Pin It 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 tried this cherry-glazed slider recipe for a weekend game night and my family raved about the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's become our go-to for potlucks and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12 (Hawaiian or brioche work 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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Assembly:
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Place bottom halves in the dish. Layer each with ham and Swiss cheese. Cover with tops.
- Make Cherry Glaze:
- Combine cherry preserves, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Butter & Glaze:
- Brush melted butter over tops of buns. Generously spoon or brush cherry glaze over tops.
- Bake:
- Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until tops are golden and cheese melted.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from oven. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Pin It This mashup has quickly become a favorite for our family's Saturday night comfort food ritual, and the kids love helping with the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or potato chips for a complete meal. These sliders also pair well with a fruity rosé or a light lager.
Flavor Variations
Try substituting Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone, or adding a thin layer of whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise for extra depth.
Nutritional Information
Each slider contains about 210 calories, 9 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Pin It Ready in just 40 minutes, these sliders will become your favorite new party snack. Enjoy!
Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of cheese works best for these sliders?
Swiss cheese is preferred for its mild, nutty flavor, but Gruyère or provolone can also be used for a twist.
- → Can I use a different bread for the sliders?
Hawaiian or brioche slider buns are great choices as they balance sweetness and texture well.
- → How is the cherry glaze prepared?
The glaze combines cherry preserves, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper, heated until smooth.
- → Is it possible to make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → What sides pair well with these sliders?
A simple green salad, potato chips, or a fruity rosé complement the sliders beautifully.