If you’ve ever found yourself trying to please both kids and adults with the same meal, it can be a struggle.
As a parent of two young kids, this is my daily reality. Thankfully, Gippity Kitchen has no shortage of creative ideas for my kiddos. From Colorful Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Meatballs to Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, Gippity has been a lifesaver when it comes to kid-friendly recipes.
But what about the adults? Sometimes, I want to enjoy something with a little more depth while still keeping the kids happy.
The Prompt
What’s up, Gippity? I want to make a fun, 100% kid-approved recipe, but I also want a version of the recipe that would appeal to adults. Whaddaya got?
Gippity Kitchen Says:
Hey Stephen,
Whipping up a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults can be a bit of a balancing act. The challenge lies in crafting something that’s simple and fun enough to keep the kids excited yet sophisticated enough to satisfy the more refined palates of the adults.
After some brainstorming, I came up with an idea that perfectly fits the bill: baked cold-cut sliders. They’re bite-sized, versatile, and easy to adapt to different tastes.
For the kids, I envisioned juicy slices of ham paired with melty Swiss cheese tucked into soft slider buns. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss combination guaranteed to be a hit.
Meanwhile, the adult version gets a gourmet twist with turkey, creamy Brie, sweet caramelized onions, and a peppery touch of arugula.
This dual approach ensures everyone’s happiness and lets you efficiently serve a single meal with delicious variations. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Baked cold-cut sliders? I’ve never made anything like them, but they sound like winners! Let’s see how Gippity Kitchen and I bring this idea to life.
Baked Cold Cut Sliders: Kid-Approved & Gourmet Style
Get ready to satisfy the whole family with these delectable cold cut sliders. Whether catering to kids with the classic ham and Swiss version or impressing adults with a gourmet twist of Brie and caramelized onions, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Easy to make and a joy to eat, these sliders are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls, preferably connected
- 1 pound thinly sliced turkey breast
- 1 pound thinly sliced ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the slider buns horizontally, keeping each set connected if possible. Place the bottom halves in two separate greased baking dishes.
- Caramelize Onions (for adults): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt; occasionally stir until browned and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix melted butter, honey, and poppy seeds (if using) in a bowl. This will be brushed on both sets of sliders.
- Assemble Kids’ Sliders: Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom half of one set of buns. Layer with ham slices and Swiss cheese. Top with the bun tops.
- Assemble Adults’ Sliders:
- Slice the Brie cheese into even pieces. You can keep the rind on or remove it, depending on your preference.
- Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using) on the bottom half of the second set of buns. Arrange turkey slices, Brie cheese, and caramelized onions. Add arugula, then close with the bun tops.
- Apply the Topping: Brush the honey-butter mixture generously over both sliders, ensuring the tops are well coated.
- Bake: Cover both dishes with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are slightly crispy and the cheeses have melted.
- Serve: Once baked, let them cool for a moment, then slice into individual sliders and serve. The kids can enjoy the simple ham and cheese, while adults savor the gourmet version with Brie and caramelized onions.
Tips for Excellence:
- One Oven, Two Dishes: If your oven has enough space, you can bake both dishes simultaneously. If not, bake them one after the other, keeping one covered while the other bakes.
- Time-Saving Tip: Caramelize the onions beforehand or while prepping other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad, chips, or favorite side dishes suitable for kids and adults.
Was it Good?
Yeah, it was good. The kids’ version was so simple that it was almost impossible not to like it. Ham and Swiss, baby.
The adult version was more complex, but the flavors worked well together.
Issues
- The Brie was too thick, making it a bit overpowering. I liked it, but my wife would have preferred a thinner slice.
- The final step of removing the foil and baking for an additional 5 minutes made the tops too hard and chewy. It’s weird because I usually love toasted buns, but I’d skip that step if I made this again. They were already crispy enough after the initial 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Gippity has been on an absolute roll lately. “Awesome” recipe after “awesome” recipe. This one was good but could have been better. That said, good is still good, and I’d make these again if I had to feed a mixed crowd.
