. This step adds so much richness!

Step 8: Bake Your Sliders

Cover your dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until everything is heated through and cheese is melty. Once done, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to get those tops nice and crispy.

Step 9: Let Them Cool

Allow your sliders to cool slightly before serving. This helps avoid any burns from hot cheese but also gives time for those flavors to meld together beautifully!

Serve these delightful Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders at your next gathering or as an easy weeknight dinner—your friends and family will thank you!

Pro Tips for Making Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders

If you’re eager to whip up these delicious sliders, here are some pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh turkey and cranberry sauce can significantly enhance the flavors of your sliders, making them taste more vibrant and delicious.

• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish with foil while baking helps retain moisture, ensuring that your sliders stay soft and gooey rather than dry.

• Experiment with Cheese: While Havarti is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist on flavor and texture.

• Adjust the Seasonings: Tweak the butter mixture according to your taste. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile even further.

• Make Ahead: These sliders can be assembled a few hours in advance. Just wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake!

How to Serve Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders

These sliders are not only mouthwatering but also versatile when it comes to presentation. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some delightful ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the sliders.
• Cranberry Relish: Serve with a small bowl of extra cranberry relish on the side for guests who may want an additional burst of tartness.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a sweet contrast to the savory sliders and make for a hearty pairing.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese and turkey, refreshing your palate between bites.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides texture and complements the flavors beautifully, offering a creamy element alongside your sliders.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your meal while enhancing its overall appeal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders will not only impress but also turn any occasion into a memorable feast! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them in advance, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Here’s how to store and manage your sliders effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To keep them from drying out, consider wrapping individual sliders in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

• Assemble the sliders without baking and layer them in a freezer-safe dish.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sliders overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, cover with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different type of cheese for my Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Havarti, cheeses like gouda or mozzarella work well too. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly!

How can I make these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders healthier?

To make these sliders healthier, opt for whole grain Hawaiian rolls and reduce the butter used in the topping. You can also add some fresh spinach or arugula for extra nutrients!

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a lovely personal touch and can be crafted using fresh cranberries, sugar, and spices to suit your taste.

How do I adjust this recipe if I only want to make a few sliders?

You can easily scale down this recipe by using only a portion of the rolls and adjusting the ingredients accordingly. Just remember that keeping the ratios consistent will help maintain flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders as I am! They are not only easy to prepare but also burst with flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s for game day or just a cozy night at home, these sliders are bound to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations!