As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to embrace the flavors that bring us together and fill our homes with warmth and joy. Introducing the Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders — a delightful fusion of savory, smoky, and sweet that will have your guests raving. This recipe is a creative twist on a classic holiday dish, offering a mouthwatering combination of tender ham, gooey cheese, and a tantalizing maple glaze with a subtle kick. Gather your loved ones and get ready to experience the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders for the Holidays
These sliders are the perfect addition to your holiday menu, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The juicy, tender ham is coated in a sweet and spicy maple glaze, creating a delectable contrast with the melty cheese and soft, pillowy buns. The ease of assembly makes these sliders a breeze to whip up, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Plus, the bite-sized portions make them the ultimate party-friendly dish, perfect for passing around and sharing the holiday cheer.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: honey ham, Hawaiian rolls, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and the sweet and spicy maple glaze is a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for more.
- 1 pound – Honey ham, sliced thin
- 12 count – Hawaiian rolls, split horizontally
- 2 cups – Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ham: Smoky, honey-baked ham (similar flavor profile)
- Cheese: Sharp provolone or Swiss cheese (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders for the Holidays
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting ready to assemble these delightful sliders.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the honey ham into thin, bite-sized pieces. Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating tops and bottoms for your sliders. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese, and prepare the sweet and spicy maple glaze by combining the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls on a baking sheet. Layer the ham slices on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of the grated cheddar cheese. Drizzle the maple glaze over the ham and cheese, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls on the baking sheet, covering the ham and cheese. Melt the butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they get a nice golden-brown color. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders warm, with any remaining maple glaze drizzled over the tops for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Spice Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the maple glaze for a more pronounced spicy flavor.
- Festive Presentation: Arrange the sliders on a platter and garnish them with fresh rosemary sprigs or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Feeding a Crowd: Double or triple the recipe to ensure there are plenty of these irresistible sliders to go around.
- Flavor Swap: Use a different type of cheese, such as Swiss or provolone, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. They make the perfect appetizer or main dish for your holiday celebrations.
Storage: Any leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them according to the instructions.
Nutrition Information
Each Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Slider contains approximately 200 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and the sweet and spicy maple glaze provides a satisfying and indulgent holiday treat.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the buns don’t get soggy?
To prevent the buns from getting soggy, be sure to not over-soak them in the maple glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the ham and cheese, and avoid letting it pool too much on the bottom buns.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake them according to the instructions.
How do I make the glaze less spicy?
If you prefer a milder glaze, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also add a touch more maple syrup to balance out the heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While the sharp cheddar works beautifully, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or even a pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftover sliders can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but be mindful that this may make the buns a bit soft.
Try These Next
- holiday glazed ham with sweet and spicy pineapple
- sweet and savory maple glazed chicken skewers
- sweet and spicy pineapple salsa tacos for game day
Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders for the Holidays
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sweet and Spicy Maple-Glazed Ham Sliders are the perfect festive treat for your holiday gatherings. With a delightful blend of sweet maple syrup and spicy mustard, these sliders are sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
– 12 slider buns
– 2 lbs sliced ham
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced ham and cook until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
5. 4. Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
6. 5. Layer the ham on the bottom halves of the buns and drizzle with the maple glaze.
7. 6. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
8. 7. Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders and brush with any remaining glaze.
9. 8. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden.
10. 9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the sliders.
– These sliders can be made in advance and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ham, sliders, holiday, sweet, spicy