Sponsored by MainlandJune 22, 2026There is a distinct moment in entertaining when the casual transitions into the unforgettable. It rarely requires hours at the stove, but it always requires an understanding of contrast. The modern palate thrives on high-contrast eating — the collision of sweet, salt, fat and heat — and nothing anchors this sensory experience quite like a properly aged cheddar, where time intensifies both flavour and character.While a classic cheese toastie will always hold a place in our collective hearts, today’s hosting calls for something with a bit more theatre. Enter the pull-apart slider: a dish built for sharing, elevated by premium ingredients.The secret to mastering this dish lies entirely in how you handle the cheese. Rather than reaching for pre-shredded varieties that can melt into anonymity, a premium block like Mainland™ Tasty Aged Cheddar is the undisputed hero here. By cutting it into thick, generous slices, the cheese maintains its integrity under the heat of the oven. It develops a gorgeous, molten elasticity while preserving that sharp, robust bite that comes from careful ageing.To build the ultimate flavour profile, the sharpness of the aged cheddar is layered with the delicate saltiness of folded prosciutto and the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh thyme. Encased in pillowy brioche buns brushed with garlic-infused butter, the sliders are baked until the cheese is beautifully gooey.But it is the final act that elevates these sliders to a bistro-level centrepiece. A generous drizzle of homemade hot honey — infused with chilli flakes and a bright splash of apple cider vinegar — cuts through the richness of the dairy.When torn apart, the dramatic stretch of the melted cheddar creates an instant social-media moment, but it’s the balance of flavours that will keep your guests talking. Pair them with some crisp pickles or a sharp, bitter leaf salad to reset the palate between bites, and you have the ultimate weekend lunch or premium entertaining snack.The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.Sign upHot honey and aged cheddar pull-apart slidersServes: 4-6 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15-18 minutesIngredientsFor the sliders:12 small brioche slider buns250g Mainland™ Tasty Aged Cheddar block, thickly sliced100g prosciuttoFresh thyme leaves2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted1 small garlic clove, crushedSea salt flakes and cracked black pepperFor the hot honey:⅓ cup honey1-2 tsp chilli flakes, to taste1 tsp apple cider vinegarPinch of sea saltThe secret to mastering this dish lies entirely in how you handle the cheese. MethodMake the hot honey: Place the honey and chilli flakes in a small frypan over low heat. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir through the vinegar and a pinch of salt. Set aside to infuse.Prepare the buns: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-forced. Place buns on a lined baking tray. Using a serrated knife, slice the buns horizontally through the middle. Lift off the top halves and set aside.Layer the filling: Arrange the thick slices of Mainland Tasty Aged Cheddar over the base of the buns. Fold the prosciutto over the aged cheddar, then scatter with thyme leaves and a little cracked black pepper.Add the buttery glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and grated garlic. Place the top halves of buns back over the filling (push buns together so cheese can melt beautifully in between) then brush generously with the butter mixture. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.Bake until molten: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 5-8 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the aged cheddar is melted.Finish with hot honey: Drizzle the sliders generously with the hot honey. Scatter with extra thyme.Serve immediately: Tear the sliders apart while warm, letting the melted aged cheddar stretch between each bun. For extra freshness, pair with bitter leaf salad and crisp pickles.Top tipPre-slice the prosciutto to make the cheese-pulling moment extra easy – and effective.Ready to bring a touch of bistro theatre to your next gathering? Explore the full aged cheddar range and discover more bold entertaining recipes at mainland.com.au.From our partners