Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders
Growing up, Christmas Eve was a blend of excitement and warmth in our house. My mom would be busy in the kitchen, wrapping up last-minute baking, while my dad wrestled with strings of Christmas lights, trying to make them perfect. But my favorite part of the evening was the little buffet of snacks that my mom would set up for us to munch on while we waited for midnight.
It wasn’t a holiday feast, but it was our way of holding onto the night a little longer, savoring the magic of Christmas Eve. One dish that always made an appearance was a tray of warm ham and cheese sliders, a family recipe handed down from my grandmother. They were gooey, savory, and topped with a buttery glaze that hinted at mustard and garlic—simple but so satisfying.
Now, every Christmas Eve, I make these sliders to carry on the tradition. It’s amazing how a few ingredients can hold so many memories, and every bite reminds me of those cozy nights and the feeling of family all around. So, here’s my recipe for Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders, perfect for sharing with loved ones as you gather around the tree.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (one package, sliced in half horizontally)
- 12 slices of ham (Honey baked or Black Forest work great)
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon minced onions (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Layer each bottom roll with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese, then cover with the top half of the roll.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, minced onions (if using), garlic powder, and parsley until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Sliders: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sliders, making sure each one is covered. The sauce will soak into the rolls, giving them amazing flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Use a knife to separate the sliders, then serve warm.
Tips:
- Make it Festive: For a Christmas touch, consider adding a touch of cranberry sauce on the ham before adding the cheese for a holiday flavor twist.
- Add Variety: You can use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss or a honey mustard sauce for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy these warm, cheesy sliders with friends and family this Christmas!
