When you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly way to enjoy easy turkey cranberry sliders, this warm and melty baked sandwich recipe delivers everything you love about post-holiday comfort food. With soft Hawaiian rolls, leftover turkey, creamy Havarti, and tart cranberry sauce, these mini sliders bring together sweet, savory, and buttery flavors in the most satisfying way.
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Why You’ll Love These Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders
These sliders are perfect when you want a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that uses ingredients you already have on hand. They take just minutes to assemble, bake beautifully in one pan, and offer that irresistible contrast of melted cheese, juicy turkey, and a touch of sweetness from cranberry sauce. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a relaxed weekend snack when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of effort.
Parents appreciate how quickly they come together, and home cooks love that the recipe works with leftover turkey or deli slices. The rich butter topping elevates each bite with Dijon, brown sugar, and everything bagel seasoning—giving the sliders a lightly seasoned crust that tastes special but still feels familiar.
Ingredients for Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Sliders
- 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 8 ounces sliced turkey
- 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Swaps)
Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works best because it adds extra flavor, but deli turkey is a great alternative. If you don’t have turkey on hand, sliced chicken is the most natural swap and keeps the flavor profile similar.
Havarti cheese: This recipe uses Havarti exactly as written. It melts beautifully and adds a mild creaminess that complements the sweet-tart cranberry sauce. If you ever need a backup option, Swiss or provolone offer similar meltability and flavor, but Havarti is the star option here.
Cranberry sauce: Make sure to use whole-berry cranberry sauce, not jellied cranberry sauce, because the jellied version melts too quickly and can make the sliders soggy.
Worcestershire sauce: If you prefer an alternative, replace it with soy sauce, coconut aminos, or a mix of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar. These give that savory balance without altering the topping too much.
Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cranberry and turkey. If you use plain dinner rolls, consider brushing the tops with a tiny extra dash of brown sugar for the same effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Pan and Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the full sheet intact so they’re easier to assemble.
Step 2 – Build the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the greased pan. Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottoms, making sure every spot is covered. Next, add the Havarti cheese slices, spreading them out so each slider melts consistently. Spoon the whole-berry cranberry sauce over the cheese, spreading gently to cover without pressing too hard.
Step 3 – Add the Tops
Place the top half of the rolls over the cranberry layer, lining them up with the bottom half so the sliders bake evenly.
Step 4 – Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
Step 5 – Brush and Bake
Drizzle or brush the butter mixture across the tops of the rolls so it soaks into the bread. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 5 more minutes to toast the tops lightly.
Step 6 – Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and slice along the natural lines of the rolls. Serve warm, and enjoy the sweet-savory meltiness in every bite.
Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders: A Wonderful Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
Warm, melty mini sliders made with Hawaiian rolls, leftover turkey, creamy Havarti cheese, and whole-berry cranberry sauce—finished with a buttery Dijon-brown sugar topping. Perfect for holiday leftovers or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- Sliders:
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
- 8 oz sliced turkey (leftover or deli)
- 8 oz sliced Havarti cheese
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- Topping:
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as a sheet.
- Layer: Place roll bottoms in the dish. Top with turkey, then Havarti cheese slices, then spoon cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese.
- Cover: Place roll tops back on, aligning with bottoms.
- Make topping: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bake: Brush topping over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 15–20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest 2 minutes, then slice into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce—jellied sauce melts and makes sliders soggy.
- Keep rolls attached during slicing for easier assembly and even baking.
- Leftover roasted turkey is ideal, but deli turkey works great too.
- Don’t skip the foil—it prevents dry rolls before the cheese melts.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer (not microwave) for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the rolls attached when slicing. This makes assembly easier and helps the sliders bake more evenly.
- Don’t skip the foil—it prevents the rolls from drying out before the cheese melts.
- Spread the cranberry sauce gently so the layers stay structured.
- Brush the topping everywhere, even along the edges. This gives you the best buttery flavor.
- Let the sliders rest for 2 minutes after baking to help the layers settle before slicing.
- Use whole-berry sauce only to avoid excess moisture.
Flavor Variations
- Herbed Cream Cheese Layer
Spread a thin layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom rolls for extra richness. - Apple & Turkey Sliders
Add a few thin apple slices under the cheese for a fresh, lightly crisp contrast. - Savory Onion Version
Mix a tablespoon of finely minced onion into the butter topping for extra depth. - Spicy Glaze
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. - Cheddar Twist
Combine Havarti with a small amount of sharp cheddar for a slightly bolder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are incredibly versatile and pair well with many sides. Serve them with:
- A simple green salad or mixed greens
- Warm holiday leftovers
- Sweet potato wedges
- Fresh fruit
- A cozy bowl of soup like tomato basil or creamy potato
They’re great for lunch, dinner, holiday gatherings, game days, and weekend movie nights.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerating:
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the bread soft and the cheese melted.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked sliders (without the butter topping) for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw, add the butter mixture, and bake as usual.
Reheating:
Avoid microwaving; it makes the rolls chewy. The oven or air fryer works best for crisping the tops back up.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 466mg |
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FAQ About Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders
What kind of turkey works best?
Leftover roasted turkey offers the best flavor and texture, especially if it’s sliced against the grain. However, deli turkey is a perfectly convenient choice and still gives you a tender, satisfying slider. You can also use sliced chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, these sliders can be assembled ahead of time up to the point of adding the butter topping. Store the pan in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, mix the topping, pour it over the rolls, and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for busy holiday weekends.
Why do I need whole-berry cranberry sauce instead of jellied?
Whole-berry sauce holds its texture during baking and provides small bits of fruit that enhance every bite. Jellied sauce tends to liquefy under heat, which can make the sliders overly wet and cause the rolls to soak through.
Can I use a different type of roll?
Hawaiian rolls work best because their slight sweetness complements the cranberry and turkey. That said, plain dinner rolls or potato rolls also work well. If using a more neutral roll, consider adding a bit more brown sugar to the butter topping for balance.
How can I make these sliders more savory?
If you prefer a more savory slider, cut back slightly on the cranberry sauce and increase the Dijon mustard in the topping. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or finely chopped herbs like sage or rosemary.
Final Thoughts
These easy turkey cranberry sliders are a wonderful holiday treat that brings together all the cozy flavors you love in one warm, melty bite. They’re quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and a delicious way to reinvent leftovers or create a comfort-food meal any time of year. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner, this recipe always brings happy reviews at the table. For more inspiration, check out this Authentic Mexican Casserole Recipe or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!