Name: Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package Hawaiian rolls (or gluten-free / keto / brioche slider buns); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 1½ cups whole cranberry sauce (not jellied — fresh or canned); 2 cups leftover turkey (cut into bite‑size pieces or shredded, or use deli turkey slices); 6 slices Havarti cheese; ½ cup salted butter (1 stick, melted; if using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon kosher salt); ½ –1 teaspoon garlic (pressed or minced; about 1 small clove); ½ teaspoon dried minced onion; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Pinch kosher salt; ½ tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

Print Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’re looking for a delightful crowd-pleaser that combines savory, sweet, and creamy flavors all in one glorious bite, these Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe are absolute magic. Imagine juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and luscious cream cheese nestled inside soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls, then baked to melty perfection with a hint of garlicky butter on top. These sliders are perfect for holiday gatherings, game day snacks, or anytime you want a comforting yet elevated sandwich that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of various food items arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are four shiny golden-brown bread rolls placed in a small cardboard box in the upper left corner. Next to it is a square white plate with a block of pale yellow butter. To the right is a white bowl filled with shredded light-colored meat topped with shredded yellow cheese. Below these are smaller bowls: one with bright red chunky cranberry sauce, another with shredded white cheese, a glass bowl with two slices of pale butter, a small wooden bowl with dark brown sauce, and two small wooden bowls with ground pepper in different shades and textures. A small clear glass container holds a light yellow liquid, and a white small creamer jug filled with milk or cream sits nearby. The arrangement has a clean and organized look with a simple, fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe is wonderfully simple, with each ingredient playing a vital role in balancing flavors and textures. From the rich cream cheese that adds creaminess to the fresh cranberry sauce giving that signature tart sweetness, every component is essential.

Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these buns hold all the fillings together beautifully.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened to room temperature for easy spreading and creamy texture.
Whole cranberry sauce (1½ cups): Use fresh or canned, non-jellied for the best burst of fruity tang.
Leftover turkey (2 cups): Bite-sized pieces or shredded turkey bring that hearty protein punch.
Havarti cheese (6 slices): Smooth and mild, perfect for melting over the turkey.
Salted butter (½ cup): Melted and infused with garlic and onion for a rich garlicky topping.
Garlic (½ to 1 teaspoon): Pressed or minced for a lovely aromatic kick.
Dried minced onion (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the butter mixture.
Worcestershire sauce (½ teaspoon): A small splash to enhance savory notes.
Kosher salt (pinch): Balances and brightens flavors throughout the dish.
Poppy seeds (½ tablespoon, optional): Adds a delicate crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray. This simple prep ensures your sliders won’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Slice the Buns

Keep the Hawaiian rolls together as one whole block, then carefully slice them lengthwise into top and bottom halves. Make the bottom half slightly thicker so it holds all your delicious layers without falling apart.

Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese

Evenly spread the softened cream cheese across the entire bottom half of the buns. This creamy layer acts like glue to hold all the scrumptious fillings in place and adds rich tanginess.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Gently spoon whole cranberry sauce evenly over the cream cheese. Use the back of your spoon to spread it without tearing the delicate bread—this layer brings that iconic bright and fruity punch.

Step 5: Layer Turkey and Cheese

Distribute the turkey pieces evenly over the cranberry layer. Next, lay the Havarti cheese slices on top of the turkey, spreading the melty goodness across the entire surface. Then place the top half of the buns back in place to seal your sliders.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

In a small, pourable container, whisk together the melted salted butter, minced garlic, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mixture will soak into the top buns, giving an irresistible savory crust.

Step 7: Pour and Sprinkle

Pour the buttery garlic mixture slowly and evenly over the top of the buns, letting it soak in all the way across. For a fun twist, sprinkle poppy seeds over the buttered tops before baking to add a little texture and visual appeal.

Step 8: Cover & Bake

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt fully and the fillings to warm through—perfectly melding all the flavors.

Step 9: Optional Crisp Finish

If you love a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Keep a close eye so the tops don’t burn—just that gorgeous, flavorful crust.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then slice into individual portions and serve warm for an unbeatable comfort food experience.

How to Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with nine freshly baked sliders arranged in three rows and three columns. Each slider has a golden brown top sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper, giving a slightly textured look. The sliders are placed close to each other with soft, fluffy, and slightly shiny bread tops that show a gradient from light to darker brown. One slider at the front is slightly pulled away, revealing layers inside: a juicy, cooked meat layer at the bottom, a bright red cranberry sauce layer above it, and the soft bread top finishing the slider. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of red sauce blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, consider fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs laid on top or alongside your sliders. A dusting of finely chopped parsley or even a tiny drizzle of extra cranberry sauce on each slider adds eye-catching color and brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These sliders are rich, flavorful, and best paired with lighter, fresh sides—think crisp green salads, roasted Brussels sprouts, or simple sweet potato fries. For a festive touch, creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy coleslaw complement the sliders beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of cranberry sauce and extra garlic butter. You can also place toothpicks with tiny festive decorations into each slider for easy grabbing at parties. For holiday meals, arrange them on a platter sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and rosemary to add flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the sliders tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without drying out or losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these sliders before baking by wrapping the entire unbaked slider assembly tightly in foil and then in freezer-safe plastic wrap. Store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread texture nice and not soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls with another type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche buns or gluten-free slider rolls work well. Just choose a soft roll that holds together but won’t overshadow the flavors.

Can I use freshly cooked turkey instead of leftover turkey?

Yes! Sliced or shredded freshly cooked turkey breast makes these sliders taste just as amazing and maybe even a bit juicier.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You could swap the turkey for a plant-based protein like seasoned tofu slices or a hearty veggie patty, but the classic Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe really shine with turkey’s savory profile.

Do I have to use cream cheese or can I try another spread?

Cream cheese is key for the creamy richness, but a thick goat cheese or mascarpone might work for a slightly different twist. Just keep it spreadable and smooth.

Can I make the sliders ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, assemble everything except the garlic butter topping and cover tightly, then refrigerate. Add the garlic butter topping just before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Cream Cheese and Garlic Butter Recipe enough whenever you want an easy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and savory that brings joy to any table. You’re going to love the delightful melt-in-your-mouth bites and how effortlessly it comes together. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!