Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Introduction

Ham and Cranberry Sliders are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, with layers of tender ham, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between soft, buttery rolls. These mini sandwiches are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion—from holiday feasts to casual get-togethers, or even a quick weeknight meal. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to be a hit with family and friends.

I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner, and they disappeared almost immediately. The combination of the smoky ham, the sweetness of the cranberry, and the richness of the melted cheese creates a mouthwatering bite that’s hard to resist. Plus, the slider rolls have just the right amount of softness and buttery goodness to tie it all together.

The best part? These sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served warm, straight from the oven, or prepped ahead of time for a stress-free meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a game day party, or simply craving a flavorful snack, Ham and Cranberry Sliders will always be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

• Holiday parties
• Potlucks
• Game-day snacks
• Leftover ham recipes
• Easy entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Here’s why Ham and Cranberry Sliders will become a go-to favorite:

• Sweet and Savory Perfection: The combination of salty ham, sweet cranberry sauce, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
• Perfect for Groups: These sliders are great for feeding a crowd and can easily be doubled or tripled.
• Customizable: You can switch up the cheese, sauce, or rolls to suit your taste preferences.
• A Delicious Use of Leftovers: This is the perfect recipe for repurposing leftover ham or cranberry sauce from the holidays.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Ham and Cranberry Sliders:

• 12 slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls
• ½ pound deli or leftover ham, thinly sliced
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese), cut in half
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Ham: Use leftover holiday ham or thinly sliced deli ham for convenience and great flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce adds a festive touch and balances the savory ham.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss is the classic choice, but you can use cheddar, provolone, or any melty cheese you prefer.
• Slider Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls like Hawaiian rolls are ideal for these sliders, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Butter Topping: The buttery topping with Dijon mustard and poppy seeds elevates the flavor and adds a golden finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Ham and Cranberry Sliders:

Prepare the Sliders:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spread the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and mayonnaise until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Layer the ham slices evenly over the cranberry sauce, followed by the cheese slices. Place the top halves of the rolls over the fillings.

Make the Butter Topping:

5. Mix the Topping Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Brush the Topping: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Bake the Sliders:

7. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

How to Serve Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Ham and Cranberry Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Party Appetizer: Arrange the sliders on a platter for easy grabbing at your next gathering.
• For Lunch or Dinner: Pair with a side salad, soup, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• At a Potluck: These sliders are portable and stay warm, making them perfect for sharing at a potluck or picnic.
• For a Snack: Enjoy these as a satisfying snack or quick bite during busy days.

Additional Tips for Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Here are some tips to ensure your Ham and Cranberry Sliders turn out perfectly:

• Use Soft Rolls: Hawaiian rolls or similar soft, slightly sweet rolls work best for these sliders.
• Customize the Cheese: Swiss is classic, but feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Brush with the butter mixture just before baking.
• Reheat Easily: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Experiment with Fillings: Add thinly sliced apples, arugula, or even a touch of honey mustard for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations for Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Here are 10 variations you can try for Ham and Cranberry Sliders:

1. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders: Swap ham for turkey for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
2. Ham and Brie Sliders: Replace Swiss cheese with creamy Brie for a gourmet touch.
3. Cheddar and Apple Sliders: Add thinly sliced apples and cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combo.
4. Ham and Pineapple Sliders: Add a slice of pineapple for a tropical flair.
5. Spicy Ham and Cranberry Sliders: Mix a little sriracha or chili flakes into the cranberry sauce for a kick.
6. Vegetarian Cranberry Sliders: Use roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce for a vegetarian option.
7. Ham and Pesto Sliders: Replace cranberry sauce with basil pesto for an herby twist.
8. Gluten-Free Sliders: Use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
9. Honey Dijon Sliders: Add a drizzle of honey and extra Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
10. Breakfast Sliders: Add a fried egg to each slider for a delicious breakfast version.

Freezing and Storage for Ham and Cranberry Sliders

• Freezing: These sliders can be assembled and frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving for best results.

Special Equipment for Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Here’s what you’ll need to make Ham and Cranberry Sliders effortlessly:

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for holding all 12 sliders.
• Pastry Brush: For evenly brushing the butter topping on the rolls.
• Serrated Knife: For slicing the rolls without squishing them.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cranberry sauce and butter topping.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the sliders during baking and prevent over-browning.
• Dough scraper – Useful for lifting and transferring the sliders into or out of the baking dish without tearing them apart.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the sliders during baking to prevent them from drying out, and remove it at the end to crisp up the top.
• Tongs or small spatula – For easily handling and assembling the sliders, especially if they are small and delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ham and Cranberry Sliders

1. Can I use leftover cranberry sauce?
   Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.
2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
3. What other sauces can I use?
   Try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even apricot preserves for a different flavor.
4. Can I freeze the baked sliders?
   Yes, baked sliders can be frozen, but they’re best reheated in the oven for a fresh taste.
5. What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?
   Keep the sliders warm in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) or transfer them to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

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Conclusion

Ham and Cranberry Sliders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering a delightful bite-sized treat for any event. These sliders are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. The ham is perfectly complemented by the tartness of the cranberry sauce, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just need a quick meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone.

The versatility of this recipe means you can get creative with different ingredients and toppings, making it a go-to dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see how your Ham and Cranberry Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!