Pin 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 made these sliders for a weekend game night and everyone raved about the unexpected burst of flavor from the cherry glaze. It quickly became a requested favorite at family get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Slider buns: 12 Hawaiian or brioche buns
- 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
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the oven & pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice & assemble buns:
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally and place bottom halves in the baking dish.
- Layer ham & cheese:
- On each bun layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese then cover with top bun halves.
- Make cherry glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine cherry preserves Dijon mustard balsamic vinegar brown sugar and black pepper. Stir until smooth and heated through (about 3 minutes).
- Brush butter & glaze:
- Brush melted butter over buns. Spoon or brush cherry glaze on tops.
- Bake:
- Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish & serve:
- Cool sliders for 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Pin My kids always love helping drizzle the cherry glaze and it makes a fun kitchen moment before sharing sliders together at the table.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal serve with a simple green salad or potato chips alongside your favorite drink.
Ingredient Swaps
Try Gruyère or provolone instead of Swiss or add a layer of whole-grain mustard or mayonnaise for even more flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Each slider contains approximately 210 calories 9 g total fat 22 g carbohydrates and 10 g protein.
Pin Serve warm and enjoy how these cherry-glazed sliders always disappear fast from any party platter.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of buns work best for these sliders?
Hawaiian or brioche buns are ideal due to their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor that complements the ham and cherry glaze.
- → Can I use different cheese instead of Swiss?
Yes, Gruyère or provolone are great alternatives that melt well and add unique flavor notes.
- → How is the cherry glaze prepared?
The glaze is made by gently heating cherry preserves with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper until smooth and aromatic.
- → Is there a recommended way to serve these sliders?
Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley. They pair well with simple sides like a green salad or potato chips.
- → What cooking equipment do I need?
A 9x13-inch baking dish, small saucepan for the glaze, pastry brush, and basic cutting tools will suffice.