The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders? These mini sandwiches are packed with savory, sweet, and festive flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Get ready to impress with this chef-tested recipe that’s easy to make and sure to be the talk of your holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders
Imagine a soft, pillowy roll, piled high with tender, juicy ham and a tantalizing spiced cranberry glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tart. These sliders are the ultimate comfort food with a modern twist, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. The bold, zesty flavors and melty, indulgent texture will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, with simple, chef-tested steps, you can create this showstopping dish with ease, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
Ingredients
To make these Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, thinly sliced ham, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a touch of Dijon mustard for an extra pop of flavor. The combination of these lush, craveable components creates a truly epic holiday sandwich.
- 12 – soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb – thinly sliced ham
- 8 oz – cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup – brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hawaiian rolls: Any soft, pillowy dinner roll (works just as well)
- Ham: Roasted turkey or crispy bacon (for a smoky, salty twist)
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, creating a top and bottom for each slider. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cinnamon and cloves until well combined.
Step 1: Prep Work
Spread the creamy cranberry mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with the thinly sliced ham, making sure to cover the entire surface. Place the top halves of the rolls over the ham, creating a complete sandwich.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown and crispy. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops to get extra crispy and achieve that signature caramelized look.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the sliders are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can brush the tops with a bit of melted butter or sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday magic.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Serve with: Roasted Brussels sprouts or a hearty winter salad for a complete holiday feast.
- Customize flavors: Swap in different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar or Gruyère, or add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders in advance and simply bake them off when ready to serve.
- Homemade cranberry sauce: Use your favorite recipe or experiment with different flavor profiles.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted Brussels sprouts or a hearty winter salad.
Storage: Store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders are a hearty, satisfying treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Each slider contains approximately 200 calories, with a balanced macronutrient profile of carbohydrates, protein, and a modest amount of fat. They’re a great source of calcium, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals, making them a well-rounded addition to your holiday menu.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes them a great option for busy holiday entertaining.
What type of ham is best to use?
For the juiciest, most flavorful results, we recommend using thinly sliced, high-quality deli ham. You can choose from smoked, honey-baked, or even Black Forest varieties.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Homemade cranberry sauce would be a delicious and festive addition to these sliders. Feel free to use your favorite recipe or experiment with different flavor profiles.
How do I know when the sliders are done?
The sliders are ready when the rolls are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, with a few simple swaps, you can make these sliders gluten-free and dairy-free. Use gluten-free dinner rolls and dairy-free cream cheese or nut-based cheese alternatives.
Try These Next
- sweet and spicy maple glazed ham sliders for the holidays
- holiday balsamic glazed ham sliders
- cranberry glazed ham with pineapple
Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spiced Cranberry Glazed Ham Sliders are the perfect festive treat! Juicy ham, sweet cranberry glaze, and melted cheese on soft slider buns come together for a delicious bite-sized meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
– 12 slider buns
– 2 cups sliced ham
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
4. 3. Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
5. 4. Layer the sliced ham evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
6. 5. Drizzle half of the cranberry glaze over the ham, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. 6. Place the top halves of the buns on the cheese and brush the melted butter over the tops.
8. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
9. 8. Drizzle the remaining cranberry glaze over the sliders before serving.
10. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
– These sliders can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
– Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ham sliders, cranberry glaze, holiday recipe, festive food