These fun ham and cranberry sliders are perfect for any gathering! Soft rolls are filled with tasty ham and tangy cranberry sauce, making every bite a treat.
They’re so easy to whip up, and honestly, who can resist that combo? I love serving them warm, just like a cozy hug on a plate! 🥪💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Sweet Slider Rolls: These rolls are soft and slightly sweet, complementing the salty ham well. If you’re out of Hawaiian rolls, you can use regular dinner rolls or even mini baguettes. They will still hold the fillings nicely!
Deli Ham: I love using honey or black forest ham for a nice flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey or chicken deli meat can work too. Try to choose sliced meat that’s moist to avoid dry sliders.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese gives a wonderful melt and flavor. If you can’t find it, provolone or mozzarella are great alternatives that also melt beautifully. Cream cheese is also an option if you want a smoother texture.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is the best for these sliders, but if you have cranberry jelly, it will work too. For a twist, consider homemade cranberry sauce if you have the time!
How Do I Get the Perfect Butter Topping?
Getting the butter mixture just right is crucial for slider perfection. This topping adds a delicious crunch and flavor. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Mix the melted butter with Dijon mustard for a nice kick. The mustard balances the sweetness.
- Add poppy seeds to give a little crunch and a gourmet touch. If you don’t have poppy seeds, try sesame seeds instead!
- Don’t forget to brush generously! Cover the tops of the rolls to ensure they toast up nicely.
Using this butter blend makes a big difference when baked, leaving an inviting golden crust on top that everyone loves.
Ham And Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet slider rolls (or dinner rolls)
- 12 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh whole cranberries, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes. That’s super quick for a tasty batch of sliders that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready for your sliders when they’re done assembling!
2. Prepare the Rolls:
Carefully slice your Hawaiian slider rolls horizontally. Keep the rolls attached at the bottom to make layering easier. You want each roll to open like a little book!
3. Mix the Cream Cheese and Cranberry:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the whole berry cranberry sauce until they’re well combined. This will be your sweet and creamy spread.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread the cranberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Then, layer on the slices of ham, followed by the halved Swiss cheese slices. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls back on.
5. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give your sliders a deliciously rich topping.
6. Brush the Sliders:
Generously brush this tasty butter mixture over the tops of the slider rolls. Be sure to cover them well for that beautiful golden crust!
7. Bake the Sliders:
Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them moist while baking. Pop them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
8. Crisp Them Up:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and let the sliders bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will make the tops crispy and golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, you can garnish each slider with a fresh cranberry on top, secured with a toothpick for a fun presentation. Serve warm and enjoy the wonderful combination of savory and sweet!
These Ham and Cranberry Sliders are truly a hit at parties or holiday gatherings, resonating with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy! 🥳
Can I Use Leftover Ham for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham from holidays or previous meals works perfectly in these sliders. Just slice it thinly so it fits well between the rolls and heats through nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all melt beautifully!
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave them for a quick fix!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold!
