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Hawaiian Ham Sliders

Hawaiian Ham Sliders are tender mini sandwiches featuring sweet and smoky pineapple glaze, melted cheese, and savory ham nestled in soft buns. The dish is prepared by caramelizing pineapple slices, assembling with cheese and ham, then baking until bubbly and golden, resulting in a sticky, flavorful, and visually appealing appetizer or main course. The final texture is gooey, tender, and slightly caramelized, perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package slider buns soft, brioche-style
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice preferably fresh or canned
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos for soy-free
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey for floral sweetness
  • 8 oz honey-glazed ham or baked ham sliced thin
  • 4 oz Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese sliced
  • 4 fresh pineapple slices pineapple slices preferably fresh for caramelization
  • 2 tbsp butter melted, for brushing the buns
  • optional to taste scallions or sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet with parchment
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and set the top and bottom halves aside.
  2. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Lay the bottom half of the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a layer of sliced ham evenly over the buns, followed by a generous spoonful of the pineapple glaze. Layer the cheese slices on top of the ham.
  4. Place the top buns over the layered ingredients. Using a basting brush, generously coat the tops with melted butter and a little more of the pineapple glaze for extra flavor and shine.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the buns are golden, and the glaze is bubbling around the edges. The aroma should be sweet, smoky, and inviting.
  6. Remove from oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Slice into individual servings, garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra caramelization, you can briefly broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. To make ahead, assemble the sliders without baking, wrap tightly, and refrigerate; bake just before serving.