Why This Recipe Is a Party Legend
Before we dive into the method, here is why these independence sliders will become your go-to appetizer.
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Only 4 ingredients. Ham, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard.
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No pre-cooking. Just dump and go.
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Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work.
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Crowd-pleasing. Sweet, tangy, and savory.
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Budget-friendly. Shaved ham and slider buns are inexpensive.
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Portable. Easy to transport to parties and potlucks.
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Ready in a few hours.
Ingredients
Servings: 8
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2 pounds shaved deli ham
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1 cup barbecue sauce
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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16 slider buns
Ingredient Notes
Shaved deli ham: Use shaved or thinly sliced deli ham. The thin slices absorb the sauce and become tender and flavorful. Do not use thick-cut ham, which will not absorb the sauce as well.
Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce. Sweet or honey-style barbecue sauce works best. The sauce provides the base of the glaze.
Brown sugar: Pack the brown sugar firmly into the measuring cup. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy sauce.
Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds tang and complexity. Yellow mustard can be substituted but will be less sharp.
Slider buns: Use soft slider buns. Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice. The sweet rolls complement the tangy ham.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Place the shaved deli ham in the slow cooker insert. Separate it lightly with your hands so the slices are not packed too tightly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the ham.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice if convenient. The ham is ready when it is hot and fully coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 4: Serve
Stir the ham well. Spoon it onto slider buns and serve warm.
How to Serve Independence Sliders
These sweet, tangy sliders are delicious on their own, but a few accompaniments make them even better.
With Coleslaw: Top the sliders with creamy coleslaw for crunch and freshness.
With Pickles: Dill pickle slices add tang and brightness.
With Cheese: Add a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese.
With Extra Sauce: Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
With Chips: Serve alongside potato chips or fries.
With a Salad: A simple green salad rounds out the meal.
Variations & Tips
Make It Spicier: Use spicy barbecue sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Make It Smokier: Use smoky barbecue sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
Make It With Honey: Substitute 1/4 cup of honey for 1/4 cup of the brown sugar.
Make It With Onion: Add 1 sliced onion to the slow cooker.
Make It With Garlic: Add 3 to 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Make It With Pineapple: Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking.
Make It With Different Meat: Use shredded chicken or pulled pork instead of ham.
Make It in the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ham in a baking dish. Mix sauce and pour over. Cover and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
Make It on the Stove: Combine ingredients in a large pot. Simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Separate the ham slices. This allows the sauce to coat every piece.
Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. The sauce can be sticky.
Stir once or twice during cooking. This ensures even coating.
Serve on soft buns. The buns should be soft enough to hold the saucy ham.
Keep the sliders warm. The slow cooker can stay on WARM for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Shredded chicken or pulled pork can be substituted.
Can I use a different mustard?
Yes. Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used.
Can I use a different barbecue sauce?
Yes. Any bottled barbecue sauce works.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. However, LOW is preferred.
Can I double this recipe?
Only if your slow cooker is at least 6 quarts. Do not fill more than two-thirds full.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Place the ham and sauce in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my sauce too thin?
The ham released more moisture than expected. Cook with the lid off for the last 15 to 20 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Stir in a splash of water or barbecue sauce, one tablespoon at a time.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes. Add sliced onions or bell peppers.
The Independence Day Tradition
The Fourth of July is a day of celebration. Grills are fired up. Flags are waved. Families gather. And there is always plenty of food. These sliders are a perfect addition to any Independence Day spread. They are easy to make. They are portable. They are delicious.
But these sliders are not just for the Fourth of July. They are perfect for any summer gathering. Perfect for game day. Perfect for potlucks. Perfect for any time you want to feed a crowd with almost no effort.
Keep ham in your fridge. Keep barbecue sauce and brown sugar in your pantry. Keep slider buns in your bread basket. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Yield: 16 sliders (8 servings)