Heavenly Holiday Ham

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Absolutely! Here’s a full-blown recipe experience — from the rich backstory to the final bite, and all the love in between. It’s crafted to not just feed your guests, but also inspire them to ask, “Can I PLEASE have that recipe?”

Heavenly Holiday Ham & Cheese Sliders

“The recipe that brought a congregation to its knees.”

✨ Introduction

It started with a church potluck — two humble trays of gooey, golden sliders nestled between casseroles and pies. By the time the choir began their third verse of Silent Night, there wasn’t a single slider left. Not. One. Left.

What was the magic? Sweet Hawaiian rolls, smoky ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a buttery glaze laced with mustard and onions — baked until hot, gooey, and golden. These Holiday Ham & Cheese Sliders are more than a dish. They’re a crowd-bonding, memory-making, plate-cleaning legend.

🧀 Ingredients (Makes 24 sliders)

For the Sliders:

  • 2 packs (12 rolls each) King’s Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 lb deli-style honey ham (thinly sliced)
  • ¾ lb Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional but delicious)

For the Buttery Glaze:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ tsp poppy seeds
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ cup finely minced onion (yellow or sweet)

🕰️ Time Required

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 20 minutes
  • Total: 35 minutes

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13″ baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Slice the Rolls

Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire pack horizontally. Lift off the tops as one big sheet and set aside.

3. Layer Like a Pro

Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves if desired. Layer ham generously, followed by Swiss cheese. Replace the top halves.

4. Make the Magical Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, brown sugar, and minced onion. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

5. Brush & Soak

Pour the glaze evenly over the sliders. Make sure to get into all the nooks. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes so the buttery goodness soaks in.

6. Bake

Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.

7. Serve Warm

Slice between the rolls and serve immediately. Watch them vanish.

📜 History & Formation

This slider recipe is a descendant of the classic party sandwich trend from the mid-20th century, when home cooks began turning deli meats and Hawaiian rolls into hot appetizers. But this version? It’s been blessed — upgraded with a buttery, tangy glaze and baked to irresistible perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just live in your kitchen — it lives in your community.

❤️ With Love, From the Oven

These sliders have made appearances at:

  • Holiday gatherings
  • Post-church fellowships
  • Baby showers
  • Football Sundays
  • …and even bridal brunches.

They are loved by kids, adored by picky eaters, and worshipped by potluck pros.

🥰 Conclusion — and a Little Ask

Every dish tells a story. And if this recipe becomes your go-to dish, your family’s tradition, your secret weapon — please come back for more. I’m always stirring up new creations filled with love, flavor, and a little bit of magic.

Follow me, save this recipe, and share the love. Because food is better when it’s passed on.

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