Ingredients
Scale
- 12 buttermilk biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound thinly sliced smoked ham
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut into smaller pieces
- Fresh arugula or baby spinach for garnish (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Substitution suggestions: If you prefer a milder heat, swap cayenne for smoked sweet paprika or omit it entirely. For a different cheese twist, try Swiss or Gruyère. If you don’t have buttermilk biscuits on hand, flaky croissants work beautifully as a substitute.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you’re baking your biscuits fresh, or simply prepare your pre-made biscuits for assembly.
- If making biscuits from scratch, bake them according to your recipe or package instructions, aiming for golden, flaky rounds about 2 inches in diameter. This step is where I often get my kids involved—they love watching the dough rise and puff up in the oven!
- While the biscuits bake or warm, mix the spicy honey glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. This glaze is the heart of the flavor, so taste and adjust the spice here—my husband likes it hotter, while my daughter prefers just a hint of warmth.
- Once biscuits are ready, slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Layer a generous amount of smoked ham on each biscuit bottom, followed by a piece of cheese. If you’re using arugula or spinach, add a small handful now for a fresh, peppery bite.
- Drizzle the spicy honey glaze evenly over the ham and cheese layers. Top with the biscuit halves.
- Place the assembled sliders in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the glaze is bubbly and fragrant. I always keep a close eye here because the smell will have everyone hovering near the oven!
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and watch the smiles appear.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International