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Instructions
1. Prepare the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls attached together as a whole piece (like a “slider bun sheet”). This makes assembly easier and helps the sliders bake evenly.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish large enough to fit all 12 rolls. If needed, trim the rolls to fit the dish.
2. Assemble the Sliders
- Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer the sliced turkey evenly on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Place slices of Havarti cheese over the turkey. The cheese will melt beautifully over the turkey when baked.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the cheese, gently pressing down to ensure the sliders stay together while baking.
3. Prepare the Poppy Seed Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders. Make sure each roll is covered with a good amount of the buttery glaze.
4. Bake the Sliders
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
- After 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the sliders are heated through.
5. Serve
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing them into individual sliders.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the perfect bite-sized combination of turkey, cranberry, Havarti, and a poppy seed topping.
Tips for the Best Sliders
- Make-Ahead Option: These sliders can be assembled the night before. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if necessary since the sliders will be cold.
- Cranberry Sauce: If you want to make the cranberry sauce from scratch, simply simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. This will elevate the flavor of your sliders even more.
- Cheese Options: While Havarti is a wonderful choice due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, feel free to swap it for other cheeses like brie, gouda, or sharp cheddar, depending on your taste preferences.
- Add-ins: Consider adding thin slices of apple or caramelized onions to the sliders for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, they balance the richness of the sliders with a subtle sweetness.
- Mixed Green Salad – Light and refreshing, a salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash would complement the savory flavors of the turkey and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
- Crisp White Wine – A chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay would be the perfect drink to serve with these sliders.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are an easy yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a game day snack, or a weekend treat, these sliders will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious balance of savory turkey, tangy cranberry, creamy cheese, and buttery poppy seed topping that everyone will love!
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