Ham and Cheese Sliders
Try these Ham and Cheese Sliders with Brown Sugar for a sweet and savory treat! Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family meal. Ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Slider Buns: The perfect size for bite-sized sandwiches. You can use soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls or any other slider buns you prefer. The bread will soak up the savory glaze and stay perfectly soft once baked.
Sliced Ham: Use good-quality deli ham for the best flavor. You can go with regular or honey ham depending on your preference for sweetness.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice for ham and cheese sliders, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, American, or even gouda for a richer taste. The cheese should melt well and add that delicious gooey texture.
Brown Sugar: The star ingredient for that sweet, caramelized glaze. The brown sugar will balance the savory ham and bring a touch of sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible.
Butter: Melted butter is essential for brushing over the buns, giving them a golden, crispy finish. It also helps the brown sugar glaze stick and creates a rich, flavorful layer.
Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard will add a little tangy kick to the glaze. It complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient adds depth and umami to the brown sugar glaze. It’s a small but mighty addition that rounds out the flavor.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder will give the sliders that savory undertone that perfectly balances the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Onion Powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder enhances the savory notes and brings a little extra richness to the sliders.
Poppy Seeds (optional): These are for an added crunch and a decorative touch. While optional, poppy seeds make the sliders look extra special and provide a subtle, nutty flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slider Buns
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves attached. Place the bottom halves on a baking dish or a large sheet pan. This will be the base for your sliders.
Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese
- Next, lay out the sliced ham evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Be generous—this is what makes the sliders hearty and satisfying! Then, add a layer of your chosen cheese over the ham. Whether you go for Swiss, cheddar, or American cheese, make sure to cover all the ham with a nice, even layer. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Place the top halves of the buns on top of the ham and cheese layers. You now have a mini sandwich, ready for the magic glaze! Don’t worry if the buns look a little squished—this will help them absorb all the tasty glaze.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until the glaze is smooth and slightly bubbly. This glaze will give the sliders that irresistible sweet-savory flavor that everyone will love.
Step 5: Brush the Glaze on the Sliders
- Carefully pour the glaze over the top of the buns. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to evenly coat the buns, ensuring every part of the top gets a good layer of that rich, golden brown sugar glaze. Don’t be shy—this glaze is what makes the sliders extra special!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes. This will help the sliders steam and melt the cheese. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the buns are golden and crispy on top. The cheese should be gooey and the glaze caramelized, making for a mouthwatering bite.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once your sliders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Slice them along the seams for perfect, bite-sized portions. You’re now ready to enjoy these amazing sliders with a sweet and savory kick!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 12g