Pineapple and Ham Hawaiian Sliders

I remember the first time I had one of those famous sliders that have been all over Pinterest in the last few years. It was at a party my folks were throwing right after Christmas. One of their friends came with a panful of these tasty mini sandwiches. I took one, had a bite and then realized there probably wasn’t enough for everyone and I should’ve shared. But at that very moment, the flavours hit my tongue, and I ceased to care. It was so good! I’ve thought about that slider quite a few times over the years. And so, I decided to recreate the recipe with these Pineapple and Ham Hawaiian Sliders.

I’m not sure what I like more, the actual sliders or the sauce that they’re baked in. I make these Ham and Swiss Pinwheels using a similar sauce and they’re so good! So, I knew the sauce was going to be key, but I was out of dijon so I went with my husband’s favourite-spicy brown mustard and it’s sooooo good! I also added a bit of pineapple juice, cause it was there and you just get a slight hint of it in the sauce, such a treat!

I changed up the swiss cheese and used mozzarella instead. My initial thought was to go a Hawaiian pizza route with these, so that’s where the pineapple comes from. But then I remembered the sauce and scraped the pizza vibe, but kept the mozzarella and pineapple, and it’s the perfect combo with the shaved ham. The mozzarella gets all gooey and melty. The ham and the pineapple play off each other in a sweet-savoury duo that’s totally irresistible!

But wait, I haven’t even told you yet about how the butter sauce, caramelizes on the bottom of the Hawaiian rolls and gives them this slightly crunchy, buttery crust. It’s to die for. The whole bite together is insane. From the soft top bun that soaks up some of the butter sauce, the melty cheese, sweet pineapple, meaty ham right down to the crispy caramelized bottom, it’s so so good.

How to make Pineapple and Ham Hawaiian Sliders

Start by making the sauce. In a small pot melt the butter and saute the onions for a few minutes. Whisk in the brown sugar, pineapple juice, spicy brown mustard and Worcestershire sauce until everything is combined.

Cut the buns in half, leaving them attached if possible. Place the bottom half in a prepared pan and brush a thin layer, about a quarter cup, on the cut side of the rolls. Stir the poppy seeds into the remaining sauce and set that aside.

Next layer the sliders, start with half of the shredded mozzarella, then the ham, the pineapple slices, the rest of the cheese and finish with the top buns. Finally, pour the remaining sauce over the top, cover in foil and bake for 20 minutes.

And that my friends is all it takes to create an appetizer that will have everyone raving. My advice is to double the batch so no one has to share, cause, well, chances are your friends won’t. I didn’t, but to be honest, I don’t share my food well. My husband, though, accused me of stealing a bite of his sandwich and was totally ticked at me (I didn’t – he did it himself and forgot). And then requested an extra slider, so I think it’s safe to say, make extras!

Loved Pineapple & Ham Hawaiian Sliders? Check out these other delicious appetizer recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:

• Pesto Chicken and Tomato Basil Sliders
• Hot Beer Cheese Dip
• Everybody’s Favourite Buffalo Chicken Nachos

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If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!

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