Save 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.
I first made these cherry-glazed sliders for a weekend family lunch, and they were an instant favorite. The cherry glaze elevated a familiar comfort food into something surprisingly exciting.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12, Hawaiian or brioche works 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
- Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Buns:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Ham and Cheese:
- Layer each bun with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Make Cherry 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.
- Butter and Glaze:
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the tops of the buns. Generously spoon or brush the cherry glaze over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Finish:
- Remove from the oven. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save Making these together has become a family tradition before movie night. My kids love helping assemble the sliders and sneaking extra cheese onto their buns!
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Try serving these sliders with a fresh green salad or crispy potato chips for a satisfying complete meal. They also pair nicely with fruity beverages like rosé or a light lager.
Customizations and Variations
Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone for a unique twist. Add a thin layer of whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise to the buns for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Each slider contains approximately 210 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save Serve these cherry-glazed ham and cheese sliders warm for the best flavor. Perfect for sharing and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Kitchen Help
- → What type of buns work best for these sliders?
Hawaiian or brioche buns are recommended for their soft texture and slight sweetness, which complement the flavors well.
- → Can I substitute Swiss cheese with another cheese?
Gruyère or provolone make excellent alternatives, providing a mellow, creamy melt with slightly different flavor profiles.
- → How is the cherry glaze prepared?
The glaze combines cherry preserves, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper heated until smooth, creating a balanced sweet and tangy topping.
- → Is it necessary to butter the buns before baking?
Brushing melted butter over the buns before baking enhances browning and adds richness to the final texture.
- → What serving suggestions pair well with these sliders?
They are delicious alongside a simple green salad or potato chips, and pair nicely with fruity rosé or a light lager.