Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sliders: The Perfect Party Appetizer!

These Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze takes these sliders to the next level, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to option when you need a delicious and satisfying dish in a pinch.

## Why You’ll Love These Sliders:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and sweet-tangy honey mustard creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves sliders! They’re a guaranteed hit at any party or gathering.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize these sliders to suit your preferences by using different types of cheese, ham, or even adding other toppings.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them ideal for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Slider Buns:** 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or any other soft slider buns will work)
* **Ham:** 1 pound thinly sliced ham (deli ham or leftover holiday ham)
* **Cheese:** 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese, like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* **Honey Mustard:** 1/4 cup honey mustard (store-bought or homemade)
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* **Poppy Seeds:** 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
* **Dried Onion Flakes:** 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes (optional, for topping)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang in the glaze)
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor in the glaze)

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the sliders on.
* **Serrated Knife:** To slice the slider buns.
* **Small Bowl:** To mix the honey mustard glaze.
* **Pastry Brush or Spoon:** To apply the glaze to the sliders.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Slider Buns:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Try to keep the buns connected as much as possible; you can use a gentle sawing motion.

**2. Assemble the Sliders:**

* Place the bottom half of the slider buns on a baking sheet.
* Layer the ham evenly over the bottom buns, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
* Top the ham with the sliced cheese, making sure it also covers the entire surface.
* Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese.

**3. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), dried onion flakes (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you want more tang, add more Dijon mustard.

**4. Glaze the Sliders:**

* Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the honey mustard glaze over the top of the slider buns. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

**5. Bake the Sliders:**

* Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the buns from browning too quickly.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly golden brown.
* Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking if you want the buns to be more golden brown.

**6. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Carefully remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them into individual sliders.
* Serve warm and enjoy! These sliders are best served immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Tips for Perfect Sliders:

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the buns and make the cheese tough. Keep a close eye on the sliders and remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ham and cheese will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the sliders.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, mustard, or other ingredients in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
* **Use a Serrated Knife:** A serrated knife will help you slice the slider buns cleanly without tearing them.
* **Let the Sliders Cool Slightly:** Letting the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing them will prevent the cheese from oozing out.
* **Pre-slice the Ham and Cheese:** Save time by purchasing pre-sliced ham and cheese at the deli counter.
* **Keep the Buns Attached:** Keeping the slider buns attached as a slab makes it easier to assemble and bake the sliders. You can easily separate them after baking.

## Variations and Additions:

* **Cheese Variations:** Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
* **Ham Variations:** Use different types of ham, such as smoked ham, honey ham, or black forest ham.
* **Add Veggies:** Add thinly sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, or onions to the sliders for added flavor and texture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard glaze for a little kick.
* **Add Bacon:** Crispy bacon is always a welcome addition to ham and cheese sliders.
* **Use Different Buns:** Experiment with different types of slider buns, such as pretzel buns or brioche buns.
* **Turkey Sliders:** Substitute the ham with sliced turkey breast for a lighter option.
* **Roast Beef Sliders:** Substitute the ham with thinly sliced roast beef and add a horseradish sauce to the glaze.
* **Pulled Pork Sliders:** Use shredded pulled pork instead of ham for a BBQ-inspired twist.

## Serving Suggestions:

These Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Party Appetizer:** Serve them as part of a buffet at your next party or gathering.
* **Game Day Snack:** They’re the perfect snack to enjoy while watching your favorite sports team.
* **Quick and Easy Dinner:** Serve them with a side salad or soup for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner.
* **Lunchbox Treat:** Pack them in your lunchbox for a delicious and convenient midday meal.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring them to a potluck and watch them disappear!

## Make-Ahead Instructions:

These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the sliders according to the recipe instructions.
2. Wrap the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Store the assembled sliders in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the sliders are cold from the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal, assembled, unbaked sliders can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Note that the texture of the buns may change slightly after freezing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per slider):

* Calories: 250-350 (depending on ingredients and cheese type)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

*Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.* Ensure you check the specific nutritional information on the ingredients you use.

## Recipe Card

**Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sliders**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes
**Servings:** 12 sliders

**Ingredients:**

* 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or any soft slider buns)
* 1 pound thinly sliced ham
* 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup honey mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
* 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider buns horizontally.
2. Place bottom buns on a baking sheet. Layer with ham and cheese.
3. Top with the other half of the buns.
4. Whisk together melted butter, honey mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder (if using).
5. Brush glaze over the top of the buns.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes if desired.
7. Let cool slightly, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.

## Conclusion

These Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want a delicious snack, these sliders are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly irresistible treat! Don’t forget to experiment with different cheese, ham, and topping variations to create your own unique slider masterpiece.