Ham and Cranberry Sliders Recipe

These Ham and Cranberry Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every delicious bite. Featuring soft King’s Hawaiian rolls filled with juicy ham, melty cheese, and cranberry sauce, then topped with a herb butter that takes them to the next level – these sliders come together in just 15 minutes of baking time! Perfect for using up holiday leftovers or serving at your next gathering, these little sandwiches pack huge flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: These sliders take just minutes to assemble and only 15 minutes to bake – perfect for when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these sliders! They disappear within minutes at parties and potlucks.
• Versatile: Works beautifully with holiday leftovers or store-bought ingredients any time of year. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or midnight snack – these sliders fit every occasion.
• Sweet and Savory: The combination of sweet rolls, tangy cranberry, savory ham, and melty cheese creates the perfect flavor balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• King Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls create the perfect base for our sliders. Their pillowy texture and hint of sweetness complement the other ingredients perfectly.
• Cranberry Sauce: Provides a sweet-tart element that balances the savory components. Use canned for convenience or leftover homemade sauce for extra flavor.
• Black Forest Ham: The star protein that adds savory depth. Feel free to substitute leftover holiday ham or even turkey for equally delicious results.
• Pepper Jack or Swiss Cheese: Adds creaminess and that irresistible melty factor. Pepper jack brings a slight kick while Swiss offers a more mild, nutty flavor.
• Butter: Creates the base for our herb topping that turns these from good to absolutely incredible. The butter seeps into the rolls while baking for maximum flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami element to our butter topping that forms a slightly crispy crust on the rolls.
• Dried Herbs: Parsley and dill add color and aromatic flavor that elevates these sliders beyond basic sandwiches.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:

• Turkey Cranberry: Swap ham for leftover turkey for a post-Thanksgiving treat.
• Breakfast Sliders: Use breakfast ham and add a thin layer of scrambled eggs between the meat and cheese.
• Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, provolone, or brie for unique flavor profiles.
• Spicy Version: Add a thin layer of jalapeño jelly instead of (or alongside) the cranberry sauce.
• Extra Savory: Add a layer of Dijon mustard to the bottom rolls before the cranberry sauce.

How to Make Ham and Cranberry Sliders

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a medium cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil and preheat your oven to 350°F. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the individual rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally. You’ll end up with two connected slabs – one with all the tops, one with all the bottoms.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Place the bottom slab on your prepared baking sheet. Give your cranberry sauce a good stir to smooth it out, then spread a generous layer across the entire bottom slab. Layer ham slices over the cranberry sauce, making sure to overlap slightly for complete coverage. Top with cheese slices, covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Create the Herb Butter

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 40-60 seconds. Add the Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and dried dill, then stir until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Butter

Place the top slab of rolls over the layered ingredients. Pour or brush the herb butter mixture over the top, ensuring every roll gets coated. For maximum flavor, lift the edges slightly to allow some butter to drip down the sides and underneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. Slice along the roll separations and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep Rolls Connected: Don’t separate the rolls before slicing and assembling – this makes the process quicker and helps the sliders hold together.
• Butter Distribution: Make sure the herb butter gets into all the nooks and crannies. Those buttery edges become irresistibly crispy when baked.
• Layer Thickness: Don’t skimp on the fillings, but don’t overload either. Balance is key for sliders that hold together when eaten.
• Sharp Knife: Use a truly sharp knife when cutting the finished sliders to avoid squishing them.
• Room Temperature Cheese: Let your cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before assembling for better melting.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These versatile sliders pair beautifully with many sides:

• Crisp dill pickles
• Potato chips
• Fresh fruit salad
• Simple green salad
• Tomato soup for a classic sandwich combo

Serving Occasions

These sliders shine at:

• Game day gatherings
• Holiday buffets
• Casual dinner parties
• Potlucks and picnics
• Quick family dinners

Reserve extra cranberry sauce for dipping or serving on the side for those who want an extra tangy kick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re actually fantastic cold straight from the fridge, but reheating restores their original glory.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Complete all steps except baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed (you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time).

Reheating

To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 7-10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, though the texture won’t be quite as good as oven reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the King’s Hawaiian rolls provide that signature sweetness, you can use any dinner roll style bread. Brioche rolls work wonderfully, as do regular dinner rolls – just note that the flavor profile will change slightly without that sweet element.

How can I make these ahead for a party?
These sliders are perfect for make-ahead party food! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. They may need an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven if they’re still cool from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes! Assemble the sliders completely, but don’t bake them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled sliders, though the texture won’t be quite as good as freshly baked.

What other meats work well in this recipe?
These sliders are incredibly versatile! Turkey, roast beef, pastrami, and even pulled pork work beautifully with the cranberry sauce. For a vegetarian option, try a hearty portobello mushroom slice instead of meat. The key is to choose something that complements the sweet-tart cranberry flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cranberry Sliders truly are the perfect little sandwich – sweet, savory, tangy, and utterly satisfying. I find myself making them long after the holiday leftovers are gone because they’re just that good! Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just wanting to treat your family to something special without much fuss, these sliders deliver big flavors with minimal effort. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Print