Hearty Hawaiian: Ham & Cheese Sliders With A Tropical Twist

Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. They are a popular choice for gatherings, from game days to holiday parties, and can be paired with various side dishes to make a complete meal. The sliders typically consist of Hawaiian rolls filled with ham and cheese, most commonly Swiss cheese, and brushed with a buttery sauce. The sauce typically includes Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder, adding a savoury flavour to the sliders.

Oven-Baked Ranch Chex Mix

Ingredients:

• 9 cups of Chex cereal (any variety or a combination of rice, wheat, and corn)
• 1 cup of small pretzels
• 1 cup of cheese crackers (Cheez-Its are a great option)
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-Ins:

• Oyster crackers
• Goldfish crackers
• Bagel chips
• Parmesan crisps
• Mixed nuts
• Sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cereal, pretzels, crackers, and any optional add-ins you choose.
• In a separate bowl or measuring cup, prepare the sauce by mixing together the melted butter, ranch seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well. Ensure everything is coated evenly.
• Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to scrape down the bowl and add any remaining butter mixture.
• Bake for 1 hour, tossing the ingredients every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Remove from the oven when the ingredients are golden brown and crisp.
• Serve immediately, or let it cool and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips:

• This recipe is easily adaptable – feel free to substitute or add different types of cereal, crackers, and nuts to suit your taste preferences. Just maintain the same snack-to-seasoning ratio: 14 cups of crunchy snacks to 1 stick of butter and 2 packets of ranch seasoning.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cereal, crackers, and pretzels. The packaged ranch mix is also gluten-free.
• For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and make your own ranch mix instead of using the packaged mix.
• You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring the mixture every 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Easy, Cheesy Hot Pizza Dip

This pizza dip is the perfect companion to Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders. It's an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time and served hot from the oven.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 cup of pizza sauce
• 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
• Pepperoni slices to taste
• Tortilla chips or 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cut into cubes, for serving

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture into a pie pan or 2-quart casserole dish.
• Top the cream cheese mixture with the pizza sauce, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the pizza sauce.
• Add your desired amount of pepperoni slices on top.
• Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is browned.
• Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with tortilla chips or cubed sourdough bread.

Tips

• For a fluffier dip that's easier to scoop, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese before adding the remaining ingredients.
• If you prefer your pepperoni crispy, add it on top of the cheese before baking.
• To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and soften the cream cheese before mixing.
• If you want to add fresh basil, do so after the dip has finished baking.

Variations

While pepperoni is a classic, feel free to experiment with other pizza toppings, such as:

• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Sausage
• Ham
• Bacon
• Olives
• Green peppers
• Green onions
• Black olives
• Red onion
• Sliced mushrooms

Garnish with slivers of basil and a drizzle of pesto for added freshness.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, as many as you need for your group
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other favourite spices

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Peel them if desired, but it is not necessary.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes or wedges.
• In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavour.
• Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Stir them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Apple Chips

A great side to go with your ham and cheese sliders is some air-fried apple chips. This recipe is a delicious, healthy snack and a fantastic alternative to potato chips. It is also an easy way to get your kids to eat more fruit!

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples (red and green)
• Cinnamon to taste
• Sugar (optional)

Method:

Firstly, wash and dry your apples. Then, thinly slice the apples, aiming for around ⅛-inch thick slices. A mandoline is ideal for this, but you can also carefully use a knife. Thinner slices will result in a crispier chip.

Next, lay out your apple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon, and sugar if you want a sweeter chip. Then, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

Place the apple slices in the air fryer, covering them with a metal rack or trivet to prevent them from flying around while cooking. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the apples every 5 minutes.

Once the apple slices are drying out, increase the temperature to 330°F (165°C) and cook for another 8-12 minutes to crisp, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer a chewier, softer texture, you can stop when they reach your desired texture.

Finally, transfer the apple chips to a bowl or plate to cool. They will crisp up even more as they cool!

These apple chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container or sealed bag for up to a week at room temperature.

Light & Easy Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 6 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Cheese (provolone, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack)
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Almonds or cashews

Method

• Pour the chopped broccoli into a large mixing bowl.
• Add the onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, and chopped turkey bacon.
• In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. This will make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the bowl with the broccoli and other ingredients.
• Stir well, coating each piece in dressing.
• Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, but the longer it sits, the better.

Tips

• Let the salad sit for 2-3 hours if possible, so the ingredients and flavors have time to combine and set in.
• Finely chop the broccoli so you can mix things thoroughly and enjoy all of the flavors in each bite.
• Add cheese for an even more delicious dish.
• Broccoli salad should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

This light and easy broccoli salad is a great side dish to serve with a variety of main courses. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Apple Turkey Burgers
• Chicken entrées, such as Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bake or One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
• BBQ dishes

Frequently asked questions