These ham and cranberry sliders are a tasty treat that’s super easy to make! The soft rolls are filled with savory ham and sweet cranberry sauce, making each bite delightful.
I love serving these at parties or just for a cozy dinner. They’re like little flavor bombs that even kids enjoy. Plus, who can resist a good slider? Yum! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Rolls: Use soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and fluffy base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat slider rolls work well too.
Deli Ham: Any type of deli ham will do! I recommend Black Forest ham for its rich flavor. For a lighter version, turkey ham or a plant-based alternative are great substitutes.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce brings a wonderful texture. If you have homemade sauce, feel free to use that! You can also swap this with apple chutney for a different twist.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is my go-to, but you can easily use cheddar or provolone. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese slices that melt well.
Poppy Seeds: These add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, sesame seeds or even everything bagel seasoning can be a fun alternative!
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted in the Sliders?
Getting that cheese melty and gooey is key! First, ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. Covering the sliders with foil initially traps the heat and helps melt the cheese. After 15 minutes, removing the foil allows the tops to brown and crisp up nicely.
- Place the covered sliders in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as ovens can vary.
This technique should give you perfectly melted cheese that combines beautifully with the savory ham and sweet cranberry sauce. Enjoy your sliders! 🥪
Ham And Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider rolls (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls)
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese), halved
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or parsley (optional garnish)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sliders and then around 20 minutes baking them. So, in just about 30 minutes, you can have these tasty sliders ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the sliders bake evenly and get that nice golden color on top.
2. Prepare the Sliders:
Take your slider rolls and slice them horizontally. Be careful not to cut all the way through—the bottom should stay connected. Place the slab of rolls on a baking sheet.
3. Add Butter:
Using a brush or spoon, spread a thin layer of melted butter over the cut sides of the rolls. This adds flavor and helps them get nice and crisp when baking.
4. Layer with Mustard:
Next, spread Dijon mustard over the bottom half of the rolls. This gives a nice tangy kick to your sliders!
5. Add the Ham:
Layer the slices of deli ham evenly over the mustard. Make sure each slider gets a good amount of ham for that delicious flavor.
6. Spread the Cranberry Sauce:
Now, spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the ham. Make sure to cover every inch for a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
7. Cheese Time:
Place the halved cheese slices over the cranberry sauce. This will melt down beautifully, creating a wonderful creamy layer.
8. Close the Sliders:
Carefully cover the sandwiches with the top half of the rolls. They’re looking great already!
9. Prepare the Topping:
Mix any remaining melted butter with the poppy seeds and sprinkle in dried rosemary or parsley if you like.
10. Brush and Season:
Brush this mix generously over the top of the rolls. This adds a flavorful crust! Then, sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt for an extra pop of flavor.
11. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the entire baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps everything meld together nicely.
12. Uncover and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
13. Cool and Cut:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice the slab into individual sliders. Get ready for the deliciousness!
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy the wonderful combination of savory ham and sweet cranberry in every bite!
These sliders are perfect for the holidays, parties, or just a fun weeknight dinner! Enjoy! 🥪
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Ham?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just layer it the same way you would with ham. You might even consider adding a bit more cranberry sauce for flavor balance.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. Allow for a few extra minutes of baking time if they’re cold from the fridge before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or you can use a microwave, but crispiness may be lost.
Can I Freeze These Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you can thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.