This Retro Appetizer Was the Highlight of My Disco-Themed Party in the '70s

I’ve always been a fan of themed parties! Growing up, my parents hosted some of the best themed gatherings, and it became a tradition I couldn’t wait to continue in my own home. Our latest celebration was a tribute to the groovy '70s disco era—everyone showed up in their best disco and hippie outfits, the music was on fire, and of course, the menu had to transport us back in time. That’s how these sweet and savory Spam sliders came to be, and they completely stole the show!

The Story Behind Spam

Spam is a canned meat product made from pork and ham, first launched in 1937 by the Hormel Corporation. The original idea behind Spam was to boost sales of the underappreciated pork shoulder cut. Since then, more than eight billion cans have been sold worldwide, and it’s now available in 44 countries, making it a true pantry staple.

How to Prepare Delicious Sweet and Savory Spam Sliders

These sweet and savory sliders are bursting with flavor and incredibly fun to eat. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, which makes them the perfect recipe for feeding a crowd at any event.

How to Make Spam Sliders

Ingredients

• 2 (12-count) bags King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 (12-ounce) cans Spam, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple slices in juice, each slice cut in half
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and once it's hot, cook each slice of Spam for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside.
2. Assemble the sliders by carefully separating the top and bottom halves of the King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Place the bottom halves into a 9 x 13 baking dish, keeping them close together. Brush with teriyaki sauce to coat evenly. Top each roll with a slice of Spam and half a pineapple ring. Place the top halves of the rolls on top and brush with maple syrup.
3. Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 20 minutes until the rolls turn light golden. For an extra crispy touch, broil the sliders on low for 1-2 minutes before serving. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Carefully slice the sliders apart with a sharp knife to make it easy to pull them out of the dish. Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I have to cook the Spam first? While it’s true that Spam is pre-cooked in the can and can be eaten safely without any additional preparation, the texture can be slightly slimy or spongy, and the soft meat is surrounded by a thin, clear gelatin layer straight from the can. Spending just a few minutes to pan-fry the Spam is a game changer. It makes it crisp, enriches the color and flavor, and locks moisture leading to juicy, savory slices.
• Why do I need canned pineapple? Is fresh pineapple ok? Sweetness, texture, and consistency are the main reasons to use canned pineapple in this recipe. The syrupy juices of canned pineapple blend deliciously with teriyaki sauce and salty Spam. The soft, plump texture of sweet, canned pineapple slices is a perfect match for crispy, salty, savory pan fried Spam slices. Finally, each slice will be equally sweet, providing consistency with your sliders. Discover more sweet and savory ways to use canned pineapple here.
• Can I make these sliders ahead of time? I wouldn’t make these sliders any earlier than the day of your event. Otherwise, they can become soggy. I partially prepare them in the morning (Steps 1 and 2). Then, closer to serving, I brush them with the maple syrup before baking and broiling them for serving. (Steps 2 and 3).