Ham Delights

Attend any gathering in the South, and you'll spot at least one plate of Ham Delights. We updated this tried-and-true appetizer with flavorful Gouda cheese and a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful twist on the classic.

Beloved by guests of all ages, these personal-sized sandwiches make delightful additions to tailgates, girls' nights, and neighborhood gatherings.

Requiring just 10 minutes of hands-on time, this is one dish you'll always want to include on the party menu. Even if your friends are familiar with Ham Delights, they will be asking just what makes your version so flavorful. This recipe is a secret that's too good not to share.

One tip? Try to schedule your recipe prep and baking time so that your guests can enjoy the sandwiches soon after they come out of the oven. You might even want to double the batch—this party dish never lasts long.

Ingredients for Ham Delights

To make Ham Delights, you'll need:

• Cooking spray: For easy removal of the buns from the baking dish.
• Mayonnaise: A rich spread combined with mustard, maple, and salt used to top the buns before filling.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a pungent flavor to the buns that pairs well with the ham and cheese.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to the topping to elevate the sweetness of the buns.
• Flaky sea salt: Adds a light crunch of salty flavor. Can substitute with kosher salt if needed.
• Hawaiian dinner rolls: These rolls are perfectly sweet and tender, but any type of buns will do: sweet, savory, or plain.
• Deli ham slices: Don't break the bank when it comes to the ham in these sandwiches, but do feel free to choose any meat you prefer.
• Gouda cheese slices: Grab freshly sliced cheese from the deli counter if possible for the meltiest texture.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to glaze over the buns before cooking for additional richness, and to give the topping something to adhere to.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Adds flavor, texture, and a great presentation to the buns. Can swap with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a mix of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  

How To Make Ham Delights

Essentially like making one giant sandwich, this baking dish full of cheesy rolls comes together with under 10 minutes of hands-on time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with spray.
• Step 2. Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Step 3. Split the rolls horizontally and spread mayo mixture on both cut sides of rolls. Arrange ham and cheese over bottom rolls, and place top back on.
• Step 4. Brush with butter and sprinkle with seasoning and remaining salt. Transfer to baking dish.
• Step 5. Cover and bake 8 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve immediately.

Variations for Ham Delights

When it comes to sliders, you can add or change up the ingredients as much as you like:

• Cheese: While Gouda is mild and buttery, Swiss cheese, provolone, white Cheddar, pepper Jack, or any other type of preferred freshly sliced cheese will work nicely.
• Meat: Use your favorite deli meat, from turkey to roast beef or chicken.
• Bread: If there are no Hawaiian rolls on the shelf (heaven forbid), you can use any soft, sweet roll in their place, or grab any plain white buns.
• Flavorings: Add Worcestershire to the mayonnaise mixture for a hint of umami flavor, dark brown sugar in the place of the maple syrup, spicy brown mustard in the place of the Dijon, or onion or garlic powder for additional flavor.
• Add-ons: Sliced onion, pineapple, pickles, jalapeños, or any other inclusions you like can be added into the sliders before baking.
• Toppings: Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper can replace the everything bagel seasoning.

Can I Make Ham Delights Ahead?

To get ahead of your party prep, assemble the sliders ahead of time, through Step 4, then wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. Bring to room temperature, then brush with butter and bake as directed before serving.

To reheat leftovers, cover and heat in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven until hot throughout.

More Slider Recipes You'll Love

There's arguably no easier, more welcome appetizer at a party than hot sliders. Get a variety going for your next gathering with these recipes:

• Pizza Sliders
• Fried Chicken Sliders
• Beef Sliders with Bacon Jam
• Cheesy Mushroom Sliders
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Pork Sliders with Tomato Chutney Aioli
• Hawaiian Rolls Breakfast Sliders
• French Dip Sliders
• Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce
• Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.