Honey-glazed Ham Sliders
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipe Ideas
I absolutely adore serving Honey-glazed Ham Sliders for any occasion! These sliders are a crowd favorite, featuring tender ham coated in a sweet honey glaze, all nestled within soft slider rolls. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, and I particularly love how quickly they come together. Whether it's game day or a casual family gathering, these sliders will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait to share this easy and delicious recipe with you!
One of my favorite things about these Honey-glazed Ham Sliders is how adaptable they are. I first experimented with this recipe during a holiday gathering, and they turned out to be the star of the show. The blend of honey, mustard, and butter creates a beautifully sticky glaze that caramelizes slightly in the oven, enhancing the ham's natural flavors.
I've found that using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, added just before baking, elevates the taste even more. The key is to let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking - this allows the flavors to meld perfectly before serving. Trust me, they won’t last long on the table!
Why You'll Love These Sliders
- Sweet and savory honey glaze that complements the ham perfectly
- Soft, fluffy rolls that add the ideal texture
- Quick to make, perfect for appetizers or meals
Perfecting the Honey Glaze
The honey glaze is the secret to making these ham sliders unforgettable. By using a combination of honey and Dijon mustard, you create a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that highlights the savory ham. I recommend whisking the glaze until it's smooth and glossy, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for an exciting twist.
Melting the butter before mixing it into the glaze enhances its richness, making each bite more luxurious. Pay attention to the butter temperature; it should be warm but not bubbling. This helps emulsify the glaze, ensuring it clings well to the ham, creating a flavorful coating rather than a runny sauce.
Choosing the Right Ham
For the best flavor, select high-quality sliced ham. Virginia or honey-baked ham works wonderfully as they offer a natural sweetness that complements the glaze brilliantly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smoked ham for an added depth of flavor. Make sure the ham is sliced thinly; thicker slices may not heat evenly, resulting in a less enjoyable texture in the sliders.
If you prefer a lower-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium ham varieties. These can help balance the flavors without overpowering the sweet glaze. You might even consider leftovers from a holiday ham—just slice it down to fit the sliders and adjust the glaze quantity to taste.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These honey-glazed ham sliders can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is particularly convenient for parties or game days. Just cover the assembly tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready, you can bake them straight from the fridge, though you may need to add an additional 5 minutes to the baking time.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover them with foil to keep the rolls from drying out and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This prevents sogginess while ensuring they remain deliciously soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Honey-glazed Ham Sliders
- 12 slider rolls
- 2 cups sliced ham
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Sliders
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Layer the sliced ham evenly, then drizzle half of the honey glaze over the ham.
Top the Sliders
Place the top halves of the rolls over the ham and brush with the remaining honey glaze. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
Bake
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Serve
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding cheese like Swiss or cheddar into the sliders before baking, or using a mixture of different mustards in the glaze!
Serving Suggestions
These honey-glazed ham sliders make a fantastic appetizer or main dish, but they can be paired with various sides to elevate your meal. Consider serving them alongside a fresh coleslaw or potato salad to offset the sweetness of the glaze. A light, tangy pickle can also add a nice crunch that complements the soft rolls and savory ham.
If you're hosting a gathering, set up a slider bar with different toppings such as sliced jalapeños, cheese, or even a spicy aioli. This allows guests to customize their sliders, making it a fun and interactive dining experience that adds variety to each bite.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your ham slider fillings. You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option or use a vegetarian protein like roasted vegetables or a plant-based ham alternative. Just ensure that the flavors in the glaze align with your chosen protein, adjusting mustard or adding spices if necessary to enhance the overall taste.
For a gourmet twist, consider adding a slice of cheese—Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack are excellent choices. Not only does cheese add creaminess, but it also melts beautifully, melding with the glaze and ham for a delightful mouthfeel.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and cover them with foil before baking. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
→ What other meats can I use?
You can substitute the ham with turkey or roast beef for a different flavor profile.
→ Are these sliders suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and thaw before baking.
→ How can I make the glaze spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick.
Honey-glazed Ham Sliders
I absolutely adore serving Honey-glazed Ham Sliders for any occasion! These sliders are a crowd favorite, featuring tender ham coated in a sweet honey glaze, all nestled within soft slider rolls. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, and I particularly love how quickly they come together. Whether it's game day or a casual family gathering, these sliders will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait to share this easy and delicious recipe with you!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Recipe Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 sliders
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Honey-glazed Ham Sliders
- 12 slider rolls
- 2 cups sliced ham
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Layer the sliced ham evenly, then drizzle half of the honey glaze over the ham.
Place the top halves of the rolls over the ham and brush with the remaining honey glaze. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding cheese like Swiss or cheddar into the sliders before baking, or using a mixture of different mustards in the glaze!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 10g