Ham Delights
Experience the quintessential Southern gathering staple with a modern twist—introducing our revamped Ham Delights. Elevating this classic appetizer, we’ve infused rich Gouda cheese and a dash of everything bagel seasoning for a flavor-packed punch.
These individual-sized sandwiches, cherished by guests of all ages, seamlessly enhance tailgates, girls’ nights, and neighborhood get-togethers. With just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, this dish is a party menu essential. Even if your friends are familiar with Ham Delights, prepare to be asked about the secret behind your exceptionally flavorful version.
Pro tip: Time your recipe prep and baking to ensure your guests savor the sandwiches fresh out of the oven. Consider doubling the batch—this crowd-pleaser tends to disappear quickly.
Ingredients for Ham Delights:
- Cooking spray: For easy bun removal from the baking dish.
- Mayonnaise: A luscious spread blended with Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, and flaky sea salt to top the buns before filling.
- Dijon mustard: Imparts a pungent flavor that complements the ham and cheese.
- Pure maple syrup: Infuses a subtle sweetness to elevate the flavor of the buns.
- Flaky sea salt: Adds a delicate crunch of salty goodness; can be substituted with kosher salt.
- Hawaiian dinner rolls: Perfectly sweet and tender; other bun varieties, sweet, savory, or plain, can be used.
- Deli ham slices: Opt for your preferred meat without breaking the bank.
- Gouda cheese slices: Freshly sliced from the deli counter for the ultimate meltiness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to glaze the buns for additional richness and adherence for the topping.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Infuses flavor, texture, and an appealing presentation; can be swapped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a mix of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
How to Make Ham Delights:
Essentially creating a giant sandwich, these cheesy rolls come together with less than 10 minutes of hands-on time. Follow the detailed instructions below for a delicious outcome:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Split rolls horizontally, spread mayo mixture on both cut sides, and arrange ham and cheese.
- Brush with butter, sprinkle seasoning, transfer to baking dish, cover, and bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve immediately.
Variations for Ham Delights:
Feel free to customize your sliders with these variations:
- Cheese: Experiment with Swiss, provolone, white Cheddar, pepper Jack, or any preferred freshly sliced cheese.
- Meat: Choose your favorite deli meat, from turkey to roast beef or chicken.
- Bread: Substitute Hawaiian rolls with any soft, sweet roll or plain white buns.
- Flavorings: Enhance the mayonnaise mixture with Worcestershire, dark brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, or onion/garlic powder for added flavor.
- Add-ons: Incorporate sliced onion, pineapple, pickles, jalapeños, or other toppings before baking.
- Toppings: Swap everything bagel seasoning with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, or freshly cracked black pepper.
Can I Make Ham Delights Ahead?
Assemble sliders up to Step 4 in advance, refrigerate wrapped for up to two days, and bring to room temperature before baking as directed. To reheat leftovers, cover and heat in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven until hot throughout.