These ham and cranberry sliders are a tasty mix of sweet and salty, with tender ham paired with tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for parties or quick snacks!
I always keep these on hand for game days. They’re super easy to put together and always disappear fast! Who can resist that yummy combo? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their sweet taste, but any soft slider buns will do. If you want to go whole grain or gluten-free, there are good options available at most grocery stores!
Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is best for easy layering. You can switch it up and use turkey or roasted chicken if that’s what you prefer. Just make sure it’s sliced thin for the best sandwich experience.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a melty cheese!
Cranberry Sauce: The recipe calls for cranberry sauce, but you can use homemade or store-bought. If you’re out, apple sauce or peach preserves can be a tasty substitute.
How Do I Get My Sliders Extra Flavorful?
The butter mixture is the magic touch that enhances the flavor of your sliders. To make it, combine melted butter with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and poppy seeds. This blend gives a nice buttery, tangy, and crunchy topping. Don’t skip this step!
- Brush this mixture generously over the top before baking. The combination of flavors seeps into the buns, making every bite delicious.
- For some heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Ham And Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved (or cheddar if preferred)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this recipe is about 25 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the sliders and then 15 minutes baking them. Just enough time to get everything ready for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when your sliders are ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, making sure they stay attached as one whole piece. Place the bottom half in a baking dish where they’ll bake.
3. Layer with Cranberry Sauce:
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom buns, making sure to cover them nicely for that sweet flavor in every bite.
4. Add the Ham:
Layer the thinly sliced deli ham over the cranberry sauce, making sure to distribute the ham evenly across all the buns.
5. Cheese Time:
Next, lay the halved Swiss cheese over the ham. This will melt beautifully as the sliders bake!
6. Complete the Sandwich:
Take the top half of the buns and place them over the cheese layer, completing your sliders.
7. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if you’re using them), and garlic powder. This mixture will give your sliders a golden, flavorful top.
8. Brush the Buns:
Generously brush this butter mixture over the tops of the buns. It’s okay to be generous – more flavor is always a good thing!
9. Add Black Pepper:
Sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper on top for an extra kick and a bit of visual appeal.
10. Bake the Sliders:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
11. Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and inviting.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the sliders out of the oven, let them cool for a minute, then cut them apart. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!
These sliders bring a perfect balance of savory ham and melty cheese with the sweet-tart cranberry giving a festive touch. Enjoy!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap, brush with the butter mixture, and bake as directed!
Can I Use Different Meats or Cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables. Similarly, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as provolone or gouda, to customize to your taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness and melty cheese!
Can I Freeze These Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking! Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.