As the holiday season rolls around, there’s a certain magic in the air—spicy cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, and the laughter of family and friends creates a cozy atmosphere. I still remember the Thanksgiving gatherings at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of roasted turkey filled every corner and friends enjoyed every bite. It was during one such gathering that I discovered the joy of sliders—miniature mountains of flavor packed between soft buns. This year, I’ve given the classic turkey slider a festive twist with these delightful Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping. They are perfect for holiday parties or a casual weeknight dinner and will surely bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
• Packed with comforting flavors that evoke the spirit of the season.
• Budget-friendly: turkey is often more affordable than other meats during the holidays.
• Can be made ahead of time, perfect for entertaining.
• Flexible: You can personalize the ingredients to cater to your taste.

Ingredients

Let’s get ready to mix up some magic! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground turkey (use lean for healthier sliders)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought; whole berries add a delightful texture)
• 1/2 cup grated Havarti cheese (melty and creamy goodness!)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (you can skip this if you’re not an onion fan)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you have it; it gives such a lovely flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for easy spreading and creaminess)
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (for that extra crunch)
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• Slider buns (mini or regular, whatever you fancy!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the fun part—making these sliders! Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking:

1. Preheat your oven? Yes, set it to 375°F (190°C) while we mix everything up. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cranberry sauce, grated Havarti cheese, chopped red onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently; we don’t want to overmix or the sliders will be dense. Just blend until everything is well incorporated!
3. Form the mixture into patties. Aim for about 2-3 inches in diameter. They’ll shrink a bit while cooking, so don’t worry about them being too big.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of oil (olive or coconut works well). Once it’s hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. While the patties are cooking, prepare the topping! In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, panko bread crumbs, and poppy seeds. Stir until well combined—it’s the cherry on top of our glorious sliders.
6. Once the patties are cooked, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a spoonful of the panko mixture on top of each patty.
7. Pop the tray in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will feel like a holiday haven by now!
8. While the sliders bake, prepare the slider buns. You might want to toast them lightly for that extra crunch.
9. Assemble your sliders: place a turkey patty on the bottom half of the bun, add a bit of extra cranberry sauce if you like, and top with the other half of the bun!
10. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips & Variations

Ready to jazz things up? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise.
• Different cheeses: If Havarti isn’t your jam, try gouda or even sharp cheddar for a punchier flavor.
• Herb mix: Mix in some fresh chopped parsley or dill into the turkey for added freshness.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make this dish suitable for all dietary needs.
• Make it a meal: Serve the sliders alongside a crisp salad or sweet potato fries for a hearty dinner.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With a side of crispy sweet potato fries or roasted Brussels sprouts for added crunch.
• A fresh green salad lightly dressed will balance out the flavors perfectly.
• Pair them with a glass of spiced apple cider or a light white wine for the adults!
• Set up a slider bar! Offer toppings like avocado slices, different cheeses, or pickles so everyone can customize their own.

Storage Tips

Let’s talk leftovers! If you happen to have any (which I doubt!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet.
• Freezer: Place cooked sliders in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months!
• Reheating: Thaw the sliders in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey mixture and form the patties a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The taste will only get better!

What type of cranberry sauce should I use?

Feel free to use whatever you have on hand—store-bought works great, but homemade adds a special touch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the sliders.

Can I replace the turkey with another protein?

Yes! Ground chicken or even a meat alternative like lentils or black beans could work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How can I make them spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the turkey mix or mix in some Sriracha with the mayonnaise. It’s a great way to add heat!

Can I use regular bread instead of slider buns?

Of course! Any bread you have on hand can work, but slider buns add that special mini touch that makes them feel festive!

Conclusion

And there you have it—every bite of these Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping is a taste of the holidays we all cherish. I hope they bring as much joy and warmth to your home as they do to mine. I’d love to hear how your sliders turn out! Feel free to share your experiences or any personal twists you add to the recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking, and may your holiday season be filled with laughter, love, and, of course, amazing food!

Savory Cranberry Turkey Sliders: Easy Holiday Recipe Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x

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Description

Savor tasty turkey sliders topped with Havarti and poppy seeds this holiday. Easy, festive recipe for effortless entertaining! 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

1/2 cup grated Havarti cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tbsp poppy seeds

Slider buns (as needed)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cranberry sauce, grated Havarti cheese, chopped red onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.

Form the mixture into patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Once hot, cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, panko bread crumbs, and poppy seeds until well combined.

Place cooked patties on a baking sheet and spread the panko mixture on top of each patty.

Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

While sliders bake, prepare the slider buns by toasting them lightly.

Assemble sliders by placing a turkey patty on the bottom half of the bun, adding cranberry sauce, and topping with the bun.

Serve warm.

Notes

Delightful Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Havarti & Poppy Seed Topping, perfect for holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 sliders
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Keywords: Cranberry Turkey Sliders, Holiday Recipe, Easy Sliders, Turkey Sliders