Ham and Cheese Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer or snack that's sure to impress your guests? Look no further than these Ham and Cheese Sliders! This recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or a simple weeknight meal. The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and buttery slider buns is irresistible. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust it to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins!
- Slider buns: About 12 mini slider buns, your favorite kind!
- Ham: 8-12 ounces of sliced ham, thinly sliced is best. Deli ham works perfectly.
- Cheese: 6-8 slices of your favorite cheese – cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or a blend all work well.
- Butter: 2-3 tablespoons of softened butter.
- Dijon Mustard (optional): A touch of Dijon adds a delightful tang.
- Garlic Powder (optional): A sprinkle for extra flavor.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
These ham and cheese sliders are incredibly easy to make. Here's how:
Step 1: Prepare the Buns
- Gently slice the slider buns in half horizontally.
- Spread softened butter on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. This adds richness and prevents them from drying out. For extra flavor, mix your softened butter with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of garlic powder before spreading.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Layer a slice of ham onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top the ham with a slice of cheese.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once baked, carefully remove the sliders from the oven.
- Top with the other halves of the buns.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips and Variations for Your Ham and Cheese Sliders:
- For extra flavor: Add a smear of mayonnaise or aioli to the bottom bun before adding the ham and cheese.
- Spice it up: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Get creative with cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack and cheddar, or provolone and swiss.
- Make it a meal: Serve these sliders with a side salad or your favorite chips.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
FAQs: Addressing Your Questions
Q: Can I use frozen slider buns? A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before assembling and baking.
Q: How can I prevent the cheese from burning? A: Keep a close watch on the sliders while they're baking and reduce the oven temperature if necessary.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer? A: Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This simple recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ham and melted cheese makes these sliders incredibly satisfying. Try them out and let us know what you think in the comments below! Remember to share your delicious creations on social media using #HamAndCheeseSliders. Happy cooking!
