These mini Poppy Seed Cheddar Turkey Sliders are a fantastic way to use leftover turkey from the holidays. They're spectacular using Deli turkey, too for year-round treat. To make them, fresh slider rolls are brushed liberally with a sweet and buttery poppy seed glaze then layered with cheddar cheese. Next, comes sliced turkey and whole berry cranberry sauce. After assembling, they're baked until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden. The only hard part about these is, waiting to pull apart and enjoy.
Poppy Seed Cheddar Turkey Sliders
These cheddar turkey sliders are a spin-off of my recipe for Ham and Swiss poppy seed rolls. The combination of the cranberry sauce with the cheddar cheese and turkey gives them a bit of a sweet and salty edge. I serve these turkey sliders throughout the entire holiday season and they're usually one of the first things to go from the appetizer table. They've become sort of a tradition for our holiday eats, much like cheddar sausage balls and a family favrite, my beef and cheddar cheeseball. Apparently, we have a thing for cheese. Guilty as charged.
Tips and Tricks for Making Turkey Sliders
- You can make these sliders with deli turkey or to reinvent leftover turkey during the holidays for a round two meal.
- To save time, these rolls can be assembled one day in advance then covered tightly and chilled along with the remaining poppy seed glaze.
- Just before baking uncover and transfer to a baking sheet then brush with the extra glaze. Make sure you grab a couple and set them aside for yourself, they always disappear in a hurry. An alternate plan would be making a double batch but, that's completely up to you.
- Make your own turkey using my recipe for Slow Cooked Turkey Breast.
Other Turkey Recipes to Add to the Menu
As I mentioned previously, while turkey is especially associated with the holiday season, there's no reason you can't enjoy it in some form year-round. Other turkey recipes to try:
- Turkey Broccoli Rice Divan makes a family pleasing casserole.
- Fiesta Turkey Club Sub for picnics and quick meals.
- Turkey Cranberry Crescent Ring can be served as an appetizer or a main dish.
- Turkey Meatloaf Muffins are topped with mashed potato "frosting".
- Apple Cranberry Turkey Salad from Inside BruCrew Life.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Poppy Seed Cheddar Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz package 12-count slider rolls (i.e.. Pepperidge Farms)
- 1 lb thinly sliced roasted turkey
- 16 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied (Your preference)
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 Tbsp grated sweet onion
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife cut through the middle of the slider rolls. Place the bottoms side by side on the pan. Set the tops aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the softened butter, mustard, honey, poppy seeds, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Whisk until fully combined and slightly thickened then remove from the heat.
- Brush the bottoms of the sliced rolls with about ⅓ of the seasoned butter.
- Layer ½ of the cheese on the bottom, then arrange the turkey over the cheese. Break cheese slices when needed to fit.
- Spread the turkey with cranberry sauce.
- Top with the final layer of cheese. Brush liberally with butter mixture.
- Place the tops over the cheese.
- Brush the remaining seasoned butter on the top and all sides.
- Cover loosely with foil. Bake covered for 20 minutes then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Cut apart and serve immediately with additional cranberry sauce, if desired.
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Chrissy
Wondering if these can be assembled the night before and baked the next day or if they would get soggy? I would wait to brush the tops until cooking. But didn't know if the butter mixture/cranberry sauce would turn the bread soggy overnight.
Melissa
HI Chrissy, yes they can. Just as you said, wait and brush the outside just before baking. Also, bring to room temperature for at least 15 minutes prior to baking.
Janet
I made those delicious sandwiches today and they were great! I didn’t have slider buns so I used small burger buns, deli turkey, cheddar jack cheese- will make again
Melissa
Wonderful, thanks Janet!
deb
I'm having company today to play Mahjongg. I just made up these beautiful sandwiches. I'm using smoked turkey today. I usually never buy the orange cheese but I broke down and got it for the color contrast. I know everyone will love these little treats.
Melissa
Hi Deb, we love these little sliders I hope your guests do, too!
KB
This was a major hit at a potluck picnic. People were asking for the recipe off the bat. I used Hawaiian rolls, and sans the poppy seeds, but still insanely delish. Thanks for this great recipe!