Elena Ruz Turkey, Guava & Cream Cheese Sliders Recipe

Ah, Thanksgiving. 

I love this holiday so much. I love that a day has been set aside to give thanks. And I have so very much to be grateful for. 

I especially love knowing that families across the country are gathered together around the family table, because to me that is an absolutely sacred space. 

I have posted about how I go about styling my Thanksgiving tables here, here, and here. I have also shared the different types of appetizers we have enjoyed in the past. These Bacon Guava Cream Cheese Bites being my favorite. Because I pretty much love anything with guava and cream cheese. Because Cuban. 

Which brings me back to Thanksgiving. Our menu is typically traditional: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, etcetera, etcetera. 

What I want to talk about today is what happens just a few hours after the Thanksgiving meal. 

Inevitably, the guests (in this case, my big fat Cuban family) start circling back into the kitchen looking for something “para picar.” (Loose translation: to nibble on.)

You remember the old-school Cuban recipe for Elena Ruz sandwiches: Turkey and strawberry preserves on media noche bread. While that’s pretty good, it’s never been my favorite. I prefer a guava spread instead of strawberry. Because Cuban.

But wait.

Of course, guava is good. But guava and cream cheese is BETTER. And, okay… let’s just make some sliders with turkey, guava, and cream cheese. I kind of made this up as I was assembling the sliders. So you’ll find the recipe is kind of “loose.”  But that’s all good. I was “resolviendo.” Because Cuban. 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! 

ELENA RUZ TURKEY GUAVA & CREAM CHEESE SLIDERS

INGREDIENTS

To make a dozen sliders you will need:

• 1 package of Hawaiian bread rolls
• 1/2 lb. sliced turkey
• 4-5 oz guava (marmalade, preserves, jelly – pick your favorite)
• 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese (but regular works, too)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
2. Cut the bread rolls in half horizontally, keeping the halves connected. Set tops aside.
3. Spread the turkey over the bread.
4. Spoon the guava over the turkey.
5. Spread the cream cheese over the guava.
6. Replace the tops of the buns.
7. Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns.
8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9. Bake in 350° oven for about 8 minutes or just until the cream cheese is melty and the tops are glistening.
10. Remove from oven and cut each slider individually and serve. 

Buen Provecho!