Crock Pot Ham & Cheese Sliders!

🧈 Crock Pot Ham & Cheese Sliders

Description

Warm, cheesy, and buttery-soft—these sliders are pure comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or game nights. The crock pot method keeps them melty and soft while infusing every bite with buttery flavor.

🧺 Ingredients

For the sliders:

• 12 slider rolls (Hawaiian or soft dinner rolls work best)

• ¾ lb (340 g) sliced deli ham (or leftover baked ham)

• 8–10 slices Swiss, cheddar, or provolone cheese

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)

For the butter glaze:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

• 1 tbsp dried minced onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Prep the rolls:

   • Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.

   • Place the bottom halves into the crock pot (lined with parchment paper or lightly greased).

2. Layer:

   • Evenly layer the ham slices on the bottom half.

   • Top with cheese slices.

   • Add the top half of the rolls.

3. Make the glaze:

   • In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour and soak:

   • Pour the buttery glaze evenly over the top of the rolls.

   • Let them sit for about 5 minutes so the rolls absorb the flavor.

5. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated through.

   • (For a crispy version, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F / 175°C for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover and bake another 5 minutes.)

6. Serve:

   • Carefully lift the sliders from the crock pot, slice, and serve warm.

🌟 Optional Add-Ons

• Add a layer of pickles or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

• Sprinkle “Everything Bagel” seasoning on top instead of poppy seeds.

• Use leftover holiday ham for a rich, smoky twist.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use other meats besides ham?

A: Absolutely! Turkey, roast beef, or even shredded chicken work beautifully. Just pair with a matching cheese — like turkey + provolone or beef + cheddar.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the butter glaze and cook as directed.

Q3: Can I freeze them?

A: Yes! After assembling (before cooking), wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook per the recipe.

Q4: My sliders turned soggy—what went wrong?

A: Too much sauce or condensation can cause sogginess. To fix this:

• Line the bottom of the crock pot with parchment paper.

• Remove the lid for the last 10 minutes of cooking to release steam.

Q5: How do I make them crispier?

A: After cooking in the crock pot, pop the sliders in the oven under broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the tops.

Q6: Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?

A: Yes! Shredded cheese melts quickly and gives a gooier texture. Just be sure to spread it evenly.

Q7: What side dishes go well with these sliders?

A:

• Creamy coleslaw

• Garlic roasted potatoes

• Tomato soup

• Fresh green salad

Q8: Can I make them low-carb or keto-friendly?

A: Definitely! Use low-carb slider buns or “chaffles” (cheese + egg waffles) as the bun base. Replace Worcestershire with coconut aminos to lower carbs.