Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed

When you’re craving a warm, satisfying bite that’s sweet, savory, and cheesy, these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a holiday gathering, game-day crew, or just want to use up Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun way, these sliders deliver flavor in every bite.

🛠 Tools You’ll Need

These sliders are simple to make and require just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Baking dish or sheet pan (9×13-inch works best)

• Serrated knife – For slicing the rolls evenly

• Small saucepan – To melt and mix the topping

• Basting brush or spoon – To apply the buttery topping

• Aluminum foil – For covering during baking

• Spatula – For easy serving

💛 Why You’ll Love These Sliders

• Sweet, savory & tangy combo: Cranberry sauce + turkey + melty Havarti = perfection.

• Perfect for leftovers: Use up Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce in a delicious way.

• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.

• Party favorite: Great for potlucks, game days, or casual dinners.

• Golden, buttery topping: The poppy seed butter takes these over the top.

📝 Ingredients

For the sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (or any soft slider rolls)

• 1 to 1½ cups cooked turkey (sliced or shredded)

• ¾ cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)

• 6–8 slices Havarti cheese (or enough to cover the rolls)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for added tang)

For the poppy seed topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 How to Make Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment.

2. Slice the rolls: Without separating the rolls, cut them in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.

3. Layer the sliders: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) on the bottom layer. Add the sliced turkey, then spoon the cranberry sauce over it. Lay Havarti slices on top.

4. Add the top layer: Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.

5. Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in poppy seeds, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Brush and bake: Brush the buttery mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, until golden and heated through.

7. Serve warm: Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the tops are golden.

🧊 How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Freezer-friendly tip: Assemble (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes.

🦃 Conclusion

These Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are the perfect combination of comforting and crave-worthy. Ideal for using up holiday leftovers or entertaining guests, they’re quick to assemble, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Sweet, savory, buttery, and cheesy—what’s not to love?