You can also add another tablespoon or two of brown sugar. The sweeter version works especially well with tangy coleslaw or dill pickles.
Add More Tang
If the sauce tastes too rich or sweet, add a spoonful of pickle juice or a little extra Dijon mustard after cooking.
This gives the filling a sharper flavor and balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce and brown sugar.
Make-Ahead Option
The cooked ham mixture can be prepared ahead of time.
Once cooled, refrigerate it and gently reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. If the sauce becomes too thick during storage, add a small splash of water while reheating and stir until smooth.
Perfect for Parties
These sliders are especially convenient when serving a crowd.
Keep the cooked ham mixture in the slow cooker on the WARM setting and place the buns separately nearby. Guests can assemble their own sliders whenever they’re ready.
Keeping the buns separate also helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
What to Serve With Ham Sliders
These sweet-and-savory sliders pair beautifully with simple sides such as:
– Creamy coleslaw
– Kettle chips
– Potato salad
– Baked beans
– Dill pickles
– Fresh fruit salad
– Sliced tomatoes
For drinks, iced tea and lemonade make refreshing choices for a summer gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
The recipe keeps things incredibly simple: shaved deli ham, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
The slow cooker gently warms the ham while the sauce coats every piece, creating a tender, savory filling with a combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.
It’s the kind of easy recipe that works equally well for a family dinner or a table full of guests—and most of the work is done by the slow cooker.
