Seven Layer Sliders: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Seven layer sliders are the ultimate party food – easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast! These mini sandwiches pack a flavorful punch with a variety of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or a casual get-together, seven layer sliders are a surefire hit. This recipe provides detailed instructions and suggestions to help you create the perfect batch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible appetizer!
## Why Seven Layer Sliders are a Must-Try
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe involves minimal prep and assembly is a breeze.
* **Customizable:** Swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The combination of flavors and textures is universally appealing.
* **Portable:** Perfect for taking to parties, picnics, or tailgates.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
## Key Ingredients for Seven Layer Sliders
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make these sliders so delicious. Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to adapt it to your liking!
* **Slider Buns:** Soft, slightly sweet slider buns are the foundation of this recipe. King’s Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice, but any similar slider bun will work. Look for buns that are sturdy enough to hold all the layers without falling apart.
* **Meat:** Ham, turkey, roast beef, or a combination of your favorites are all excellent choices. Pre-sliced deli meat makes preparation quick and easy. For a vegetarian option, consider using thinly sliced marinated portobello mushrooms or vegetarian deli slices.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are all great cheese options. A blend of cheeses can add extra flavor complexity. Shredded cheese is generally preferred, as it melts evenly and distributes the flavor throughout the sliders.
* **Sauce:** A flavorful sauce is essential for binding the layers together and adding moisture. Dijon mustard, honey mustard, horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, or a combination of these are all popular choices. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to your sauce.
* **Vegetables:** Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles add freshness and crunch to the sliders. Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite, while chopped dill pickles provide a tangy contrast to the other flavors. Baby spinach is a great alternative to lettuce for added nutrients.
* **Butter Topping:** A melted butter topping adds richness and flavor to the buns, while also helping them to crisp up in the oven. Garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds are all popular additions to the butter topping.
* **The Secret Seventh Layer (Optional):** While the recipe is called *Seven* Layer Sliders, many variations exist. Adding a layer of bacon, caramelized onions, or a special sauce can elevate the sliders to the next level.
## Seven Layer Sliders Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the good part – making the sliders! Here’s a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions:
**Yields:** 12-24 sliders (depending on bun size)
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 12-24 slider buns (King’s Hawaiian rolls or similar)
* 1/2 pound sliced ham
* 1/2 pound sliced turkey
* 1/2 pound sliced cheddar cheese, shredded
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* Optional: Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, bacon, caramelized onions, or other desired toppings
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheet
* Serrated knife
* Small bowl
* Pastry brush (optional)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Buns:**
* Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire sheet of slider buns horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. Keep the buns connected as a sheet for easier assembly. Alternatively, you can separate each bun individually if you prefer.
**2. Spread the Sauce:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise until smooth.
* Spread the mustard-mayonnaise mixture evenly over the bottom half of the slider buns. This layer acts as a moisture barrier and adds a tangy flavor.
**3. Layer the Meat:**
* Layer the sliced ham evenly over the sauce-covered buns. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the buns.
* Next, layer the sliced turkey on top of the ham. Again, ensure even coverage.
**4. Add the Cheese:**
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey. The cheese will melt and bind the meat layers together.
**5. Pile on the Veggies:**
* Sprinkle the shredded lettuce over the cheese. This adds a refreshing crunch to the sliders.
* Distribute the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the lettuce. The red onion provides a sharp bite.
* Top with the chopped dill pickle chips. The pickles add a tangy and briny flavor.
**6. Prepare the Butter Topping:**
* In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
* Optional: Add poppy seeds or sesame seeds to the butter mixture for added flavor and texture.
**7. Assemble and Bake:**
* Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the vegetable layer.
* Brush the tops of the buns with the melted butter mixture. Be generous with the butter, as this will help the buns crisp up and become golden brown.
* Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will prevent the buns from burning while the cheese melts.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops to brown nicely.
**8. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them into individual sliders. If you kept the buns as a connected sheet, use a serrated knife to carefully cut them apart.
* Serve the seven layer sliders warm and enjoy! They are best served immediately, but can also be reheated later.
## Tips and Variations for Seven Layer Sliders
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your seven layer sliders and make them even more delicious:
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. A blend of cheeses can add extra flavor complexity.
* **Try Different Meats:** Use roast beef, pastrami, or even pulled pork instead of ham and turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using marinated portobello mushrooms or vegetarian deli slices.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha to the mustard-mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for added heat.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon is a delicious addition to the sliders. Add it as a separate layer or mix it in with the cheese.
* **Caramelized Onions:** Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the sliders. Sauté sliced onions in butter over low heat until they are golden brown and caramelized.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces like honey mustard, horseradish sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli.
* **Add Avocado:** Sliced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the sliders. Add it as a separate layer or mash it and spread it on the bottom bun.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free. Also, check your slider buns to make sure they don’t contain dairy.
* **Add a Sweet Touch:** Try adding a thin layer of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor. This works particularly well with turkey and Swiss cheese.
* **Italian Sliders:** Use provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, and a drizzle of Italian dressing for an Italian-inspired version.
* **Hawaiian Sliders:** Use Swiss cheese, ham, and pineapple for a tropical twist.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the butter topping just before baking.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley on top of the sliders before baking for added flavor and aroma.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the sliders and adjust the baking time accordingly.
## Serving Suggestions
Seven layer sliders are a versatile appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Game Day:** Serve the sliders as part of a game day spread with other appetizers like wings, nachos, and dips.
* **Potlucks:** Take the sliders to a potluck and watch them disappear. They are easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Parties:** Serve the sliders at a birthday party, holiday party, or any other type of gathering.
* **Casual Get-Togethers:** Make the sliders for a casual get-together with friends and family.
* **Picnics:** Pack the sliders for a picnic. They are easy to eat and don’t require any utensils.
* **Tailgates:** Bring the sliders to a tailgate party. They are perfect for sharing and easy to eat while standing.
* **Pair with Sides:** Serve the sliders with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or chips.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard for guests to customize their sliders.
## Storing Leftover Seven Layer Sliders
If you have any leftover seven layer sliders, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the sliders, wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become soggy.
## Conclusion
Seven layer sliders are a fun, easy, and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With their customizable layers and crowd-pleasing flavors, they are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate slider experience!