Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping

A Festive Spin on Sliders

If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any cozy gathering or holiday celebration, these Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping are just what you need! These sliders bring together tender turkey patties, the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, creamy Havarti cheese, and a buttery poppy seed topping for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Perfect for gatherings, holiday dinners, or a fun family meal, this recipe captures the essence of fall flavors in each savory, slightly sweet bite.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Sliders 🌟

Here’s why these sliders are a must-try:

• Festive & Flavorful: Cranberry sauce and ground turkey make these sliders both delicious and perfect for seasonal celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in just 40 minutes, including prep time, making them easy to prepare for a crowd.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Baked sliders are easy to serve and share, ideal for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy meal at home.
• Balanced & Nutritious: By using whole wheat breadcrumbs and buns, you can add fiber, while Havarti cheese and fresh herbs give each slider a flavorful finish.

Ingredients List 🛒

To make these sliders, you’ll need the following:

For the Turkey Sliders:

• 1 pound ground turkey
  Tip: Use lean ground turkey to keep these sliders light and healthy, or opt for a higher-fat blend for extra juiciness.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably homemade or no added sugar)
  Tip: The cranberry sauce adds a hint of sweetness and tartness that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use whole wheat for a healthier option)
  Tip: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a bit of texture and fiber, helping bind the patties.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  Tip: Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness to the patties.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8 slider buns (whole wheat or regular)
• 8 slices Havarti cheese
  Tip: Havarti’s creamy, mild flavor melts beautifully and complements the cranberry and turkey flavors.

For the Poppy Seed Topping:

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  Tip: Dijon mustard adds a slight tang to balance the buttery poppy seed topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for these tasty sliders:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Tip: Starting with a hot oven ensures that the patties bake evenly and reach the ideal temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, cranberry sauce, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until the ingredients are evenly combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing, as it can make the patties tough. Just mix until everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the turkey mixture into 8 equal portions, then shape each portion into a small patty. Each patty should fit well on a slider bun. Tip: Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent them from puffing up as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Patties

Place the turkey patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tip: Cooking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the patties, so it’s a good idea to check their temperature with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Make the Poppy Seed Topping

While the patties are baking, prepare the poppy seed topping. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until well combined. Set this aside for brushing on the buns later. Tip: This topping adds a delightful buttery flavor to the buns and a slight crunch from the poppy seeds.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the oven. Place a slice of Havarti cheese on each patty, then return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

While the cheese melts, you can start to prepare the buns. Split each slider bun in half, and place the bottoms on a serving tray or baking sheet.

Step 7: Brush with Poppy Seed Topping & Bake 🍔

Once the cheese has melted on the patties, place each patty on the bottom half of a slider bun. Then, drizzle or brush the poppy seed topping generously on the top half of each bun.

For a warm, slightly toasted finish, place the assembled sliders back in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Tip: This step is optional but gives the buns a lovely, soft texture and makes the flavors even more cohesive.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! 🎉

Remove the sliders from the oven, and they’re ready to serve. Arrange them on a platter, and if you’d like, add a garnish of fresh parsley or extra cranberry sauce for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Sliders

• Handling the Ground Turkey: Ground turkey can be sticky to work with. Lightly oil your hands or use wet hands when shaping the patties to make it easier.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the turkey patties in advance and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and allows for easy assembly before baking.
• Topping Variations: If poppy seeds aren’t your favorite, try swapping them for sesame seeds, or skip the topping altogether for a simpler finish.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Turkey Sliders 🍂

These sliders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of sweet potato complements the savory turkey and tangy cranberry sauce.
• Cranberry-Orange Salad: Try a mixed greens salad with cranberries, oranges, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, seasonal side.
• Stuffed Mushrooms or Roasted Vegetables: Mushroom caps stuffed with cheese or roasted seasonal veggies add a hearty, festive touch to the meal.

Tip: If serving these at a party, set up a slider bar with different toppings and condiments, such as extra cranberry sauce, pickles, or sliced onions.

Story Behind the Recipe 🍁

These sliders are inspired by classic Thanksgiving flavors, reimagined into a fun, easy-to-eat form. I first tried something similar at a holiday gathering, and I remember how surprised I was by the combination of cranberry sauce with ground turkey. It was a light, refreshing twist on traditional turkey and cranberry that left me wanting to recreate it.

So, I decided to make my own version and added the poppy seed topping for extra flavor and texture. These sliders have since become a staple for gatherings, as they’re easy to serve and always a hit!

Final Thoughts: Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders for the Win 🎉

Whether you’re serving these for a festive occasion or just a cozy family dinner, these sliders bring together the flavors of the season in an irresistible way. The creamy Havarti cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and juicy turkey patties are truly a match made in heaven.

Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear about your experience making (and eating!) these sliders.