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BBQ Ham Sliders with Smoky Glaze

These BBQ Ham Sliders are cozy, handheld sandwiches featuring tender smoked ham layered on soft buns, topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions. The dish is finished with a homemade smoky glaze that lends a rich, caramelized crust and deep flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and savory goodness.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces soft brioche buns or potato rolls
  • 8 ounces smoked ham slices preferably sliced thick
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Swiss/pepper jack
  • 1 cup caramelized onions prepared in advance
  • 1/4 cup honey-mustard glaze see recipe below

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat until it shimmers with heat, and slice the buns in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet and brush the cut sides generously with the honey-mustard glaze, creating a shiny, flavorful surface.
  2. Layer slices of smoked ham evenly over the glazed bottom buns, allowing the salty, smoky juices to mingle with the glaze and infuse each bite with rich flavor.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ham, ensuring each slider gets a gooey, cheesy layer that melts beautifully during baking.
  4. Spread the caramelized onions over the cheese, adding a sweet, jammy contrast that enhances the smoky and savory elements of the sandwich.
  5. Cover with the top halves of the buns, pressing down gently to compact the sliders, and brush the exposed cut sides with more honey-mustard glaze for extra flavor and caramelization.
  6. Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, the buns are golden around the edges, and the glaze has caramelized to a shiny finish.
  7. Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly. Slice if desired, then serve warm, drizzled with additional glaze if you like that extra touch of sweetness and smokiness.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the glaze. Use fresh buns for the best texture, and assemble ahead of time for easier serving.