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Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the kind of small, sweet-and-savory sandwiches that vanish from a party platter faster than you can say “seconds.” Soft Hawaiian rolls cradle layers of turkey, melty Havarti, and tangy whole-berry cranberry sauce, all brushed with a buttery, mustard-forward glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. They’re effortless to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for turn-the-oven-and-relax entertaining — and if you enjoy slider variety, try the Bang Bang Chicken Sliders for a different bold flavor profile.

Why make this recipe

They’re an easy weeknight leftover upgrade or a stress-free party appetizer.
The balance of sweet rolls, tart cranberry, and savory turkey is universally appealing.
And in one sentence: these sliders transform simple deli turkey into something celebratory with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey Cranberry Sliders

What you’ll need (Ingredients)

12 count package Hawaiian rolls
8 ounces sliced turkey (deli-style)
8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. You typically don’t need to grease the dish when making sliders since the buttery glaze will help prevent sticking and add flavor as it melts into the rolls.
Prepare the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Take the full package of Hawaiian sweet rolls and, using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected while separating them. Gently place the bottom half into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish so the rolls sit snugly but not squashed.
Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the 1/2 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce across the bottom layer of rolls. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread it evenly, getting the sauce close to the edges. The whole berries add texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.
Layer on the Deli Turkey
Arrange half of your sliced turkey in an even layer over the cranberry sauce. If slices are large, fold or tear them to cover the rolls uniformly so no bun is left without turkey.
Add the Cheese Layer
Lay the Havarti slices over the turkey. If your cheese slices are full-sized, cut them in half or quarters so each slider gets a little bit of cheese. Havarti melts beautifully and adds a creamy, buttery counterpoint to the tart cranberry.
Add Another Layer of Turkey for Heartiness
For a heartier bite, add the remaining turkey over the cheese. This double-layer approach ensures every slider is meaty and satisfying without overwhelming the soft bun.
Place the Top Rolls
Gently place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered fillings. Press down lightly to compact everything so the glaze will soak in between the layers rather than run off the sides.
Prepare the Flavorful Butter Glaze
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined; this glaze is the flavor amplifier that makes the sliders sing.
Pour the Glaze Over the Sliders
Drizzle the butter glaze evenly over the top of the assembled rolls, making sure to get it into the seams between buns. The glaze will caramelize and season the tops, creating a glossy, seasoned crust and allowing flavor to seep down into the sandwich.
Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20 minutes. This initial covered bake steams the sliders, helping the cheese melt through and melding the flavors.
Uncover and Bake Until Golden
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, watching until the tops are golden-brown and slightly crisp, and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye so the rolls don’t over-brown.
Rest and Serve
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes; this helps the cheese set slightly and makes cutting neater. Using a sharp knife, cut through the pre-formed lines between the rolls to separate individual sliders. Serve warm for the best texture and melty-cheese experience.

Storage Tips for Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whole tray in plastic wrap and foil or place individual sliders in freezer bags and freeze up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C).
Reheating: To reheat chilled sliders, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes covered until warmed through; for frozen sliders, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat as above.

Serving Ideas for Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Make them the centerpiece of a casual buffet: stack them on a wooden board with small ramekins of extra cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, and pickles so guests can customize their bites.
Pair with simple sides like a crunchy cabbage slaw or a mixed-green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and butter glaze.
Offer a board of complementary condiments — whole-grain mustard, cranberry relish, and a mild honey mustard — so people can add brightness if they want.
For drinks, serve with crisp cider, a dry rosé, or light lagers that cut through the buttery glaze and refresh the palate.

Tips to make Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Q: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
A: Use a thin layer of cranberry sauce so it flavors without over-moistening the rolls, and make sure any wet condiments are applied sparingly.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–7 minutes to the bake time if they’re chilled when going into the oven.

Q: How can I ensure even melting?
A: Arrange the cheese so it overlaps slightly across the turkey layer and keep the dish covered for the initial baking period; the steam helps cheese melt consistently.

Variations

Swap the Cheese: If Havarti isn’t available, substitute Swiss for a nuttier bite or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy melt. Each will change the slider’s personality slightly — Swiss brings a classic deli flavor, while Jack keeps things mellow.
Make It Vegetarian: Replace turkey with a thick slice of roasted sweet potato or a plant-based deli slice and add a smear of herbed cream cheese for texture and protein.

