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 cherry-glazed ham and cheese sliders, my family was immediately hooked on their sweet and savory combination. They're now a must-have for our weeknight dinners and get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12, Hawaiian or brioche work well
- 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
- Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tablespoon, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Baking Dish:
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Fillings:
- Layer each bun with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Make 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 & Glaze:
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns. 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 an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from the oven. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save Our family loves assembling these sliders together. Nothing beats craving the stretchy cheese pull and sweet glaze at the dinner table.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9x13-inch baking dish, small saucepan, pastry brush, knife and cutting board, and aluminum foil for easy preparation.
Nutritional Information
Each slider contains approximately 210 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with a simple green salad or potato chips. They pair nicely with a light lager or fruity rosé.
Save Give these cherry-glazed sliders a try for your next gathering and let their flavor steal the show. They're sure to bring everybody back for seconds.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What kind of buns work best for these sliders?
Hawaiian or brioche slider buns are ideal as they offer a soft texture and slight sweetness that complements the glaze and fillings well.
- → Can I substitute the Swiss cheese with another type?
Yes, Gruyère or provolone are excellent alternatives that melt nicely and add different flavor nuances.
- → How is the cherry glaze prepared?
The glaze combines cherry preserves, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper, heated until smooth to achieve a tangy, sweet coating.
- → How long should the sliders bake?
Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes to melt the cheese and brown the tops.
- → What sides pair well with these sliders?
Simple green salads or potato chips complement the sliders nicely, and beverages like fruity rosé or light lager enhance the flavors.
- → Are there options to add more flavor to the sliders?
Adding a thin layer of whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise inside the buns before assembling adds extra depth to the taste.