Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders are little bites full of sweet and salty goodness. Soft, fluffy biscuits hold tender slices of ham glazed with a sticky, caramel-like brown sugar coating that melts in your mouth. These sliders are perfect for a snack, brunch, or a fun party appetizer that everyone will reach for.
I love making these when I want something easy but tasty, especially because the brown sugar glaze adds just the right hint of sweetness without being overpowering. Sometimes I add a little mustard or cheese to the sliders for extra flavor, but honestly, they’re great just as they are. The mix of warm ham and buttery biscuit is so simple but hits the spot every time.
My favorite way to enjoy these sliders is fresh out of the oven while the glaze is still warm and sticky. They’re great to serve at casual gatherings, and kids seem to love them too because of the soft biscuits and sweet ham. I always find myself sneaking an extra one or two when no one’s looking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are the heart of these sliders. Store-bought works fine, but homemade biscuits with layers add a lovely texture. You could also try buttery croissants for a different twist.
Ham: Use nicely sliced cooked ham. Thinner slices warm quickly and stay tender. You could swap with turkey or chicken slices if preferred.
Brown Sugar Glaze: Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or even molasses works well. The apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang, but lemon juice or white vinegar works too.
Mustard: Dijon mustard adds subtle sharpness that balances the sweet glaze. You can skip it if you prefer milder flavors or use yellow mustard for a milder tang.
Cheese (Optional): Cheddar or Swiss cheese are great for melting on warm ham. If you’re dairy-free, leave cheese out or try a dairy-free slice.
How Can I Make the Brown Sugar Glaze Perfect Every Time?
Making the glaze right makes or breaks the flavor here. To get it smooth and thick without burning:
- Use medium heat to melt butter gently. Too hot will burn the sugar fast.
- Stir constantly once sugar is added. This helps dissolve the sugar and keeps things from sticking.
- Watch closely—3 to 5 minutes is enough to thicken. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but not be syrupy.
- If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Once off the heat, the glaze thickens more as it cools, so don’t wait too long to brush it on the ham and biscuits for best coverage and shine.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the biscuits and warm the sliders if you choose the oven method. It’s easy to move everything at once.
- Small saucepan – for making the brown sugar glaze, so it melts evenly and thickens properly.
- Skillet or frying pan – to warm the ham slices quickly and evenly, adding some browning for extra flavor.
- Sharp knife – to slice the biscuits neatly and, if needed, cut the ham into smaller pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Adding a slice of cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese gives a melty, savory layer that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
- Swap ham for roasted turkey or chicken slices if you want a leaner or different meaty option.
- Mix in a few sliced green onions or pickles for a tangy crunch that cuts through the sweetness.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the glaze for a smoky, spicy kick.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Biscuits and Ham Sliders:
- 1 batch of homemade or store-bought flaky biscuits (about 12 biscuits)
- 12 slices of cooked ham (about 3-4 oz each, depending on size)
- Optional: 1 slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese per slider
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes preparing and baking or warming the biscuits and ham, plus 5 minutes making the glaze and assembling the sliders. If you choose to warm the sliders together in the oven at the end, add another 5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Biscuits:
If you’re using store-bought biscuits, bake them according to the package instructions until they’re golden and fluffy. If you’re making homemade biscuits, use your favorite flaky biscuit recipe and bake until golden brown. Let the biscuits cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens a little. Then, remove it from the heat.
3. Heat the Ham:
Warm the ham slices in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This will lightly brown them and bring out their flavor.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice each biscuit in half horizontally. On the bottom half, place a warm slice of ham. If you’re using cheese, add a slice on top of the ham.
5. Add the Glaze:
Drizzle a generous amount of the brown sugar glaze over the ham (and cheese). Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Top and Serve:
Place the top half of the biscuit over the ham and glaze. For extra taste and a pretty shine, brush the biscuit tops with a little more glaze.
7. Optional: Warm Sliders Together:
Arrange the sliders on a baking sheet, brush extra glaze on top, and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and melts the cheese if you added it.
Enjoy your sweet and savory Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders fresh and warm!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuits for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw frozen biscuits according to package instructions before baking. This ensures they bake evenly and achieve that flaky texture.
Can I Substitute Ham with Another Meat?
Absolutely. Turkey or chicken slices work well as alternatives. Just warm them the same way to keep the sliders delicious and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the biscuits flaky and the ham warm.
Can I Make the Brown Sugar Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the glaze in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Warm it gently before drizzling to loosen it up and bring back its shine.
