These ham and cranberry sliders are a tasty and fun treat! Soft rolls hold savory ham and a sweet cranberry sauce, making every bite a delightful mix of flavors.
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, I love how quick these sliders are to whip up. Plus, they’re so good that leftovers are rare—everyone wants seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Use soft dinner rolls for the best texture. If you can’t find slider buns, regular hamburger buns or mini brioche rolls work well, too. I prefer brioche for its slight sweetness!
Deli Ham: Any sliced deli ham will do. Honey ham adds a nice sweetness, while smoked ham gives a deeper flavor. You can switch it out for turkey if you want a lighter option.
Cranberry Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade tastes amazing if you have the time. You can make it with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice. If you’re not a cranberry fan, apple or fig jam could be interesting substitutes!
Butter: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead, though it will change the flavor a bit. Vegan butter works for a dairy-free version!
How Do You Make the Perfect Butter Glaze?
The butter glaze is what gives the sliders a beautiful golden top. It’s simple to make and adds so much flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper. This combination enhances the sliders’ flavor.
- Brush it on generously over the tops of the buns. Don’t be shy; it creates that delicious finish.
- Cover the sliders with foil during the first baking phase to keep them moist. Remove the foil for the last few minutes for that perfectly crispy top.
Following these tips will ensure your ham and cranberry sliders are a hit at any gathering! Enjoy making these tasty bites! 🌟
Ham And Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
- 12 slices deli ham
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
- Whole fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake, including optional time for additional browning. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious batch of sliders ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our sliders get that perfect warm and toasty finish while baking!
2. Prepare the Buns:
Take your slider buns and slice them horizontally in half. Place the bottom halves neatly in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. This will be the base where all the delicious layers go!
3. Layer the Cranberry Sauce:
Spread a layer of cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom buns. This sweet layer is what makes the sliders special!
4. Add the Ham:
Next, lay a slice of deli ham on each bun half. You can fold the ham or layer more if you like extra ham goodness.
5. Top It Off:
Once the ham is in place, cover it with the top halves of the buns. You have a lovely little slider sandwich forming!
6. Make the Butter Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and some freshly ground black pepper. This is going to add an amazing flavor to our sliders!
7. Brush the Buns:
Generously brush the butter glaze over the tops of the buns. Don’t hold back; this will create a delicious, crispy top.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and place them in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re warmed through and the tops are slightly toasted.
9. Optional: Get Those Buns Golden:
If you like a little crunch, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step is all about getting a beautiful golden top!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re baked, take them out of the oven. If you’d like, garnish each slider with a fresh cranberry and a little sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. They look as good as they taste!
11. Enjoy!
Serve these warm and enjoy the delightful blend of savory ham and sweet cranberry flavors. They make a perfect handheld treat for any occasion!
With the juicy, savory ham mingling with bright cranberry sauce and a buttery glaze, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Thanksgiving Ham for These Sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover Thanksgiving ham is perfect for these sliders. Just slice it thinly and layer it between the buns with cranberry sauce for a delicious, festive treat!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they are cold from the fridge.
What Are Some Variations for These Sliders?
Feel free to get creative! You can add cheese like Swiss or cheddar for an extra layer of flavor, or swap out the ham for turkey or roast beef. Adding greens like arugula or spinach can also complement the flavors nicely!
