Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that instantly brings festive cheer to any table, Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are the answer. This irresistible recipe bundles up all the cozy, savory flavors of the holidays into perfectly buttery, soft slider buns. With juicy sliced turkey, creamy Havarti, a jammy layer of cranberry sauce, and a golden poppy seed topping, every bite delivers sweet-tangy warmth that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser—easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to brighten up both weeknight dinners and celebratory gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each item below isn’t just filler—they all play a delicious role in the taste, tenderness, and color of these sliders.
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture is the perfect base and holds up well to all the gooey layers.
- Sliced cooked turkey (1 pound): Use deli turkey for convenience or leftovers for extra flavor; it brings satisfying, lean protein to every bite.
- Havarti cheese (6 slices, halved): Melty, creamy, and mild, Havarti adds a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with turkey and cranberry.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (¾ cup): The burst of tart-sweet cranberry makes every slider taste like a festive treat.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Brushed on top for that signature golden finish and restaurant-worthy flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a gentle kick and depth to the buttery topping.
- Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): These add visual flair and a slight crunch to the pillowy buns.
- Minced onion (1 tablespoon): Give the topping a punch of savory-sweet flavor that toasts up beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides an aromatic background note that ties everything together.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the topping perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step ensures the sliders won’t stick and will slide out perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Prepare the Buns
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep the tops and bottoms connected if you can. This little trick helps the sliders stay together as you build—and makes for an impressive, bakery-style presentation. Arrange the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Layers
Spread an even layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the buns. Arrange the sliced turkey over that, then top each slider with a half-slice of creamy Havarti cheese. Finally, generously dollop cranberry sauce on each one. This classic flavor trio is what gives Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping their signature bite.
Step 4: Crown the Sliders
Gently place the top halves of the buns over the filling. Don’t press down too hard—you want all those luscious layers to stay light and fluffy inside.
Step 5: Whisk and Brush the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, minced onion, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Using a pastry brush, lavishly coat the tops of the rolls with this flavorful mixture. The buttery topping is key to getting that gleaming, slightly crisp crust that makes these sliders special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps the cheese melt and the flavors meld. Uncover, then bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden, and the cheese is irresistibly oozy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll be piping hot! Then use a sharp knife or spatula to separate and serve. Your Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are ready to impress.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping
Garnishes
While these sliders are delightful as is, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra poppy seeds right before serving instantly brightens the platter. If you’re feeling extra festive, a little zest of orange over the cranberry sauce adds a beautiful aroma and pop of color.
Side Dishes
Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping pair well with crisp salads, classic holiday sides like roasted sweet potatoes, or even a handful of kettle chips for a quick lunch. They’re also wonderful with a cup of tomato soup or a bowl of creamy coleslaw for a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these sliders into part of a holiday grazing board or serve on a wooden cutting board with festive toothpicks for easy grabbing. For larger gatherings, keep them warm in a low oven or serve them straight from the baking dish to stay casual and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any extras into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for two to three days—and make a fantastic, no-fuss lunch that tastes just as great as the day you baked them.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, assemble the sliders (without the buttery topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual. This makes Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping a total lifesaver for busy holiday weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and cover lightly with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible—the oven keeps them crisp on the outside and perfectly soft inside.
FAQs
Can I use leftover roast turkey instead of deli turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover roast turkey works wonderfully and actually adds even more homemade flavor. Just slice it thin, and layer it in as you would with deli slices.
What other cheeses can I substitute for Havarti?
If you don’t have Havarti on hand, Swiss, Provolone, or even white cheddar are delicious alternatives. Each cheese brings its own character to the sliders, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free slider buns or rolls. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for anyone avoiding gluten.
Is it okay to use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Jellied cranberry sauce works in a pinch. Just be aware that whole berry sauce gives a heartier texture and more vibrant look, but both will taste delicious.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the sliders up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the buttery topping right before baking to keep the buns from getting soggy. This makes entertaining so much easier!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping yet, now’s the time. These sliders are the coziest, most delicious way to feed a group—plus, they’re as easy as they are impressive. Treat yourself and your favorite people to this crave-worthy twist, and I promise you’ll be making them year after year!
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Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are a delightful combination of flavors perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or as a festive appetizer. The sweet cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory turkey and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Slider Buns:
12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Cooked Turkey:
1 pound sliced cooked turkey (deli or leftover)
Havarti Cheese:
6 slices Havarti cheese (halved to make 12 pieces)
Cranberry Sauce:
¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Mayonnaise:
¼ cup
Unsalted Butter:
¼ cup melted
Dijon Mustard:
1 tablespoon
Poppy Seeds:
1 tablespoon
Minced Onion:
1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon
Salt:
pinch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sliders: Slice buns, layer with turkey, Havarti, and cranberry sauce, then cover with bun tops in the baking dish.
- Make Butter Topping: Whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion, garlic powder, and salt. Brush over sliders.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- These sliders are perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or for a festive appetizer.
- You can substitute Swiss or provolone cheese if desired.
- Prepare ahead and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
