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- 12 slider buns - 1 pound sliced ham - 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon poppy seeds - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh arugula or spinach for garnish You can swap the slider buns for whole wheat or gluten-free buns. If you want less salt, try low-sodium ham. For a different taste, use Swiss cheese instead of Havarti. You can also skip the Dijon mustard if you prefer a milder flavor. Instead, try a bit of mayonnaise or a sweet mustard. When picking ham, look for slices that are pink and moist. They should not be dry or too salty. For Havarti cheese, choose a fresh block instead of pre-sliced. This keeps it creamy and rich. Always check the expiration dates on all your items. Fresh arugula or spinach adds a nice crunch and color. Look for vibrant greens without any wilting or brown spots. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for baking. Next, grab a small bowl. Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture adds flavor to the sliders. Now, take the slider buns. Carefully slice them in half, but don’t separate them. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the bottom buns. Add a layer of Havarti cheese slices on top. Then, place the rest of the ham on the cheese. Cover with the top halves of the buns. Pour the mustard butter mixture over the top. Make sure each slider gets coated. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for 5 to 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully use a spatula to lift the sliders out of the dish. Garnish the sliders with fresh arugula or spinach for a nice touch. Slice them for easy serving. These sliders are perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy night at home. Enjoy the delicious flavors! To make the best Ham and Havarti sliders, start with fresh slider buns. Freshness matters! Use soft, fluffy buns for the best texture. Layer the ham and cheese evenly for a great melt. Be sure to coat your sliders well with the mustard butter mix. This adds flavor and helps keep them moist. Baking them covered helps the cheese melt perfectly. Remove the foil to get a nice golden top. A few common mistakes can ruin your sliders. First, don’t skip the butter mix. It adds flavor and moisture. Second, avoid overbaking. You want bubbly cheese, not burnt tops. Third, don’t use too much filling. If you overstuff, the buns might fall apart. Lastly, let them cool briefly before serving. This keeps the cheese from oozing out when you slice them. Want to make your sliders even better? Try adding some spices to the butter mix. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a nice kick. You can also swap out the Havarti for another cheese like Swiss or Gouda. For a fresh touch, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh arugula or spinach not only adds color but also a peppery flavor. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect combo! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ham and quality Havarti cheese for the best flavor. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add sliced pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick. Keep Them Warm: If serving at a party, cover the sliders with a clean kitchen towel after baking to keep them warm. Make Ahead: Prepare the sliders in advance and refrigerate before baking for an easy party snack. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the cheese, try Swiss or cheddar. Both add great taste. Gouda works well too, adding a smoky flavor. For a creamy bite, use cream cheese. Each cheese brings a unique twist to your sliders. Experiment and find your favorite! You can use turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Roast beef gives a hearty flavor. If you love spice, consider using pepperoni or salami. Each meat can change the whole vibe of your sliders. Mix and match to create new flavors that excite you. For a veggie twist, use grilled mushrooms or eggplant. You can also add roasted peppers and zucchini. For a vegan cheese option, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. These swaps keep the sliders tasty and satisfying. Everyone can enjoy a bite, no matter their diet. To keep your leftover sliders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down to room temperature first. If you have a lot, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. When you’re ready to enjoy your sliders again, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and the buns to be warm. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. If you want to save some sliders for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Ham and Havarti sliders pair well with many sides. Try serving them with: - Fresh fruit salad - Crispy potato chips - A green salad with a light dressing - Veggie sticks with dip These sides add color and texture to your meal. They also balance the rich flavors of the sliders. Yes, you can prepare these sliders in advance. You can assemble them up to a day before. Just cover them with foil and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the foil and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you save time during busy days or parties. To adjust the recipe, you can easily change the number of sliders. If you want fewer, use fewer slider buns and reduce the ham and cheese. For more, double the ingredients. Just keep the same baking time. If you make a big batch, use two baking dishes if needed. This ensures all sliders bake evenly. In this post, we explored ingredients, steps, and tips for making sliders. I showed you how to choose quality ingredients and shared ways to enhance flavors. We covered variations like different meats and vegetarian options. Proper storage of leftovers and reheating tips are also vital. Remember, perfect sliders require care. Avoid common mistakes, and experiment with flavors. Great sliders can please everyone at your table. Enjoy creating and sharing this tasty treat!

Cheesy Ham & Havarti Sliders

Delicious sliders made with ham and Havarti cheese, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 12 count slider buns
  • 1 pound sliced ham
  • 8 ounces Havarti cheese, sliced
  • 1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh arugula or spinach

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
  • Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the bottom buns. Top with a layer of Havarti cheese slices.
  • Add the remaining sliced ham on top of the cheese, then cover with the top halves of the buns.
  • Pour the mustard butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops of the sliders are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift the sliders from the dish using a spatula.
  • Garnish with fresh arugula or spinach, then slice them to serve.

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.
Keyword appetizer, cheese, ham, sliders