Pin This hearty Rebel Float Root Beer Glazed Ham Sliders recipe transforms ordinary ham into a sweet and savory masterpiece. The caramelized root beer glaze creates an irresistible sticky coating that perfectly complements the salty ham and melty cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns.
I first made these sliders for a last minute Super Bowl gathering when I needed something substantial but easy. The root beer glaze was such a hit that these have become my signature party food, requested by friends and family for nearly every get together.
Ingredients
- Root beer: adds natural sweetness and distinctive vanilla notes. Choose a quality craft root beer like Rebel Float for the most robust flavor
- Brown sugar: creates a caramelized texture and deep molasses flavor that enhances the root beer reduction
- Dijon mustard: provides tangy depth to balance the sweetness. The smooth variety works best
- Ham: select good quality deli ham sliced thick enough to hold up to the glaze. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully too
- Swiss cheese: offers nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet glaze. Look for aged Swiss for more pronounced flavor
- Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet counterpoint but any small soft bun will work well
- Dill pickles: add crucial acidity and crunch to balance the rich flavors. Choose crisp refrigerated pickles rather than shelf stable for best texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Root Beer Glaze:
- Combine root beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to bubble away for a full 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The mixture should reduce by half and coat the back of a spoon with a syrupy consistency. Finish by whisking in the tablespoon of butter until completely incorporated, which adds silkiness to the glaze.
- Glaze the Ham:
- Place your ham slices directly into the reduced glaze in the pan. Let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes, using tongs to turn the slices occasionally so they become thoroughly coated on all sides. The ham should absorb some of the glaze while developing a slight caramelization. Remove the pan from heat once the ham is evenly coated and slightly sticky.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Arrange the bottom halves of your slider buns in a 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure they fit snugly together. If using mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on each bun bottom for added moisture and flavor. Layer the glazed ham slices evenly across all the buns, slightly overlapping to ensure every bite contains ham. Top with halved cheese slices, arranging them to cover the ham completely, then distribute pickle chips evenly across the cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the top buns over your assembled sliders and brush the tops generously with melted butter, ensuring even coverage for golden browning. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for exactly 15 minutes. This steam phase helps melt the cheese and warm everything through without drying out the ham. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes until the buns turn golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Pin The root beer glaze truly makes these sliders special. I discovered the technique at a barbecue competition where a pitmaster was using soda reductions for various meats. The natural vanilla notes in root beer create this incredible caramelized flavor that everyone tries to identify but can never quite place.
Make Ahead Tips
These sliders are perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire recipe through assembly, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through completely.
The root beer glaze can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before glazing the ham to restore its syrupy consistency. This makes party prep easier when you're juggling multiple dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete with their bold flavors. A crisp coleslaw with a vinegar dressing provides refreshing contrast to the rich sliders. For a complete party spread, serve alongside kettle chips, pickle spears, and a light green salad.
For an elevated dinner presentation, arrange the sliders on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of additional pickles, stone ground mustard, and extra warmed glaze for dipping. This casual yet impressive serving style encourages guests to help themselves while keeping conversations flowing.
Creative Variations
Buffalo Style: Add a tablespoon of buffalo sauce to the glaze and substitute blue cheese for the Swiss, topping with celery leaves instead of parsley for a spicy twist.
Southern Comfort: Mix a tablespoon of bourbon into the glaze and use pulled pork instead of ham, topped with a small spoonful of coleslaw inside each slider.
Breakfast Sliders: Layer the glazed ham with a scrambled egg patty and use English muffins instead of slider buns for a delicious morning variation that works beautifully for brunch gatherings.
Pin Consider slicing your cheese directly from the block rather than using pre sliced options. The freshly cut cheese melts more evenly and provides better coverage across your sliders.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of ham works best?
Thickly sliced or carved deli-style ham offers ideal texture and flavor when glazed and baked in sliders.
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese, cheddar, provolone, or Gouda all melt well and complement the sweet-savory glaze.
- → Is the root beer glaze very sweet?
The glaze balances sweetness from root beer and brown sugar with tangy Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
- → Any alternatives to dill pickles?
Bread-and-butter pickles or pickled jalapeños add a different flavor twist and can spice things up.
- → How can I make sliders ahead?
Assemble them up to baking, cover tightly, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best results.