Ham & Swiss Sliders

Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer or easy meal: these irresistible Ham & Swiss Sliders! Imagine soft, slightly sweet mini brioche or Hawaiian-style buns piled high with savory turkey ham and gooey melted Swiss cheese. But the real magic happens with the luscious, buttery topping infused with sharp Dijon, a hint of honey, fragrant poppy seeds, and savory dried onion. Baked until golden and bubbly, these sliders emerge from the oven as individual pockets of warm, cheesy, meaty perfection. They’re incredibly quick to assemble, bake beautifully, and disappear even faster! Perfect for game day, potlucks, parties, or a simple, comforting family dinner, these sliders are a guaranteed hit that will have everyone reaching for more.

Ingredients:

For the Sliders:

• 12 mini brioche or Hawaiian-style slider buns (usually found in a pack of 12)
• 300g (approximately 10-11 oz) turkey ham slices (or regular deli ham)
• 200g (approximately 7-8 oz) Swiss cheese slices

For the Irresistible Topping:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or dried onion flakes)
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar size that fits the buns snugly) with a little butter or cooking spray.
2. Assemble the Slider Layers:
   • Carefully slice the entire block of slider buns horizontally through the middle, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.
   • Place the bottom half of the buns (still connected) into the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer the turkey ham slices evenly over the bottom buns. You may need to fold or tear the ham slices slightly to fit.
   • Evenly layer the Swiss cheese slices over the ham. Again, arrange them to cover the ham completely.
   • Gently place the top half of the buns (still connected) over the cheese layer, forming a complete “sandwich” block.
3. Prepare the Flavorful Topping:
   • In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
   • To the melted butter, add the Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
4. Apply Topping & Bake:
   • Generously brush the prepared butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns. Ensure all the tops are coated, allowing some of the mixture to seep down the sides.
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This steaming helps the cheese melt and the flavors meld.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
5. Slice & Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven.
   • Let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
   • Using a serrated knife, slice along the original cuts of the buns to separate them into individual sliders.
   • Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Ham Choice: While turkey ham is specified, feel free to use regular deli ham, smoked ham, or even thinly sliced roast beef for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Options: Provolone, Muenster, or cheddar cheese would also work wonderfully in these sliders.
• Adding Heat: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter topping can add a nice subtle kick.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders (up to step 4, before brushing with butter topping) up to a few hours ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate, then add the butter topping just before baking.
• Garlic Butter: Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the butter topping for an extra savory punch.
• Storage: Leftover sliders are best enjoyed warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven (covered with foil) or air fryer to prevent drying out.

Pairings:

• Sides: These sliders pair perfectly with classic party fare like potato chips, potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
• Dips: Offer extra Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy ranch dip for dipping.
• Beverages: Ideal with cold beer, iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling soda.
• Occasions: Perfect for game day, potlucks, picnics, holiday gatherings, or an easy weeknight meal.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Cuisine: American / Appetizer / Comfort Food
• Effort Level: Easy