Irresistibly Gooey Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders That Disappear in Minutes
Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders aren’t your average party snack, they’re what happens when smoky ham, gooey cheese, and a rich, tangy spread join forces between buttery-soft buns. Think bold, Southern flavors in the most snackable form possible. I’ve made these for game days, birthday parties, even random Tuesdays when we needed a little joy at dinner, and they always disappear in record time.
The real magic? It’s that creamy Mississippi Sin filling, repurposed from its usual bread bowl glory and slathered generously onto sliders. Salty, savory, just a little indulgent, it melts right into the ham as they bake. You get crispy tops, melty centers, and major flavor in every bite. No complicated steps, just easy comfort food done really, really right.
Why You’ll Love These Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders
Last summer, I brought these sliders to a backyard barbecue where they were supposed to be just one of many appetizers. Within minutes of setting them down, they were completely gone, with guests asking if I had more in the car! The combination of savory ham and the creamy, slightly tangy spread creates an irresistible flavor that appeals to everyone from picky eaters to culinary enthusiasts.
- Incredibly flavorful – The combination of creamy cheese spread, smoky bacon, and savory ham creates layers of flavor that elevate these beyond ordinary sliders
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble these up to a day in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve
- Crowd-pleasing guarantee – These sliders consistently earn rave reviews and recipe requests whenever they’re served
- Versatile serving options – Perfect for everything from casual game days to more elegant gatherings
- Simple to prepare – Despite their impressive taste, they come together easily with straightforward ingredients
KEY INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN
Hatfield Thick-Cut Hardwood Smoked Bacon: The smoky depth from quality bacon infuses the spread with rich flavor that complements the ham beautifully. The thick cut ensures you get substantial bacon pieces in each bite.
Hatfield Classic Boneless Ham: The star protein that makes these sliders substantial and satisfying. Using a quality boneless ham makes slicing easy and provides consistent results.
Cream Cheese and Cheddar: This dynamic duo creates the creamy, gooey base of our “sin” spread. The cream cheese provides richness while the sharp cheddar adds the distinctive tang and color.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These two ingredients create the perfect consistency while adding complexity to the spread. The sour cream brings a slight tanginess that balances the richness beautifully.
Scallions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and lovely green specks throughout the spread. Using both white and green parts provides balanced flavor.
Hot Sauce and Worcestershire: Just enough of these flavor boosters to add depth without overwhelming, they’re the secret ingredients that make people wonder what makes these sliders so addictive.
Slider Rolls: Soft, pull-apart rolls create the perfect vehicle for the ham and spread. Their slightly sweet flavor complements the savory filling wonderfully.
VARIATIONS + SUBSTITUTIONS
Protein Options:
- Substitute turkey or roast beef for the ham
- Use pepperoni or salami for an Italian-inspired version
- Try pulled pork or chicken for a different texture experience
Cheese Variations:
- Swap pepper jack for the cheddar to add a spicy kick
- Try smoked gouda for additional smoky depth
- Mix in some crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor twist
Dietary Adaptations:
- Use light cream cheese and light sour cream to reduce calories
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich option
- For gluten-sensitive guests, serve the ham and spread on gluten-free rolls
Flavor Enhancers:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños for heat
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for sharpness
- Incorporate 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweet-tangy notes
STEP BY STEP SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Bake your bacon until perfectly crisp, about 15-20 minutes at 350°F. The key here is using parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Let the bacon cool completely before chopping; this ensures it maintains its crispness in the spread.
Step 2: Slice the Ham
Use your sharpest slicing knife to cut the ham into thin, even slices. Don’t rush this step, thin slices will distribute better across the sliders and provide the perfect meat-to-spread ratio. If your knife skills aren’t perfect, don’t worry, the ham will be folded to fit the rolls anyway.
Step 3: Create the “Sin” Spread
Combine all your spread ingredients until smooth and well incorporated. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened, this prevents those unwanted lumps in your spread. The mixture should have a consistent texture but still maintain some texture from the bacon and scallions.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Divide the spread between both halves of the rolls, this creates maximum flavor impact and helps hold everything together. When folding ham slices, create little accordion pleats for the best texture and ease of eating.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
The covered baking period allows everything to warm through without browning too quickly, while the uncovered portion creates that irresistible golden top. Watch carefully during the final minutes, you want golden, not burned!
