chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

chicken ham and Cheese Sliders are a delightful treat perfect for any gathering or game day. These sliders combine tender chicken ham with gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to a golden perfection that will impress your guests. The ease of preparation makes them a top choice for busy hosts, while their delicious flavor ensures they’ll be devoured in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have these sliders ready in about 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The melty cheese and savory chicken ham make these sliders an irresistible appetizer.
• Versatile: Perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun family dinner.
• Minimal Cleanup: One baking dish means less mess and more time to enjoy with friends and family.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty chicken ham and Cheese Sliders.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole dish: Ideal for holding all the sliders together during baking, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining sauces and spreads effortlessly.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cleanly cutting the sliders apart once baked.

Ingredients

For these scrumptious chicken ham and Cheese Sliders, gather the following ingredients:

For the Sliders

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are recommended)
• 12 slices deli chicken ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

How to Make chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your sliders bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Cut the slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves in a greased casserole dish to create a sturdy base for your delicious fillings.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom buns to add flavor.

Step 4: Assemble with Chicken Ham

Layer the slices of chicken ham on top of the sauce-covered buns. Overlap the pieces slightly to ensure every bite is filled with flavor.

Step 5: Add Swiss Cheese

Place the Swiss cheese over the layered chicken ham, creating a cheesy barrier before adding the tops of the buns.

Step 6: Prepare Butter Mixture

In another bowl, mix together melted butter, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds until well combined.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Pour your butter mixture over the assembled sliders. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Once baked, remove from oven. Use a sharp knife to cut apart the sliders carefully. Serve warm and enjoy this mouthwatering appetizer!

How to Serve chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Serving chicken ham and cheese sliders is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering. These sliders are versatile and pair wonderfully with various sides or dips, making them perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the sliders.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that complements the savory sliders beautifully.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard Dip: A mixture of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy dip that pairs perfectly with the sliders.
• Ranch Dressing: Classic ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy accompaniment that enhances the flavors of the chicken ham and cheese.

Serve with Chips

• Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft sliders, making for an easy snack combo.
• Veggie Chips: For a healthier option, serve veggie chips made from kale or beetroot for a colorful crunch.

How to Perfect chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Perfecting your chicken ham and cheese sliders can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Follow these simple tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavor Boosters: Consider adding sautéed onions or peppers to enhance the flavor profile of your sliders.
• Optimal Cheese Melting: Use room-temperature Swiss cheese to ensure it melts evenly and beautifully during baking.
• Don’t Skip the Butter Mixture: The butter mixture not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that golden-brown finish on top.
• Cover While Baking: Covering with foil initially traps steam, allowing the cheese to melt before browning occurs.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak onion powder and Worcestershire sauce amounts to suit your flavor preference.

Best Side Dishes for chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Chicken ham and cheese sliders can be complemented by a variety of side dishes that enhance their taste while providing a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. French Fries: Crispy French fries are always a crowd-pleaser; consider seasoning them with garlic powder for extra flavor.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet contrast to the savory sliders.
3. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad adds comfort food vibes that are perfect alongside your chicken ham sliders.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness and brightness to balance out rich flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Mini stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an interesting side dish full of flavor.
6. Pickles: Tangy pickles serve as a crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken ham and Cheese Sliders, avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference in the final outcome.

• Skipping the butter mixture: Not pouring the melted butter mixture over the sliders can result in dry sliders. Always ensure you cover them well for optimal flavor and moisture.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or stale slider buns can ruin your dish. Always select fresh buns for the best texture and taste.

• Overcrowding the baking dish: Trying to fit too many sliders in one dish can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there is enough space for heat circulation.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at a temperature lower than 350 degrees F may not melt the cheese properly. Stick to the recommended temperature for perfect sliders.

• Cutting before cooling: Slicing the sliders too soon after baking could cause them to fall apart. Let them cool slightly before cutting for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken ham and Cheese Sliders in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place sliders on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place sliders in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are chicken ham and Cheese Sliders?

Chicken ham and Cheese Sliders are delicious mini sandwiches made with layers of chicken ham and Swiss cheese, baked until golden brown.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can customize your chicken ham and Cheese Sliders by using cheddar, provolone, or any cheese you prefer.

How do I make these sliders vegetarian-friendly?

To make vegetarian chicken ham and Cheese Sliders, simply replace the chicken ham with plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables.

Can I prepare chicken ham and Cheese Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.

Final Thoughts

These chicken ham and Cheese Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as appetizers or snacks, you can customize them with various cheeses or spreads. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering; everyone will love them!