Honey Mustard Ham Cheese Sliders

These Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders are my go-to for those busy nights when I need a little comfort and a lot of flavor fast. There is something about the buttery tops and salty ham that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for game days or a warming dinner that takes almost no effort.

I started making these for family movie nights and now they are a staple for tailgate parties too. Every time someone tries them for the first time I get asked for the recipe before they leave.

Ingredients

• Pretzel slider buns: These give the sliders a chewy salty bite and make any filling feel special Look for King’s Hawaiian or a similar soft pretzel variety for best texture
• Deli ham: Choose a good quality ham that is thick cut for a hearty and flavorful bite Avoid ham that is overly watery
• Marble jack or cheddar cheese: Melty cheese helps hold the sliders together Pick a cheese that melts easily and always opt for freshly sliced when you can
• Dijon mustard: Classic Dijon gives punchy tang and blends perfectly with honey Use a Dijon with no additives for better taste
• Honey: Adds the necessary sweetness Go for real honey not blends for richer flavor
• Butter: Brushing melted butter over the tops adds both moisture and golden color Use unsalted so you can better control saltiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line a nine inch square pan with heavy duty foil making sure to cover the bottom and sides for an easy cleanup later

Slice and Arrange Buns:

Slice all the pretzel buns in half using a serrated knife so the tops stay intact and even Layer the bottoms in the lined pan so they fit snugly

Add Ham and Cheese:

Top each bun bottom with slices of ham and then a generous square of cheese Distribute both evenly so every bite gets both

Mix Honey Dijon Sauce:

Whisk together Dijon mustard and honey until smooth This will become the tangy layer that ties everything together

Spread the Sauce:

Spread the honey mustard mixture over the top halves of the buns covering edge to edge so every slider gets that sweet zing

Assemble the Sliders:

Place the sauced bun tops over the ham and cheese Press down gently so everything sticks together

Melt and Brush Butter:

Microwave the butter until just melted and brush it over each pretzel bun top so it shines and bakes golden

Bake Covered:

Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in a three hundred fifty degree Fahrenheit oven for ten minutes This melts the cheese and warms everything through

Uncover and Finish Baking:

Remove the foil and return the pan to the oven for about ten more minutes The tops should toast and become glossy and golden

Rest and Serve:

Let the sliders sit out of the oven for a few minutes before cutting and serving so they hold together when lifted

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My absolute favorite part is the way the bottoms crisp in the pan but stay soft inside When my kids help me brush on the butter they call it painting which always gets the giggles going in the kitchen

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat in a low oven covered loosely with foil so the bread stays soft and the cheese remelts beautifully

Ingredient Substitutions

No marble jack cheese Try Swiss mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a little kick Turkey also works great in place of ham and you can swap in any soft sweet roll if pretzel buns are not available

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with pickles or a crunchy coleslaw for contrast They are also perfect with a hot soup or a classic potato salad for a laid back meal

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Cultural Context

Sliders are a game day favorite in American cuisine and using pretzel buns is a fun twist inspired by classic soft pretzels from German American bakeries The honey mustard nods to Southern flavor traditions while making the whole thing kid friendly

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ham works best for these sliders?

Deli-sliced ham works perfectly; choose either smoked or honey ham for added flavor.

→ Can I substitute a different cheese?

Yes, marble jack or cheddar melt well, but Swiss or provolone are also great options.

→ How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Bake with the foil on first to lock in moisture, then finish uncovered for a crisp top.

→ Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to keep them fresh and melty.

→ Are there alternatives to sauerkraut for topping?

Grilled onions are a delicious swap; they add sweetness and pair well with ham and cheese.

→ What is the ideal way to serve these sliders for a crowd?

Slice the sliders and keep them warm covered on a tray; provide extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.