Ham and Cheese Sliders

Okay, Lemon8 fam, I have to share my absolute favorite way to make ham and cheese sliders! Seriously, if you haven't tried them with sourdough pretzel buns, you're missing out big time. This recipe is a total game-changer for parties, game days, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. It's so easy to whip up, and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe! What You'll Need to Make These Irresistible Sliders: The beauty of these sliders is how simple the ingredients are. Here’s what I usually grab: 12-pack Hawaiian-style sourdough pretzel buns (or regular pretzel buns if sourdough is hard to find, but the sourdough adds an extra tang!) 1 lb deli ham, thinly sliced (honey ham or black forest work wonderfully) 8-10 slices of your favorite cheese (Swiss or provolone are classic, but cheddar or even pepper jack can add a kick!) 1/2 cup melted butter 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional, but they add a nice crunch and look professional!) 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, but I love a little extra flavor) Let's Make Ham and Cheese Sliders With Me! Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is the first step. Then, grab an oven-safe baking dish – a 9x13 inch pan usually works perfectly for 12 sliders. Next, carefully slice your sourdough pretzel buns horizontally, keeping them connected if possible, like a pull-apart bread. If they're individual, no worries, just arrange the bottoms in your dish. Now for the layering! Place a slice of ham on each bottom bun, then top with a slice of cheese. Repeat with another layer of ham and cheese. I love a good cheesy, meaty slider, so don't be shy! Finally, place the top halves of the buns back on. In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and garlic powder. This is the magical glaze that makes these sliders so special! Once it's all combined, generously pour or brush this mixture over the tops of your assembled sliders. Make sure every bun gets some love! Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. The foil helps steam the buns, keeping them soft while the cheese melts. For an extra golden-brown top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Once they're out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They'll be hot and gooey, just how you want them! Pro Tips for the Ultimate Pretzel Ham & Cheese Sliders: Make Ahead: These are fantastic for meal prep! Assemble them the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Cheese Choices: Don't limit yourself to Swiss! Provolone, Muenster, or even a sharp white cheddar can be amazing. I sometimes even mix two types! Add a Twist: A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top instead of poppy seeds can give an extra savory kick. Some people also like a thin layer of onion jam or apricot preserves for a sweet and savory combo before adding the ham. Serving Suggestions: These are perfect on their own, but a side of potato salad, a simple green salad, or some pickle spears really completes the meal. They're also amazing dipped in a little extra Dijon mustard or ranch dressing. I promise you, once you try these sourdough pretzel ham and cheese sliders, they'll become a staple in your recipe rotation. They're dangerously delicious and so much fun to make! Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! 👩‍🍳