Cranberry Turkey Sliders

These sliders turn leftover turkey into something completely different and exciting. I started making them the day after Thanksgiving when everyone was tired of traditional turkey dinner but we still had pounds of meat to use up. The combination of savory turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy havarti cheese creates this perfect balance that feels both familiar and fresh. That seasoned butter mixture brushed on top makes them golden and crispy while keeping the inside warm and melty. They're basically Thanksgiving dinner reimagined as handheld comfort food that disappears faster than you can make them.

My teenage nephew, who normally picks at holiday food, devoured four of these last Christmas. He kept saying they tasted like "fancy hot sandwiches" and asked if I could make them for his graduation party. Even my picky sister-in-law, who usually avoids cranberry sauce entirely, admitted these were "actually really good" while reaching for her second one.

What You Need

• Hawaiian rolls - These sweet, soft buns hold everything together perfectly and get beautifully golden when baked with the butter mixture
• Deli turkey - I use the good stuff from the deli counter because it tastes so much better than prepackaged slices
• Cranberry sauce - Either homemade or canned works fine, though I prefer whole berry for the extra texture and tartness
• Havarti cheese - Melts incredibly smooth and has this mild, creamy flavor that doesn't fight with the other ingredients
• Seasoned butter blend - This mixture of butter, Worcestershire, mustard, and herbs transforms ordinary rolls into something special

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started

Heat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks later. Take your package of Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice the whole thing in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected as one big piece. This makes assembly so much easier than trying to slice each roll individually. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish, cut side up, making sure it fits snugly.

Building Layers

Take your deli turkey and layer it evenly across the bottom rolls, making sure every spot gets covered so each slider has plenty of meat. Don't pile it too thick or the sliders will be hard to bite through, but make sure there's enough for good flavor in every bite. Next, spread your cranberry sauce over the turkey using a spoon or offset spatula, getting it into all the corners and edges for consistent flavor throughout.

Adding Cheese

Lay your havarti cheese slices evenly over the cranberry sauce, overlapping slightly if needed to cover everything. I usually tear the slices to fit better rather than leaving gaps where the cranberry shows through. The cheese acts like a barrier that keeps the top buns from getting soggy while adding that creamy richness that makes these sliders so satisfying.

Top Assembly

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, pressing down gently to compress everything slightly. The rolls should fit perfectly since they came as one connected piece. This creates a neat, uniform appearance that looks professional even though it's super simple to put together.

Butter Magic

Mix your melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and fresh chives in a small bowl until everything is well combined. The mixture should smell amazing and look speckled with all the seasonings. Brush this generously over the tops of the rolls, making sure to get into all the seams and edges where the flavors can soak in.

Baking Process

Cover the whole dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until you can see the cheese starting to melt around the edges and everything is heated through. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and look crispy. The kitchen will smell incredible by this point.

I've tried making these with different cheeses over the years, but havarti really is the winner. Swiss gets too strong and cheddar doesn't melt as smoothly. The first time I made these, I forgot the Worcestershire sauce in the butter and they were good but not amazing. That little bit of umami flavor really makes all the difference in creating depth.

Perfect Pairings

These sliders work beautifully as the main course for casual lunches or as hearty appetizers for holiday parties. I like serving them with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or alongside some crispy sweet potato fries for something more substantial. They're also fantastic with a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, especially during cold weather. For holiday gatherings, I'll put out some pickles and chips alongside them for that classic sandwich meal feeling.

Creative Twists

Try using different flavored rolls like onion or everything bagel varieties for extra flavor in the base. Leftover ham works wonderfully instead of turkey, especially around Easter time. For a grown-up version, add thin slices of brie cheese along with the havarti and maybe some caramelized onions. I've also made these with leftover roast beef and horseradish sauce instead of cranberry for a completely different but equally delicious slider.

Storage Tips

These sliders taste best served immediately while the cheese is still melty and the tops are crispy. Leftovers keep in the fridge for about three days and reheat well in a 300-degree oven until warmed through. You can assemble them completely ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a day before baking, which makes them perfect for entertaining. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if they're going in cold from the fridge.

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These cranberry turkey sliders have saved me from so many boring leftover meals over the years. They take something ordinary like deli turkey and turn it into this exciting, restaurant-quality dish that makes everyone happy. The sweet and savory combination hits all the right notes, and that crispy, buttery top makes them feel indulgent even though they're really just fancy sandwiches. Every time I make them, I remember why they've become such a reliable favorite in my recipe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these with leftover turkey?

Absolutely! Shredded leftover turkey works great. You'll need about 3-4 cups of shredded turkey to replace the deli turkey.

→ What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Both jellied and whole berry cranberry sauce work perfectly. Whole berry adds nice texture, while jellied spreads more easily and evenly.

→ Can I assemble these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just brush with the butter mixture right before baking.

→ What cheese can I substitute for havarti?

Provolone, Swiss, or even mild cheddar work well. Choose something that melts nicely and complements the turkey and cranberry flavors.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds.