Save A playful twist on the classic ham and cheese slider featuring a tangy cherry glaze that brings a sweet and savory kick to every bite. Perfect for parties game days or a family-friendly dinner.
The first time I made these sliders the cherry glaze was a game changer. My family couldn&t get enough and now they request them for every get-together.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12 Hawaiian or brioche buns
- Deli ham: 12 slices about 250 g (9 oz)
- Swiss cheese: 12 slices
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons melted
- Cherry preserves or jam: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon optional
Instructions
- Prep the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the dish:
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the prepared dish.
- Layer ham and cheese:
- Layer each bun with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Make cherry glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine cherry preserves Dijon mustard balsamic vinegar brown sugar and black pepper. Stir until smooth and heated through about 3 minutes.
- Butter the buns:
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns.
- Apply glaze:
- Generously spoon or brush the cherry glaze over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are golden and cheese melted.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from the oven let cool for 3 to 5 minutes then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save We love sharing these sliders at family game nights. They always disappear fast with everyone reaching for seconds while chatting around the table.
Notes and Variations
Add a thin layer of whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise to the buns before assembling for extra flavor. Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone if you prefer a different taste.
Required Tools
For this recipe you will need a 9x13-inch baking dish a small saucepan a pastry brush a knife and cutting board and aluminum foil.
Nutritional Information
Each slider contains approximately 210 calories with 9 g total fat 22 g carbohydrates and 10 g protein.
Save These cherry-glazed sliders are sure to be the star of any gathering. Enjoy how quickly they come together and watch the smiles follow!
Kitchen Q&A
- → What type of cheese works best in these sliders?
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, nutty flavor that complements the ham and cherry glaze. Gruyère or provolone can be used for a different twist.
- → Can I use different buns for these sliders?
Yes, Hawaiian or brioche slider buns are recommended for their sweetness and soft texture, but any soft slider buns will work well.
- → How is the cherry glaze made?
The glaze combines cherry preserves with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper, heated to blend the flavors before brushing onto the sliders.
- → What is the best way to serve these sliders?
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley. They pair nicely with a green salad or potato chips, and a fruity rosé or light lager complements the flavors.
- → Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.