Cheesy Turkey Sliders with Cranberry and Poppy Seeds Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey
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Introduction

These Cheesy Turkey Sliders are an easy and delicious way to transform leftover turkey into a crowd-pleasing meal. With a combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted mozzarella, they’re perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

This close-up image shows a small sandwich slider with three main layers. The top layer is a shiny, golden-brown bun sprinkled with black poppy seeds, having a soft yet lightly textured crust. Below the bun, there is a thin slice of pale pink deli meat, smooth in texture. The bottom layer is a creamy, chunky mixture with white and pink bits, possibly a salad or spread, giving a moist and slightly uneven look. The slider sits on a white marbled surface alongside parts of other sliders, which are softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls (sliced in half)
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 12 deli white turkey meat slices (or shredded leftover turkey meat)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Using a long serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Do not pull the individual rolls apart.
  3. Step 3: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan to form a single layer.
  4. Step 4: Spread the mayo evenly over the bottom layer of rolls, followed by an even layer of cranberry sauce.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce.
  6. Step 6: Arrange the turkey slices evenly on top of the cheese layer.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the turkey.
  8. Step 8: Place the top halves of the rolls over the layered ingredients and press down gently.
  9. Step 9: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 1 minute on high. Whisk in garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
  10. Step 10: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls. Use a pastry brush if you have one to spread it out evenly.
  11. Step 11: Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the buttered tops of the sliders.
  12. Step 12: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
  13. Step 13: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until the tops are slightly golden brown.
  14. Step 14: Remove the sliders from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm, ideally with gravy for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter mixture before brushing on the rolls.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for Swiss or provolone cheese for a different taste.
  • If you like a bit of heat, spread a thin layer of spicy mustard under the mayo or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
  • Use leftover roast beef or ham instead of turkey for a tasty twist.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the rolls from getting soggy. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a slider sandwich with three visible layers. The top layer is a golden brown, shiny bun sprinkled with small black poppy seeds, giving it a slightly textured look. Below the bun is a thin layer of melted light yellow cheese, followed by a pale pink slice of deli meat. The bottom layer consists of a creamy mixture with a chunky texture, primarily pink and white with red bits visible, spread on a soft white bun base. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Add the butter mixture and poppy seeds just before baking for the best texture.

Can I use different types of rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian sweet rolls give a perfect balance of sweetness and softness, you can use dinner rolls or slider buns. Just adjust the baking time if needed.

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Cheesy Turkey Sliders with Cranberry and Poppy Seeds Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

These Cheesy Turkey Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, featuring Hawaiian sweet rolls layered with creamy mayo, tangy cranberry sauce, tender turkey slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. Topped with a flavorful garlic butter mixture and baked to golden perfection, these sliders are perfect for gatherings and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Sliders

  • 1 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls (sliced in half)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 12 slices deli white turkey meat (or shredded leftover turkey meat)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Butter Mixture

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the sliders.
  2. Prep the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Slice Rolls: Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected and not pulling them apart.
  4. Assemble Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan to form the base.
  5. Spread Mayonnaise and Cranberry Sauce: Evenly spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise over the bottom layer of rolls, followed by an even layer of 1/2 cup cranberry sauce.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce layer.
  7. Layer Turkey: Arrange 12 slices of deli white turkey meat evenly on top of the cheese layer.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the turkey slices.
  9. Top Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the assembled layers and gently press down to compact the sliders.
  10. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter by heating on high for approximately 1 minute. Whisk in 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until combined.
  11. Brush Butter Mixture: Using a pastry brush, drizzle and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
  12. Add Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds evenly over the buttered top layer.
  13. Bake Covered: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly.
  14. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the tops of the rolls are slightly golden brown.
  15. Rest and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm, optionally with gravy for dipping.

Notes

  • Do not separate the individual rolls when slicing; keep them connected to maintain the slider shape.
  • Use deli turkey slices or leftover shredded turkey based on availability and preference.
  • Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the butter mixture to taste.
  • These sliders are best served warm and can be paired with gravy or your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Wrapping the pan with foil during baking helps melt the cheese without drying out the rolls.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy Turkey Sliders, Hawaiian rolls, turkey sandwiches, baked sliders, holiday appetizers, cranberry sauce sliders

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