The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in comforting, flavor-packed dishes. These Holiday Balsamic Glazed Ham Sliders are the perfect appetizer or main course that will have everyone coming back for more. Featuring juicy, smoky ham slices glazed in a rich, zesty balsamic sauce and nestled between soft, pillowy rolls, this recipe is a festive and craveable crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Balsamic Glazed Ham Sliders
Gather your family and friends around the table with this epic holiday dish! These sliders are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a winning combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. The balsamic glaze lends a lush, velvety texture and a bright, zesty punch that perfectly complements the hearty, smoky ham. Serve them as an appetizer or a satisfying main course for a cozy, comforting, and indulgent holiday feast.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these flavorful Ham Sliders are boneless, smoked ham, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a few pantry staples. You’ll also need soft, pillowy dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls to serve as the slider buns.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, smoked ham, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup – Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 12 – Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked Ham: Honey-baked ham or roasted turkey/chicken (similar bold, savory flavors)
- Dinner Rolls: Your favorite slider or homemade dinner roll recipe (for a personal touch)
How to Make Holiday Balsamic Glazed Ham Sliders
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the flavorful balsamic glaze. Then, assemble the sliders with the juicy, glazed ham and finish them off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a festive touch.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the ham into thin, even slices, and set them aside. In a small saucepan, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the flavorful glaze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the ham slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the ham generously with the balsamic glaze, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Bake the glazed ham for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the glaze has caramelized, creating a golden, glistening finish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the ham is baking, slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally to create the slider buns. Once the ham is out of the oven, transfer the slices to the bun bottoms, stacking them as desired. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the ham, then top with the bun tops.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle the sliders with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. Serve them warm, and get ready for your guests to dive in and savor every melty, juicy, and crispy bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Try Different Hams: Use honey-baked ham or roasted turkey/chicken for a tasty twist.
- Add a Cheesy Layer: For a heartier slider, add a slice of creamy, melty cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Customize the Glaze: Try adding a splash of apple cider for a hint of sweetness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a festive holiday spread.
Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the sliders in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders and prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance. Reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Each slider provides a hearty, satisfying portion of protein from the ham, balanced by the sweetness of the balsamic glaze and the soft, comforting bread. This recipe is a crowd-pleasing, comfort-food favorite that can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a balanced holiday feast.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 17 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance. Simply reheat the sliders in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of ham, such as honey-baked or smoked. You can also try using roasted turkey or chicken for a delicious twist.
How spicy are these sliders?
The balsamic glaze has a mild, tangy flavor without any heat. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze if you’d like a little extra kick.
Can I serve these as a main course?
Definitely! These sliders are hearty and satisfying enough to serve as a main dish, especially when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
How long do the leftovers keep?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Festive Balsamic Glazed Ham Sliders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious holiday balsamic glazed ham sliders are perfect for your festive gatherings. Sweet and tangy, they are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
1 lb thinly sliced ham
1 cup balsamic glaze
12 slider buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a small bowl, mix the balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and black pepper.
4. Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.
5. Layer the sliced ham evenly over the buns.
6. Drizzle half of the balsamic mixture over the ham.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the ham.
8. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
9. Drizzle the remaining balsamic mixture over the top of the buns.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
13.
Notes
These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as caramelized onions or sliced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ham, sliders, holiday, balsamic glaze