Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
There's something deeply comforting about these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders-they transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a cozy, crowd-pleasing bite that feels like a warm hug on a chilly November day. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just craving a nostalgic snack, these sliders deliver buttery Hawaiian rolls, rich turkey, and a tangy-sweet cranberry surprise that keeps everyone reaching for more. The melted Havarti adds a luxurious creaminess that ties everything together, making these sliders irresistible from the first bite to the last.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Layered with whole berry cranberry sauce instead of jelly for a rustic, textured sweetness that cuts through the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Brushed with a seasoned butter mixture that includes poppy and sesame seeds, adding subtle crunch and aromatic depth to the soft rolls.
- Built on Hawaiian rolls, which caramelize beautifully under the broiler, creating a slightly crispy top that contrasts with the gooey interior.
- Uses leftover Thanksgiving turkey for a practical, waste-free way to repurpose holiday flavors into a new dish.
Ingredients
1 package(12 count) Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls
12 ouncessliced deli turkey or thinly sliced cooked turkey
8 ouncesHavarti cheese, sliced
1/2 cupwhole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cupunsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoonpoppy seeds
1 teaspoonsesame seeds
1 tablespoonDijon mustard
1 teaspoononion powder
1 teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
2 teaspoonslight brown sugar
Nutrition
350 caloriesCalories
Per serving · Values are estimates
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2
Using a serrated knife, slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
3
Arrange the bottom half of the rolls inside the prepared baking dish.
4
Evenly distribute half of the Havarti cheese slices over the bottom rolls, then layer all of the turkey slices on top of the cheese.
5
Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly across the turkey slices.
6
Place the remaining Havarti slices over the cranberry layer, then cover with the top half of the rolls.
7
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Dijon mustard, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until fully incorporated. Using a pastry brush, cover the tops and sides of the rolls with the seasoned butter.
8
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and filling is heated through.
9
Remove foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crisp.
10
Remove from oven. Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Essential Tips
Roll prep ahead
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and arrange them in the baking dish up to 2 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. This saves time and lets the rolls absorb the buttery seasoning while baking.
Cheese placement
Ensure the Havarti slices are thin and overlap slightly for even melting. If using pre-sliced deli Havarti, trim any thick edges to prevent unbalanced texture in each slider.
Cranberry sauce layer
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly but avoid piling it too thick-it should act as a bright, thin layer between the turkey and cheese rather than a dense filling.
Broil timing
Watch the broiler closely in the last 5 minutes; Hawaiian rolls can go from golden to burnt quickly. If the tops brown too fast, tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
Rest before serving
Let the sliders rest for 3-4 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing cleaner and preventing oozing when served.
Smart Swaps & Variations
Swiss & Apple
Swap Havarti for Swiss cheese and layer thin apple slices with turkey for a sweet-savory twist that's perfect for fall.
Spicy Cranberry Aioli
Mix 1/4 cup mayo with 1 tbsp cranberry sauce and a pinch of cayenne for a creamy, tangy spread between the rolls and turkey.
Deli Ham
Replace turkey with deli ham for a milder flavor profile, ideal if you prefer less assertive meat or serving to kids.
Vegan Option
Use vegan Hawaiian rolls, smoked tofu or tempeh as turkey substitute, and vegan Havarti-style cheese. Skip butter in the seasoning mix and use olive oil instead.
What to Serve With This
- Warm apple cider or spiced mulled wine for a festive drink pairing that complements the cranberry and turkey.
- Simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders.
- Pickled red onions or jalapeños on the side for a bright, tangy contrast.
- Baked sweet potato fries for a hearty, shareable side that's perfect for Thanksgiving or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble only what you plan to eat fresh to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Expert Chef Tips
- Use a serrated knife that's been dipped in hot water to slice the Hawaiian rolls cleanly in half-it prevents tearing and ensures even layers.
- For extra depth, toast the poppy and sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute before adding to the melted butter. This boosts their aroma before they're baked into the rolls.
- If using very lean turkey, lightly brush the top layer of rolls with additional butter before adding the cheese to prevent dryness during baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Sharp serrated knife
- Small mixing bowl for butter mixture
- Pastry brush (for butter mixture)
- Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)
Nutritional Benefits
- Provides 15g of protein per slider from turkey and Havarti, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
- Contains 4g of fiber from the rolls and cranberry sauce, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
- Lower in saturated fat than many slider recipes due to lean turkey and moderate cheese, with 12g per serving.
- Cranberry sauce adds antioxidants (proanthocyanidins) that support urinary and cardiovascular health.
Reviews
No written reviews yet — be the first to cook this and share how it turned out!
Leave a Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add subtle sweetness and caramelization. If using plain dinner rolls, brush them with a light layer of honey butter before assembling to mimic the flavor.
How do I make these ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders (without the seasoned butter) and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with the butter mixture and proceed with the recipe. Add 5 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
What's the best way to slice these cleanly?
Use a sharp chef's knife dipped in hot water between each slice. Wipe the knife dry before slicing to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Can I freeze the assembled sliders?
Yes. Wrap the assembled baking dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Add 5-7 minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.
What can I substitute for whole berry cranberry sauce?
Use cranberry relish for a chunkier texture, or blend cranberry jam with a splash of orange juice for a smoother consistency. Avoid liquid cranberry juice cocktail, as it will make the sliders soggy.
My cheese isn't melting enough-what's wrong?
Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. If it's running cool, increase the baking time. Also, ensure the turkey slices are thin and not overlapping excessively, which can insulate the cheese.
Why are my rolls soggy after baking?
The cranberry sauce may be too wet or too thick in spots. Drain excess liquid from the cranberry sauce before spreading, and avoid piling it too high. Also, don't skip the resting time-it allows excess moisture to redistribute.
Can I make these sliders on the grill?
Yes, but use indirect heat. Assemble the sliders in a foil pan, cover tightly with foil, and place on the grill over indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, then finish with direct heat for 3-5 minutes to crisp the tops.
More Gathering Stars
🔒 From the Vault — 43,000+ premium recipes
Cook This Next