Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders have been my family’s go-to party appetizer for years. There’s just something about the creamy, tangy Havarti cheese paired with the sweet, tart cranberry and savory roasted turkey that keeps everyone coming back for more. I can still remember the first time I made them for my sister’s housewarming party – they were an absolute hit! Everyone was raving about the flavor combination, and I had people asking me for the recipe all night long.
Why This Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
This Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s all thanks to a few simple, yet genius techniques. First, I use a combination of ground turkey and shredded roasted turkey to give the sliders a delicious, meaty texture without being too dense. Then, I fold in just the right amount of tangy Havarti cheese and sweet cranberry sauce to create a flavor explosion in every bite. And the best part? This recipe yields 12 servings, so you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey
- Shredded roasted turkey
- Havarti cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Whole wheat dinner rolls
- Dijon mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Instructions
Preparing Your Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a sharp knife to get started. Let’s dive in!
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, shredded roasted turkey, Havarti cheese, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
2- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set aside.
3- Divide the turkey mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small slider patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
4- Place the sliders onto the prepared baking sheet. They should be spaced apart slightly to allow for even cooking.
5- Bake the sliders for 15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6- Serve the Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders on the whole wheat dinner rolls, with any desired toppings or condiments.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders is to not overmix the patty mixture. This can make the sliders dense and tough. Also, be sure to keep an eye on them while they’re baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – a dollop of creamy coleslaw or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs can really take these sliders to the next level.
Serving and Storing Your Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Perfect Pairings for Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, and they pair perfectly with a variety of sides and beverages. Try serving them with a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a creamy coleslaw. And for drinks, they’re delicious alongside a refreshing iced tea, a crisp white wine, or a seasonal craft cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
Creative Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Variations
There are so many ways to put a unique spin on these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders. Try swapping the Havarti for another melty cheese like cheddar or Swiss. You can also experiment with different types of cranberry sauce, like a spiced cranberry chutney or a orange-infused version. And for a seasonal twist, try using leftover roasted turkey and cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving feast.
Making Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders Diet-Friendly
To make these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a lower-fat ground turkey and opt for a reduced-fat Havarti cheese. You can also serve them on whole grain slider buns or even lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option. And for a vegan version, simply swap the turkey for a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just be sure to use about 1/2 cup.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 slider.
Q: Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders ahead of time. Just assemble the patties, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: How do I prevent the sliders from falling apart?
A: To keep the sliders together, be sure not to overmix the patty mixture. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined. You can also chill the patties for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the ultimate comfort food appetizer. Juicy turkey patties are topped with melted Havarti cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft, pillowy buns. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need a tasty, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8 oz Havarti cheese, sliced
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 12 Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls, split in half
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground turkey, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into small patties.
3. 3. Place the turkey patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. 4. Top each patty with a slice of Havarti cheese and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
5. 5. Place the turkey patties on the bottom buns and top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
6. 6. Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.
Notes
– For a crunchy texture, you can toast the buns before assembling the sliders.
– Try different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, if you prefer.
– Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Havarti Cranberry Turkey Sliders are the ultimate party appetizer – they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a game-day celebration, or just a casual get-together. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients and get ready to wow your guests with these delicious sliders!