A FEW HELPFUL TIPS
- Room temperature spread ingredients blend much more easily, set them out about 30 minutes before mixing
- Don’t overchop the bacon – keeping some texture makes each bite more interesting
- Pack the sliders tightly in your baking dish, this helps them heat evenly and stay together
- Use a bread knife to separate the sliders after baking for clean cuts without squishing
- Let the sliders rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to serve
THE SECRET TO PERFECT MISSISSIPPI SIN SPREAD
What many home cooks miss when making Mississippi Sin-inspired recipes is achieving the ideal balance between creamy and textured elements. The spread should be creamy enough to melt slightly when heated but substantial enough to hold its shape. The key is room-temperature ingredients (never microwaved to soften) and mixing just until combined, overmixing can make the spread too runny.
Another often-overlooked technique is applying the spread to both halves of the buns. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy, while doubling the flavor impact in every bite. This simple technique elevates these sliders from good to unforgettable.
MAKE-AHEAD MAGIC WITH MISSISSIPPI SIN SLIDERS
These sliders are perfect for entertaining because you can prepare them in stages. The spread can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The entire slider assembly can be completed a day ahead, covered tightly with plastic wrap (not foil, which can react with the acidic ingredients), and refrigerated. Simply add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS + PAIRINGS
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside a crisp coleslaw or a light garden salad to balance the richness
- Soup Pairings: A cup of tomato soup makes these sliders into a complete meal
- Appetizer Spread: Include these on a game day buffet with vegetable crudités, pickle spears, and potato chips
- Beverage Pairings:
- For non-alcoholic options, sweet tea or lemonade provides refreshing contrast
- Beer enthusiasts will appreciate a light lager or amber ale
- Wine lovers should try a fruity Zinfandel or Syrah that can stand up to the flavors
STORAGE, REHEATING, AND FREEZING TIPS
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Separate sliders with parchment paper to prevent sticking
Reheating Methods:
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through
- Toaster oven: 5-7 minutes at 325°F for smaller batches
- Microwave: 30-second intervals at 50% power (though this may make the bread slightly chewy)
Freezing Guidelines:
- Unbaked assembled sliders freeze well for up to 1 month
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time)
Quality Notes:
- The texture is best when eaten fresh or within one day
- The spread alone freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for future slider emergencies
FAQ
Can I make these sliders without bacon?
Absolutely! While the bacon adds wonderful smoky depth, you can omit it and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to compensate for some of that lost flavor. The sliders will still be delicious.
Why is it called “Mississippi Sin”?
This rich, indulgent spread got its name because it’s so deliciously decadent that it’s considered “sinfully” good. The original dip version has been a staple at Southern gatherings for generations, traditionally served in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
Can I use deli ham instead of a whole ham?
Yes! While slicing your own ham provides the freshest result, you can absolutely use good quality deli ham. Ask for it to be sliced medium-thick rather than shaved, which will give you better texture in the finished sliders.
How can I prevent my sliders from becoming soggy?
The key is applying the spread to both top and bottom buns, creating a moisture barrier that protects the bread. Also, make sure your spread isn’t too wet, if it seems very loose, add a bit more shredded cheese to thicken it.
Enjoying These Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders
Every time I pull a tray of these Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders from the oven, I know what’s coming, people hovering nearby, sneaking one before they even hit the table. They’re the kind of food that gets eaten with your hands and savored with a grin. No fuss. No leftovers. Just happy people and empty plates. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding the family, or just treating yourself, these sliders turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable. And that’s the kind of cooking worth coming back to.
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Mississippi Sin Ham Sliders for When You Want to Win
The real magic? It’s that creamy Mississippi Sin filling, repurposed from its usual bread bowl glory and slathered generously onto sliders. Salty, savory, just a little indulgent, it melts right into the ham as they bake.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Ingredients
1/2 pound Hatfield Thick-Cut Hardwood Smoked Bacon
1 3-pound Hatfield Classic Boneless Ham
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 10-ounce block yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
1 8-ounce container sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup scallions, finely minced (tops and bottoms of 3–4 scallions)
Dash of your favorite hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 dozen soft pull-apart slider rolls
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lay the bacon strips flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until perfectly crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then let them cool and chop into small pieces. Set the bacon aside and keep the oven on.
- With a very sharp knife, carefully slice the entire ham into thin, even slices and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended. Fold in the chopped bacon.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally. Generously spread the cream cheese mixture on both the top and bottom halves of all 18 rolls.
- Layer the sliced ham over the bottom halves, folding any larger pieces to fit neatly. Place the tops back on and nestle each assembled slider snugly into a 9×13-inch baking dish (or larger, depending on the size of the rolls).
- Brush the tops with melted butter. Cover the pan with parchment paper followed by foil, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the cover and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until golden and warmed through.
- Take them out of the oven and serve immediately, these are best hot, melty, and straight from the pan.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Share Your Experience and Customizations
Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you made any tweaks or added your own spin, let us know how it went, we’re all about seeing how y’all make it your own!
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