These ham and cranberry sliders are super tasty little sandwiches! They feature warm ham paired with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled in soft rolls. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or a quick lunch. I love how easy they are to whip up—just layer, bake, and enjoy! Plus, they have a fun mix of flavors that everyone seems to love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Rolls: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their slight sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory ham and tangy cranberry. If you can’t find them, soft dinner rolls work too! Just avoid crusty rolls, as they won’t hold up well.
Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal for these sliders. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey or chicken breast. They still offer great flavor, and they go well with cranberry sauce!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese gives a nice melty texture. If you prefer something stronger, try Gruyère or even a sharp cheddar. Both melt well and will add a different flavor twist!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce based on your taste preference. If making from scratch, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice for a homemade touch.
How Do You Make Sure the Sliders Are Perfectly Warm and Melty?
Getting the sliders just right involves careful baking. Covering them with foil at first keeps them warm and melts the cheese, while the last few minutes without foil give them that lovely golden top.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting, so everything cooks evenly.
- Cover the sliders loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes. This traps heat and moisture, making for soft buns and melted cheese.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes. This helps the tops brown nicely and adds a bit of crunch.
Don’t let them cool for too long before serving; warm sliders are just so much better!
Ham And Cranberry Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet slider rolls (or soft dinner rolls)
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (cut in half to fit sliders)
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, so in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to prepare something special with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Rolls:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as one piece if possible. This will make it easier to assemble your sliders.
2. Assembling the Sliders:
Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet or in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start layering your ingredients: first, spread the sliced deli ham evenly over the rolls. On top of the ham, layer the half slices of Swiss cheese. Don’t skip this, as it helps keep the delicious cranberry from making the bottom too soggy!
3. Adding the Sweet Touch:
Now it’s time for the cranberry sauce! Spread it generously over the cheese layer. The sweet tart flavor of the cranberry is what really makes these sliders shine!
4. Topping it Off:
Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cranberry sauce, forming a complete sandwich. It’s looking great already!
5. Creating the Flavorful Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if you’re using them), parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the sliders a lovely flavor and a nice golden color when baked.
6. Brushing and Baking:
Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns. Then, cover the entire tray loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
7. Getting that Perfect Crust:
Remove the foil and let the sliders bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step will ensure the tops are slightly golden and toasted, adding a beautiful finish to your sliders.
8. Serving:
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing apart. Serve warm and enjoy these tasty ham and cranberry sliders at your next gathering or cozy meal!
These sliders are sure to be a hit! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Ham in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham from holidays or meals is perfect for these sliders. Just slice it thinly to layer it evenly on the rolls, and it will add great flavor!
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Just pop them in the oven to bake when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Definitely! While Swiss cheese works wonderfully, you can substitute it with provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella—whatever you prefer! Just ensure it melts well for that gooey texture.