Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sliders:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, carefully slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. This makes it easy to assemble the sliders in one piece before baking.

Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. If you’re using a larger or smaller dish, you can adjust the number of buns accordingly, but this size typically works best for 12 sliders.

2. Assemble the Sliders:

Layer the shredded or sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the turkey, ensuring each slider gets a little sweetness. Place a slice of Havarti cheese on top of the cranberry sauce. If you’re using multiple slices of cheese, feel free to layer them on each slider for extra creaminess.

Once all the sliders are assembled, top them with the other half of the buns, pressing them gently to hold the fillings together.

3. Make the Poppy Seed Topping:

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the Dijon mustard brings a bit of tang to balance out the richness of the turkey and cheese.

Pour this buttery mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders, making sure each bun gets coated with the glaze. The butter will soak into the buns, giving them a golden, flavorful crust once baked.

4. Bake the Sliders:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the buns are golden brown. For an extra crispy, slightly toasted top, you can remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual servings. Serve warm, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

These sliders are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a side of sweet potato fries, a light salad, or even a cranberry chutney for extra festive flair.

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Turkey Sliders:

1. Perfect for Holiday Parties: These sliders combine the classic flavors of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner into one easy-to-eat bite. They are great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings where guests can nibble while mingling.
2. Flavorful Combination: The savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy Havarti cheese, and the poppy seed topping come together in perfect harmony. It’s a delightful mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and tangy, all in one slider.
3. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these baked sliders are incredibly easy to assemble. They’re also made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
4. Customizable: You can make these sliders your own by switching out ingredients. For example, swap turkey for chicken, use different cheeses like brie or cheddar, or make your own cranberry sauce for added freshness. You can also add some sautéed onions or fresh greens like arugula for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Great for Leftovers: These sliders are an excellent way to repurpose leftover turkey, especially after a big holiday meal. If you have extra cranberry sauce, you can use it to make more sliders, reducing waste and creating a delicious second meal.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Turkey Sliders:

1. Use Fresh, Soft Buns: For the best texture and flavor, opt for soft, fresh slider buns. Sweet rolls like Hawaiian rolls are a fan favorite because they balance out the savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce.
2. Don’t Overfill the Sliders: While it’s tempting to stuff the sliders with extra turkey or cranberry sauce, overfilling can cause the buns to get soggy. Stick to a modest amount of filling to keep the sliders intact and prevent them from falling apart when you serve them.
3. Add a Little Crunch: If you prefer a bit of crunch in your sliders, try adding a few slices of crispy bacon or some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for texture.
4. Bake in Advance: You can assemble these sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them an excellent option for meal prepping or prepping for a party.
5. Make Them Mini: If you’re serving these for a large crowd, you can make smaller mini versions of these sliders by using cocktail buns or slider rolls. Simply reduce the baking time slightly, and you’ll have bite-sized treats perfect for passing around.

Conclusion:

Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are the perfect party food, combining the best of Thanksgiving flavors in a delicious, portable bite. The juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty Havarti cheese are elevated by a buttery, flavorful poppy seed topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. These sliders are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a convenient and fun way to serve a festive dish that’s sure to delight.

Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a family-friendly dinner, or a creative way to use up leftover turkey, these sliders will quickly become a new favorite. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, give them a try—and watch them disappear in minutes!