When the Thanksgiving feast winds down and you’re left with stacks of leftovers, there’s no better way to bring new life to your holiday ham than with these cranberry-glazed ham and cheese sliders. They’re sweet, savory, melty, and just the right amount of indulgent — perfect for a lazy weekend lunch or a cozy dinner when you just don’t want to cook. These little slider sandwiches come together effortlessly, and they’ll win over adults and picky eaters alike, making them one of those rare kid friendly dinners you’ll want to repeat year-round.
This recipe has become a go-to in my post-Thanksgiving meal plan, especially when I need something that tastes gourmet but feels like one of those dump and go crockpot dinners in terms of ease. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “ham sliders recipes” or “cheap dinners for a family,” this one absolutely belongs in your back pocket.
Cranberry Glazed Ham and Cheese Sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 (2 sliders per person)
Baking dish (9x13-inch works best) To hold the sliders snugly so the cheese melts into the sides and nothing dries out. If you don’t have one, use a rimmed sheet pan and line with foil.
Small saucepan For melting and mixing the glaze ingredients.
Bread knife or serrated knife To slice the Hawaiian rolls evenly in half.
Brush or spoon For spreading the glaze over the top of the rolls.
Aluminum foil To tent over the dish during baking to keep moisture in.
For the Sliders
- 1 package 12 rolls King's Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¾ to 1 pound leftover ham thinly sliced (or deli ham if using fresh)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese sliced or shredded
- ½ cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied — your preference
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds optional
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier clean-up.
Using a serrated knife, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Mix the Spread
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This adds tang and prevents sogginess from the cranberry sauce.
Layer It Up
First, layer the sliced ham over the spread. You want generous layers but not too thick, so the sliders still hold together. Next, add a layer of cheddar cheese — either shredded or sliced, depending on what you have. Finally, spoon cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the cheese. Don’t overdo it — just enough for a tangy-sweet touch.
Top with the other half of the rolls.
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds if using. Let the glaze simmer gently for a minute to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
Glaze and Bake
Use a brush or spoon to drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the top of the sliders. Make sure the tops are fully coated for that shiny, golden finish.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into individual sliders. They’re best served warm while the cheese is gooey and the glaze is still sticky-sweet.
Pairings
These cranberry-glazed ham and cheese sliders are already packed with flavor, but they really shine when paired with:
- Sweet potato fries: Baked or fried, they bring a comforting balance to the tart cranberry glaze.
- Simple green salad: A crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Apple slaw: The crunch of cabbage and sweet-tart apples adds texture and complements the ham beautifully.
- Sparkling cider or a light pilsner: Something crisp and refreshing works best with the richness of melted cheddar and sweet glaze.
If you're thinking of making a slider party platter, consider adding chopped cheese sliders or other sliders recipes Hawaiian rolls easy — they’re great for variety and make it a meal everyone can pick and choose from.
FAQs
1. What kind of ham is best for these sliders?
Leftover holiday ham is ideal, especially if it’s glazed or smoked. If using deli ham, go for thick-cut varieties. Honey ham and black forest ham both work great.
2. Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
Yes! Swiss, provolone, or even gouda make fantastic substitutions. But sharp cheddar adds that nice salty bite that balances the cranberry glaze beautifully, which is why it’s the classic choice for ham and cheddar sliders.
3. Do I have to use King’s Hawaiian rolls?
You don’t have to, but they really make these sliders sing. The slight sweetness plays perfectly with the tart cranberry glaze and savory ham. If you need a substitute, any soft dinner roll will do — just avoid overly crusty bread.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the glaze right before baking. They’re perfect for prepping in advance and throwing in the oven when guests arrive.
5. Are these sliders freezer-friendly?
Sort of. You can assemble and freeze them before baking, tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze and bake. They’re not quite as crisp on top, but still delicious.
