Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders are a little bundle of sweet and savory goodness. Soft, flaky biscuits hug juicy ham slices that have a shiny, sticky glaze made from brown sugar. These sliders bring together a perfect balance of warmth from the biscuits and a rich, caramel-like sweetness from the glaze.
I love making these for brunch or a casual get-together because they’re easy to pop in your mouth and always a hit with everyone. What I like most is how the brown sugar glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without being too much, making each bite deliciously sticky and tender. Plus, they’re super simple to put together, which feels like a win when you’re feeding a crowd.
My favorite way to serve these sliders is warm, fresh out of the oven with a side of pickles or a simple salad to add some crunch. They’re perfect for sharing during holiday mornings or anytime you want a comforting snack that’s a little bit special. Every time I make them, the house fills with such a cozy, homey smell, and I find myself sneaking a few before anyone else arrives!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Rolls: These give the sliders their soft, fluffy base. If you prefer, slider buns or even small dinner rolls can work just as well. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat or gluten-free biscuits.
Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is convenient, but leftover baked ham adds great flavor. You can also use turkey or roast beef slices if you want a different taste.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild taste that pairs great with ham. If you don’t have Swiss, provolone or mozzarella are good substitutes.
Brown Sugar Glaze: The glaze is the star here! Brown sugar gives sweetness, while mustard and apple cider vinegar add tanginess. Feel free to swap Dijon for yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.
Poppy Seeds (Optional): These add a nice texture and look but can be left out if you don’t have them. Sesame seeds also make a good top garnish.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft and Golden Biscuit Tops?
Getting the right texture on the biscuits involves careful baking:
- Brush the biscuits with the brown sugar glaze before baking to keep them moist and add shine.
- Cover the sliders loosely with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps soften the biscuits.
- Remove the foil near the end to let the tops brown and get a light crisp.
- Keep an eye to avoid burning the sugar glaze; it browns quickly once uncovered.
These steps help the biscuits stay soft inside while gaining a slightly crisp and shiny top. This combo makes the sliders extra enjoyable.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or baking dish – I recommend a shallow dish so the sliders bake evenly and stay snug together.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for whisking up the brown sugar glaze quickly and smoothly.
- Pastry brush – makes it easy to brush the glaze onto the biscuits and tops without mess.
- Sharp knife – handy for slicing the biscuits evenly and cutting cheese slices to size.
- Aluminum foil – essential for covering the sliders during baking to keep them moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a richer, sharper flavor that pairs well with the sweet glaze.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed veggies before the ham for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use honey mustard instead of Dijon in the glaze to emphasize sweetness and add a mild tang.
- Try smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper in the glaze for a smoky or spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Sliders:
- 12 small biscuit rolls (or slider buns)
- 1 lb deli sliced ham (or leftover baked ham), thinly sliced
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (cut in half to fit sliders)
Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then, bake the sliders for 20 minutes total, including a covered and uncovered bake time for that perfect melt and golden top. So overall, plan on around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Glaze:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter until smooth. This sweet and tangy glaze will give your sliders a delicious shine.
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice each biscuit roll in half horizontally to make tops and bottoms. Arrange the bottom halves close together in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Layer folded slices of ham evenly on each biscuit bottom, then add a piece of Swiss cheese on top.
3. Add the Glaze and Bake:
Brush or drizzle a generous amount of the brown sugar glaze over the ham and cheese layers. Then place the biscuit tops over each slider. Brush the remaining glaze on top of the biscuit tops, and sprinkle poppy seeds over if you like.
Cover the sliders loosely with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the biscuits are warmed through.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the biscuit tops.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliders if desired. Serve warm immediately and enjoy these sweet, savory, and soft ham biscuit sliders—they’re perfect for parties or casual get-togethers!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuits for These Sliders?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen biscuits completely before assembling. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for about 30 minutes at room temperature, then proceed as usual for best results.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and cover them with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the biscuits soft and the cheese melted.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well. Choose a cheese that melts nicely and complements the sweet and savory flavors of the glaze and ham.
