Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders are little bites of sweet and savory goodness all wrapped up in a soft, flaky biscuit. The ham is coated in a sticky, caramelized brown sugar glaze that gives every slider a perfect touch of sweetness alongside the salty ham. These sliders are easy to make and totally satisfying whether you need a quick snack or something fun for a gathering.
I love making these sliders because they come together fast, but they feel special enough for guests or family gatherings. The brown sugar glaze is my favorite part — it adds a nice caramel flavor that turns simple ham into something you’ll want to keep eating. I usually brush the glaze right on the ham before popping them into the oven. Trust me, it makes such a difference and smells incredible as it bakes!
These sliders are fantastic served warm, especially fresh out of the oven when the biscuits are soft and the glaze is nice and gooey. I sometimes add a little bit of mustard or a slice of cheese to mix things up, but honestly, they’re delicious just as they are. They make a great addition to any brunch, game day spread, or casual party. Plus, they’re the kind of food that always gets compliments and requests for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Rolls: Soft slider-sized biscuits are key for that fluffy, tender bite. If you can’t find sliders, use any small soft rolls or cut larger biscuits into smaller portions.
Smoked Ham: The smoked flavor adds great depth here. You can swap for honey ham or even turkey slices if you prefer a milder taste.
Swiss Cheese: Its mild, nutty flavor melts beautifully. If you want a different twist, try provolone or cheddar slices.
Brown Sugar Glaze: Brown sugar creates that sweet, sticky topping. If you’re out of brown sugar, a mix of white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey can work.
Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce: These give a gentle tang and depth to the glaze. You can use yellow mustard instead, but skip the Worcestershire for a simpler taste.
How Do You Get the Brown Sugar Glaze Perfectly Sticky and Caramelized?
The glaze is what makes these sliders shine, so brushing it on well matters. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix all glaze ingredients until smooth, so the sugar dissolves a bit.
- Brush the glaze generously over biscuit tops — don’t be shy, this helps caramelize well.
- Cover with foil during the first baking to melt cheese and warm biscuits without drying glaze.
- Remove foil for the last few minutes to caramelize the sugar and give a sticky, golden finish.
Keep an eye in the final stage to prevent burning. The sugar caramelizes fast once exposed to direct heat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or sheet – I recommend a 9×13-inch dish to hold all sliders close together for even baking.
- Small bowl and whisk – for mixing the glaze smoothly and evenly.
- Sharp knife or biscuit cutter – to split the biscuit rolls easily without crushing them.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the glaze generously over the biscuits for that perfect sticky finish.
- Aluminum foil – covers the dish to keep everything warm and prevent the biscuits from burning during the first bake.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use honey ham or roasted turkey slices for a different flavor profile or if you prefer less smoky taste.
- Swap Swiss cheese for provolone, cheddar, or gouda to change the cheese flavor.
- Add sautéed onions or a few slices of jalapeños before stacking the ham for extra flavor and a little spice.
- Mix some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for a fragrant touch.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft biscuit rolls (slider size)
- 12 slices of smoked ham
- 6 slices of Swiss cheese (cut in half to fit sliders)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-22 minutes to bake, making it ready in just under 35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Biscuits:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each biscuit roll horizontally to make a top and bottom. Arrange all the biscuit bottoms close together in your baking dish or sheet so they touch.
2. Layer Cheese and Ham:
Place half a slice of Swiss cheese on each biscuit bottom. Then, fold or layer one slice of smoked ham evenly over the cheese on each slider.
3. Add Tops and Make the Glaze:
Put the biscuit tops gently over the ham. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Glaze and Bake:
Brush the brown sugar glaze generously over all the biscuit tops. If you like, sprinkle poppy seeds on top. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This melts the cheese and warms the biscuits.
5. Finish Baking and Serve:
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an extra 5-7 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and the glaze turns sticky and caramelized. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you want a nice fragrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the biscuit rolls before slicing and assembling. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for about an hour at room temperature for best results.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the glaze and bake just before serving to keep the biscuits soft and the glaze fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to maintain the glaze’s sticky texture.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
Provolone, cheddar, or gouda are tasty alternatives that melt well and pair nicely with ham. Choose your favorite cheese to customize the sliders!