Cranberry Turkey Hawaiian Sliders

These cranberry turkey sliders are my go-to for post-holiday gatherings or cozy weekend lunches when you want something irresistibly comforting with a little tang and a lot of gooey cheese. They bring together the nostalgia of Thanksgiving flavors with the ease of a weeknight bake—no one can ever eat just one.

When I first made these for a Thanksgiving leftovers party even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds. My family now requests them every time cranberry sauce hits the table.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: bring pillowy soft bread that toasts up beautifully and holds everything together buy fresh for extra fluffiness
• Deli turkey: thinly sliced for tender layers ask the deli counter for freshly sliced turkey for best flavor and texture
• Cranberry sauce: adds tartness and a hint of sweetness use whole berry for texture or jellied for a smoother finish
• Havarti or provolone cheese: melts into rich creamy layers opt for block cheese and slice it yourself if possible
• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps crisp the tops use high-quality butter for extra depth
• Worcestershire sauce: layers in umami and tang double-check for a brand with deep color and bold flavor
• Dijon mustard: brings subtle heat and sharpness choose smooth Dijon for easy mixing
• Minced dried onion: adds savory sweetness look for an aromatic dried onion rather than pre-ground powder
• Poppy seeds: lend a light crunch and nutty back note get fresh seeds with a bright scent
• Fresh chives: finish with mild onion flavor choose bright green chives free from wilt

How to Make It

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray ensuring you hit all corners so the sliders come out easily.

Make the Butter Topping:

In a small bowl stir together the melted butter Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard minced dried onion poppy seeds and minced chives until completely combined. Use a whisk so the ingredients are evenly distributed for flavor in every bite.

Slice and Layer the Rolls:

Carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally but leave all the individual rolls attached. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish cut side up to form one even surface.

Add the Turkey and Cheese:

Layer the thinly sliced deli turkey evenly over the bottom half of the rolls ensuring coverage edge to edge for juicy meat in every slider. Place slices of Havarti or provolone cheese directly on top of the turkey overlapping slightly for full meltiness.

Spread the Cranberry Sauce:

Gently spread an even layer of cranberry sauce over the cheese. If using whole berry cranberry sauce dollop and spread gently to avoid shifting the meat and cheese. Use the back of a spoon to get a thin uniform layer.

Add the Top Rolls and Brush with Butter:

Gently place the top half of the rolls back on creating a sandwich slab. Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops focusing on every roll and letting some of the mixture drip down the sides. This creates a flavorful crisp crust.

Bake and Serve:

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything is warm. Uncover and bake for an additional five to ten minutes until the tops are deeply golden and slightly crisp. Use a sharp knife to separate into individual sliders and serve warm.

My favorite part is the sweet tang from the cranberry sauce that nestles right into the melty cheese and savory turkey. Once my daughter helped brush the butter topping and declared it her favorite kitchen job ever now we bake these together every year.

Flavor Boosters

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place in a preheated oven for about ten minutes to revive their crispy tops and melty centers without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a cup of tomato basil soup for a well-rounded lunch. During the holidays they shine on a buffet with vegetable platters or simple chips if you are keeping things easy.

Creative Twists

Rotisserie chicken or ham works beautifully as a turkey swap. Swiss cheese or mozzarella can stand in for Havarti or provolone if you need to use what you have on hand. Try shallots or green onions instead of chives for a slightly different allium touch.

These sliders combine easy prep with crowd-pleasing comfort. Trust me—they will disappear in minutes!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of deli turkey?

Yes, leftover roasted turkey works perfectly in place of deli turkey and adds extra flavor. Just slice or shred it before assembling the sliders.

→ What type of cranberry sauce works best?

You can use either jellied or whole berry cranberry sauce depending on your preferred texture and taste. Both blend nicely with the other ingredients.

→ How do I prevent Hawaiian rolls from getting soggy?

Brush the butter mixture only on the tops of the rolls and avoid adding too much extra liquid ingredients. Bake uncovered for a crisp top.

→ Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Brush the butter mixture before baking when ready to serve.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

Havarti and provolone both melt well, but Swiss or mozzarella are great substitutes depending on your taste preferences.