Name: Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 count package Hawaiian rolls; 8 ounces sliced turkey; 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; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, irresistible comfort food with a festive twist, look no further than the Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe. This delightful dish transforms simple leftover turkey and luscious cranberry sauce into melty, savory-sweet sliders that are perfect for casual gatherings or an elevated weeknight meal. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls pair beautifully with creamy Havarti cheese while the tangy cranberry sauce adds a burst of holiday cheer in every bite. Trust me, once you try these sliders, they’ll become a new favorite for anytime snacking or quick dinners!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a metal tray with four sandwich sections, each made up of three main layers. The bottom layer is light beige soft bread, cut into square shapes that fit the tray. On top of the bread lies a thin layer of light pink turkey slices arranged in folds. Above the turkey, there is a layer of pale yellow Swiss cheese slices, also cut into squares but with slightly uneven edges. Each cheese slice has a dollop of bright red cranberry sauce placed on top, with a slightly chunky texture that glistens under the light. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps it simple but every ingredient plays a vital role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery rolls to the zingy topping, each component enhances the sliders’ taste and appearance perfectly.

12 count package Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls provide the perfect base for your sliders.
8 ounces sliced turkey: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli turkey for a hearty protein layer.
8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese: Creamy and meltable, Havarti adds a mild, buttery richness.
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Chunky and tangy, this sauce brings fruity brightness and moisture.
¼ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a golden, flavorful topping.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
2 teaspoons brown sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness that balances savory notes.
1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning: Adds a delightful crunch and savory aroma.
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor with umami complexity.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Carefully slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for each slider.

Step 2: Layer the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the rolls snugly in your prepared baking dish to form a solid base. Next, evenly layer the sliced turkey across the bottom buns for that classic holiday meatiness. Follow with an even layer of creamy Havarti cheese slices, then generously spread the whole berry cranberry sauce on top. This layering ensures every slider is balanced with the perfect bite of sweet, savory, and melty goodness.

Step 3: Add the Top Buns and Make the Topping

Once your layers are set, crown your sliders with the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, everything bagel seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until smoothly combined. This magical mixture will transform into a golden, fragrant glaze as the sliders bake. Drizzle it generously over the tops of the rolls.

Step 4: Bake the Sliders

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake the sliders for 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese will melt and everything will heat through to perfection. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes uncovered, allowing the tops to crisp up and turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, serve warm for that irresistible gooey delight.

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baking tray filled with soft, golden brown slider buns arranged in three rows of four. Each bun is topped with a sprinkle of white and black sesame seeds and bits of seasoning. One slider is taken out and placed in the tray, showing three layers inside: a glossy top bun, thin slices of light pink turkey, a dollop of vibrant red cranberry sauce, and a soft, light golden bottom bun. The buns have a shiny, slightly textured surface and are cozy next to each other in the baking tray. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sliders even more, consider fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary which add a fragrant herbal note. A small dollop of extra cranberry sauce on the side can provide a tangy kick for those who love a little more zest. Thinly sliced green onions also give a bright, mild crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy Havarti.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or tangy coleslaw for textural balance. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also complement the richness, adding freshness to your meal. For a cozy fall vibe, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic mashed potatoes make stellar companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, slice the sliders neatly and arrange them on a large wooden board or platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Layer them with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and mustard nearby for dipping. Another fun idea is wrapping individual sliders in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming grab-and-go presentation at parties or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your sliders tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and the flavors melded, making for delicious next-day snacks or lunches.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these sliders either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sliders will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven to restore that fresh-baked goodness.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your sliders in a 350-degree oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Removing the foil for the last few minutes revives the golden crust on top. Microwave reheating is quick but may result in softer buns and less crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

Absolutely! Deli turkey works perfectly in this recipe and is a super convenient option when leftovers aren’t available. Just make sure it’s sliced thinly for even layering.

What if I don’t have Havarti cheese? Can I substitute another cheese?

If Havarti isn’t your favorite or on hand, try Swiss, provolone, or even a mild cheddar. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a creamy texture to complement the cranberry sauce and turkey.

Is it okay to use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

It’s best to stick with whole berry cranberry sauce here. The chunks add great texture, and the jellied version tends to melt too much during baking, making the sliders soggy.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the turkey for roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and keep the cheese and cranberry sauce for the perfect savory-sweet combo in a vegetarian slider.

How should I store leftover cranberry sauce?

Leftover cranberry sauce should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes beautifully if you want to preserve it longer for future recipes like these sliders.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you get a chance to make and enjoy the Turkey Cranberry Sliders with Havarti Cheese on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet effortless, perfectly blending tradition and comfort food bliss. Whether you’re turning Thanksgiving leftovers into a show-stopping meal or simply craving something cozy and tasty, these sliders won’t disappoint. Grab your rolls and get ready to dig into pure slider happiness!