Save to Pinterest 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 sliders, my family couldn&t believe how well the sweet and savory notes paired together. It instantly became a requested dish for our weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12 buns (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
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Assemble buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Fill sliders:
- Layer each bun with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with the top halves.
- 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.
- Brush butter:
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns.
- Add glaze:
- Generously spoon or brush the cherry glaze over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake sliders:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from oven. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Our kids love helping brush the glaze over each slider, making it a fun family tradition before big games or movie nights.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sliders with a simple green salad or crispy potato chips for a balanced meal. They also work well as appetizers for parties.
Flavor Variations
Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone, or add whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise to the buns for extra depth.
Nutrition Information
Each slider provides around 210 calories, 9 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve these cherry-glazed sliders warm for maximum flavor. They're sure to become a favorite at every gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Swiss cheese is traditional for its mild, nutty flavor, but Gruyère or provolone also pair beautifully with the ham and cherry glaze.
- → Can I use different buns for the sliders?
Yes, Hawaiian or brioche buns add sweetness and softness, complementing the glaze and cheese well.
- → How do I make the cherry glaze smooth?
Combine cherry preserves, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper in a saucepan and stir until heated and smooth.
- → What is the best way to serve these sliders?
Serve warm right after baking, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.