Cranberry Turkey Havarti Sliders

These cranberry turkey sliders transform any gathering or holiday leftover situation into a craveable bite. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls hug layers of deli turkey, creamy melted Havarti, and tangy cranberry for the perfect mix of savory and sweet. A savory butter glaze finishes every golden slider with irresistible flavor, making them impossible to stop at just one.

I first made these after Thanksgiving one year and everyone asked for the recipe before even finishing the first round. Now I always set extra cranberry sauce aside just for these.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: provide a soft slightly sweet base that contrasts the savory fillings Always buy them fresh for best texture
• Deli turkey: brings a lean savory flavor You can use fresh leftover turkey if you have it look for moist slices not too dry
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: gives sweet tart contrast and nice texture When shopping choose one with whole berries visible on the label
• Havarti cheese: melts very smoothly and brings a creamy richness Try to get the real block and tear it yourself for best melt
• Unsalted butter: is best for controlling the salt in your glaze Melt just before making the topping so it combines easily
• Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami Always refrigerate the bottle for freshness
• Dijon mustard: seasons the sliders with a mild tang Pick one with smooth balanced flavor
• Dried minced onion: brings sweetness and a little texture Pick a brand that smells fresh not dusty
• Poppy seeds: add a nutty crunch and visual appeal Buy them in small amounts to avoid stale flavor
• Fresh chives: scatter subtle onion flavor and vivid green search for vibrant crisp stems when choosing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray so the rolls release easily after baking

Slice the Rolls:

Use a large serrated knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally as a single slab Keep the rolls connected to make assembly easy

Layer the Turkey:

Spread the sliced turkey evenly across the bottom layer Make sure the turkey covers every section for consistent bites in every slider

Add Cranberry Sauce:

Spoon cranberry sauce onto the turkey then use a spatula to spread it to all edges so every bite is tangy sweet

Add Cheese Layer:

Arrange torn Havarti cheese over the cranberry covering the surface completely Tear slices as needed so there are no gaps

Top and Press:

Lay the top half of the rolls over the cheese then gently press down to compact the fillings so they slice neatly after baking

Mix and Brush the Topping:

In a small bowl combine melted butter Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard dried minced onion poppy seeds and chives Stir until fully blended then brush generously over the tops of rolls including the seams

First Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with foil to create steam which melts the cheese and warms through Bake at 350F for fifteen to eighteen minutes until heated through

Bake Uncovered for Golden Tops:

Remove foil and bake three to five minutes more until the roll tops are golden brown and a bit crisp Watch closely so they do not burn

Slice and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to cut between each roll so every slider is separate Serve immediately while hot for best texture and melty cheese

Save

My favorite ingredient is a really good block of Havarti cheese It melts luxuriously and makes every bite creamy I will never forget the year my cousin ate five sliders before dinner even started at our family Thanksgiving

Storage Tips

These sliders keep well in the fridge just cover tightly and reheat in a low oven or brief microwave until hot Do not overbake on reheat or the tops can become too crunchy For longer storage freeze cooked sliders in a zip bag and reheat as needed

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have deli turkey shredded leftover roast turkey works great You could also try rotisserie chicken for a different twist Swap Havarti with Monterey Jack or Swiss for slightly different melt and flavor If you only have jellied cranberry sauce that will work but I find the whole berries add more appeal

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders hot from the oven with a simple green salad or coleslaw for balance For parties cut them in half for appetizer size Serve alongside a pot of soup to make them a cozy meal Any traditional holiday sides also pair well

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Sandwich sliders originate from American diners as an easy party food These turkey sliders draw heavily from post Thanksgiving traditions where creative cooks find ways to stretch holiday leftovers The cranberry turkey pairing is classic in American holiday cooking

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of deli slices?

Absolutely! Shredded leftover turkey works great in place of deli slices; use about 3 to 4 cups for an even layer.

→ What’s the best way to keep sliders from getting soggy?

Spread cranberry sauce evenly and use thick-cut rolls to help prevent sogginess. Assemble just before baking when possible.

→ How do I reheat leftover sliders?

Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warmed through.

→ Can sliders be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders a day ahead, refrigerate, then brush with butter and bake when ready to serve.

→ What cheese works best besides Havarti?

Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack are tasty alternatives to Havarti, each offering a creamy melt and mild flavor.

→ What’s the purpose of the buttery topping?

The topping adds flavor, keeps the rolls soft inside, and gives the sliders a golden, slightly crisp finish on top.