Description
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients:
12 slider buns
1/2 lb (225g) sliced ham
1/2 lb (225g) sliced Swiss or cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (60g) melted butter
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
3. Layer sliced ham and cheese over the buns, then cover with the top halves.
4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture generously over the sliders.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect sliders every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Slice your entire package of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected, and place the bottom slab into the dish. Layer the sliced ham evenly, followed by the cheese, ensuring coverage to the edges. Place the top halves of the buns on the layered fillings. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, and garlic powder until fully emulsified. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top buns with the butter mixture, allowing it to seep down the sides. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This steams the sliders, warming the filling and softening the buns. Finally, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are incredibly versatile. For a game-day spread, serve them alongside buffalo wings, celery sticks, and ranch dip. For a comforting family dinner, pair them with a simple green salad, tomato soup, or roasted potato wedges. They also make an excellent party appetizer; cut them into individual sliders and arrange them on a platter. For a brunch twist, add a side of fruit salad or hash browns.
How-to Summary
In short: Slice buns, layer ham and cheese, whisk a butter-mustard-honey glaze, brush it on, bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5-7 minutes until golden. Garnish and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the sliders and prepare the butter mixture separately. Cover and refrigerate both. Before baking, brush on the glaze and bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes if starting from cold.
Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely. Swiss and cheddar are classics, but provolone, gouda, or pepper jack work wonderfully. For best melting, use freshly sliced cheese from the deli rather than pre-packaged singles.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven, wrapped in foil, for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can I freeze baked sliders? Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a covered oven at 325°F until warmed through.
What can I substitute for poppy seeds? If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can simply omit them. For a slight crunch, a teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds makes a good alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip the initial covered baking step, as this is crucial for heating the filling without drying out the buns. Do not overbake during the final uncovered phase, as the tops can burn quickly. Ensure your butter glaze is well-mixed; if the honey separates, the sliders won’t brown evenly. Finally, do not use cold, hard butter for the glaze—it must be fully melted to combine properly with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory, sweet, and melty goodness in one easy dish. With the simple step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can confidently prepare them for any occasion, avoiding common errors. Their make-ahead flexibility and delicious results guarantee they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors of this classic, perfected snack.