If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and just a little tang, you’ve got to try the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe. These sliders bring together tender turkey, melty Havarti cheese, and a luscious cranberry sauce, all nestled within soft Hawaiian rolls. The poppy seed topping adds a delightful crunch and flavor burst that makes each bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping a festive appetizer, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become one of your favorite easy, comforting dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients that deliver layers of flavor and have a beautiful mix of textures. Each component plays a starring role, from the fluffy Hawaiian rolls to the flavorful poppy seed topping that crisps up while baking.
- Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness and pillowy texture create a perfect vessel for all the fillings.
- Deli turkey: Sliced turkey adds a mild, savory protein that pairs well with the other flavors.
- Cranberry sauce: Use jellied or whole berry for a tangy, fruity contrast that brightens the sliders.
- Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully and enriches every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter forms the buttery base for the topping, helping it crisp up.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth with subtle umami notes that boost overall flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang and spice that balances the sweetness.
- Minced dried onion: Gives a mild onion punch without overpowering the sliders.
- Poppy seeds: Create a nutty crunch that makes the topping memorable.
- Fresh minced chives: Deliver a fresh, oniony pop that brightens each bite.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Begin by slicing your Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the entire tray of buns together. This ensures you can fill all sliders at once and make assembly a breeze. A sharp knife helps keep the rolls intact without squishing them.
Step 2: Layer the Turkey and Cranberry Sauce
On the bottom half of the rolls, evenly layer your sliced deli turkey. Then spread cranberry sauce over the turkey, adjusting the amount to your taste—don’t be shy with the cranberry as it adds that perfect pop of flavor!
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Place slices of Havarti cheese over the cranberry-covered turkey. The cheese will melt into all the flavors, turning the sliders irresistibly gooey and creamy.
Step 4: Make the Poppy Seed Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and minced fresh chives. Whisk until combined, allowing all those fragrant flavors to meld into a delicious glaze.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Brush the poppy seed topping generously across the top to coat each slider perfectly. Cover the tray loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes so the topping turns golden and crunchy.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or a few whole cranberry berries on the side add a beautiful fresh touch and boost the festive vibe. These little extras make your sliders look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some sweet potato fries to keep your meal light yet satisfying. The cranberry and cheese in the sliders pair wonderfully with fresh and earthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the sliders on a festive platter lined with napkins or place toothpicks with colorful toppers into each one for easy grab-and-go serving at parties. You can also serve them in mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slide your leftover sliders into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them together in one piece helps prevent drying out, making reheating more effective.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled, but unbaked sliders by wrapping them tightly in foil and storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by adding extra time to the baking process.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warm and the cheese is melty again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Havarti?
Absolutely! Provolone, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar will work nicely and give the sliders slightly different flavor profiles while still melting well.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the turkey for a veggie-friendly protein like sliced grilled mushrooms or a deli-style plant-based meat substitute. The cranberry and cheese combo will keep them delicious.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the sliders and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if they’re chilled.
What can I substitute if I don’t have poppy seeds?
You can omit the poppy seeds or replace them with sesame seeds or even finely chopped nuts for a similar crunch and texture.
Are these sliders freezer friendly after baking?
They freeze better before baking. After baking, freezing can alter the bread texture, making it a bit denser upon reheating.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe enough if you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that balances sweet and savory so well. This recipe is a total winner for gatherings, holiday menus, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something comforting and full of flavor. Give it a go—you’re going to love sharing these sliders as much as you love eating them!
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Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are a delicious and festive sandwich perfect for gatherings or holiday meals. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory deli turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, then baked with a buttery poppy seed topping infused with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chives. Warm, melty, and bursting with flavor, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 1 (16 oz) package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 1 lb deli turkey, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
- 6 slices Havarti or Provolone cheese
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons fresh minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian roll package horizontally in half to create a top and bottom layer, keeping all rolls attached to maintain their shape for easy serving.
- Assemble Layers: On the bottom half, evenly layer the sliced deli turkey, followed by spreading the cranberry sauce over the turkey, and then place the Havarti or Provolone cheese slices on top.
- Replace Top Layer: Carefully position the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the assembled ingredients to complete the sliders.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced dried onion, poppy seeds, and fresh minced chives, mixing well to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush Topping: Generously brush the butter and seasoning mixture over the top of the assembled slider tops to ensure the bread absorbs the flavors and browns nicely when baked.
- Bake Sliders: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the topping is golden and fragrant.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice between the rolls to separate individual sliders. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Havarti with Provolone or another melty cheese if preferred.
- Use either jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce depending on your texture preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the topping mixture.
- These sliders are best served fresh but can be reheated with foil to retain moisture.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread rolls.