FAQs
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: With 12 sliders, plan for about 2–3 sliders per person as an appetizer or 3–4 as a light meal, so it serves 3–6 depending on appetite.

Q: Can I use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli slices?
A: Yes, leftover roasted turkey works beautifully; shred or slice it thinly so it layers evenly with the cheese and cranberry.

Q: What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
A: Soft dinner rolls or King’s Hawaiian substitutes are fine; slightly sweeter rolls play nicely with cranberry, but any soft slider bun will work.

Are these freezer-friendly?
- Yes. Wrap individual sliders or the whole assembled tray tightly; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven.

Variation (if any)

Holiday Upgrade (paragraph): For a holiday-ready riff, add a thin layer of herbed cream cheese between the turkey and Havarti and sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the glaze before baking for crunch and nutty warmth.
Spicy Kick (bullet): Swap Dijon for grainy mustard and stir in 1/2 teaspoon hot honey or sriracha to the butter glaze for a touch of heat that plays nicely against the cranberry.

Serving note: If presenting for a buffet, arrange sliders on a warmed tray to keep them melty and fragrant; add toothpicks to keep them intact for guests.

Frequently asked variations of FAQ styling:

Q: Will the rolls get too hard if I bake them longer?
A: They’ll crisp up on top but remain soft inside if you avoid over-baking; remove once golden and slightly crisp.
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Yes — use smaller dinner rolls and reduce baking time slightly; keep an eye when uncovered to prevent over-browning.
Q: Is everything bagel seasoning necessary?
A: It’s optional but adds a savory, oniony lift; you can substitute poppy and sesame seeds with a pinch of garlic powder and onion flakes.

Extra tips for hosting

Make extras: These are addictive; have a couple of extra rolls and fillings on hand so you can quickly top and bake another tray.
Plate presentation: For contrast, serve on dark slate with a garnish of rosemary sprigs and extra cranberry sauce in a small bowl.
Kid-friendly tweak: Serve one tray plain with cheese-only for picky eaters and another with cranberry and turkey for adults.

Why the glaze matters
The butter glaze is more than just richness — the Dijon adds tang and a touch of heat, brown sugar caramelizes for sweet complexity, and the everything bagel seasoning brings savory aromatics that make each slider taste finished. Without the glaze, these would still be tasty, but the top would lack that glossy, seasoned crust that makes the sliders feel special and restaurant-ready.

A few common troubleshooting pointers

If your cranberry sauce runs too much: drain off excess liquid before spreading, or gently blot with paper towel.
If slices of turkey are too large and bunch up: tear or fold them neatly so each roll receives even coverage.
If the rolls brown too quickly on top: tent them with foil during the final uncovered minutes or reduce oven temperature by 25°F.

Make-ahead and assembly options

Full make-ahead: Assemble fully, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
Partial prep: Slice rolls and make the glaze ahead, keep turkey and cheese covered in the fridge, and assemble 30 minutes before baking for a fresher finish.

Final serving considerations
These sliders are best served warm so the cheese is gooey and the glaze shiny. They pair nicely with light, acidic sides (think: vinaigrette-dressed greens) or something crunchy (like kettle chips) to offset the soft texture of the rolls.

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are a small-package celebration — easy to assemble, versatile for holidays or casual gatherings, and genuinely addictive when the savory and sweet components meet in a buttery, baked bun. For another take on sliders that leans into bold, spicy flavors, see the related cranberry-turkey ideas and leftover-focused approach in this helpful recipe roundup: Cranberry Turkey Sliders – Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe. And if you’d like a different inspiration for slider fillings and assembly techniques, this flavorful recipe post is a good reference: Turkey Cranberry Sliders – I Heart Eating.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make sliders combining turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

12 count package Hawaiian rolls
8 ounces sliced turkey (deli-style)
8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
Layer half of the sliced turkey over the cranberry sauce.
Add Havarti cheese slices over the turkey.
Add the remaining turkey in a second layer over the cheese.
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the fillings.
Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl to create the butter glaze.
Drizzle the butter glaze over the top of the assembled rolls.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Let sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Notes

For a holiday upgrade, add a layer of herbed cream cheese and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: turkey sliders, cranberry sauce, party appetizer, easy recipe, baked sliders

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Conclusion