Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sliders: The Ultimate Easy Meal & Leftover Ham Recipe
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple, incredibly easy, and utterly delicious meal perfect for any lunch or dinner. They’re also an ingenious way to utilize leftover ham or deli meat from your fridge!
Do you often find yourself with a bit of extra ham after a holiday feast, a family dinner, or simply from your weekly grocery run? Don’t let that delicious ham go to waste! We have an exceptional recipe that not only breathes new life into leftover meat but also creates a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will adore. These aren’t just any sandwiches; these are oven-baked, savory-sweet sliders that transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
It’s a common scenario: after a holiday like Easter or Christmas, or even just after making a big ham for Sunday dinner, there always seems to be a generous amount of leftover ham. Instead of reaching for the same old ham sandwiches, why not create something exciting? These easy sliders are a family favorite, offering a delightful twist that makes leftovers feel like a brand new, gourmet meal. Kids love their miniature size and sweet rolls, while adults appreciate the savory filling and crispy, flavorful topping. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a party.
What Exactly Are Ham and Cheese Sliders?
Ham and cheese sliders are a miniature, baked version of the beloved classic ham and cheese sandwich. What sets them apart is their foundation: instead of traditional sliced bread, these sliders typically use soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian sweet rolls. These rolls are smaller than standard hamburger buns, perfectly portioned to create what we affectionately call “sliders.” The magic happens when they are layered with ham and cheese, then brushed with a savory-tangy butter mixture, and finally baked until golden brown and gooey.
The term “slider” often refers to small sandwiches, usually served on dinner rolls, that are easy to pick up and eat. These Ham and Swiss Sliders exemplify that concept perfectly, making them ideal for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a convenient snack when you’re on the go. Their small size makes them excellent for parties and gatherings as well, offering a hearty yet manageable bite. Whether you’re using fresh deli meat or repurposing some delicious holiday ham, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a wonderfully comforting and crave-worthy dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ham and Swiss Sliders
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how few ingredients you need to create something so incredibly flavorful. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: A package of 12 rolls is ideal for this recipe. These rolls, found in most grocery store deli or bakery sections, provide a unique sweetness and soft texture that makes these sliders irresistible. If you prefer a less sweet profile, regular slider buns can be used as a substitute, but the Hawaiian rolls truly elevate the dish.
- Sliced Ham: Approximately ½ pound of ham is all you need. This is where your leftover ham from a previous meal shines! Alternatively, fresh deli ham works perfectly. Choose your favorite kind – thinly sliced black forest ham, honey ham, or even smoked ham will all be delicious.
- Swiss Cheese: About 6-8 slices of Swiss cheese perfectly complement the ham. Its nutty, slightly pungent flavor melts beautifully, adding a creamy, savory layer to each slider.
- Butter: Melted butter forms the base of our incredible topping. It’s brushed generously over the rolls, contributing to a golden, crispy exterior and rich flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Mixed with the melted butter, Dijon mustard introduces a delightful tang and a subtle kick that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese, balancing the sweet rolls.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding depth and umami to the butter topping. Just a touch enhances the savory notes of the entire dish.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples infuse the topping with aromatic flavors, contributing to a more complex and savory experience without the texture of fresh onion or garlic.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled over the buttered rolls, sesame seeds add a fantastic texture and a subtle, nutty flavor, giving the sliders a gourmet touch and a beautiful appearance.
Choosing the Perfect Cheese for Your Sliders
While the classic combination of ham and Swiss cheese is undeniably delicious and our preferred choice for these sliders, don’t feel limited! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize the cheese to suit your personal preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic cheese options that melt wonderfully and pair well with ham:
- Swiss: Our top recommendation for that classic ham and Swiss flavor profile – nutty, creamy, and melts perfectly.
- Cheddar: A perennial favorite, cheddar offers a sharp or mild creaminess that is always a hit.
- American: For ultimate meltiness and a smooth, mild flavor that kids particularly love.
- Mozzarella: Provides a stringy, gooey texture when melted and a mild, milky taste that lets the ham shine.
- Provolone: A slightly sharper, more complex flavor than mozzarella, also melts beautifully.
- Colby Jack: A wonderful blend that offers both visual appeal and a balanced, mild flavor.
Feel free to mix and match or use a combination of cheeses to find your perfect slider blend!
How to Make Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sliders
Making these ham and cheese sliders is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
- **Prepare Your Baking Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can do this by brushing it with a thin layer of butter or using a non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the rolls from sticking and ensures even baking.
- **Slice the Rolls:** Take your Hawaiian sweet rolls and, without separating them individually, carefully slice the entire block of rolls horizontally in half. You’ll end up with a top half and a bottom half, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking dish.
- **Layer the Cheese and Ham:** Arrange the slices of cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Ensure each roll section gets a good amount of cheese. Next, place your sliced ham (whether it’s leftover or fresh deli ham) on top of the cheese. You can stack it slightly for a heartier slider. Finally, carefully place the top half of the rolls back over the ham and cheese layers.
- **Prepare the Flavorful Topping:** In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined. This mixture is what gives the sliders their signature golden crust and incredible depth of flavor.
- **Brush the Rolls:** Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the entire top surface of the rolls. Make sure to get into all the crevices, ensuring every part of the bun gets coated. This is key for that crispy, savory finish.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the tops of the rolls to turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside to be completely melted and gooey.
- **Serve and Enjoy:** Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven. Let them cool for just a minute or two before using a sharp knife to cut along the lines of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sliders
While the recipe is simple, a few extra tips can ensure your sliders are absolutely perfect every time:
- **Don’t Skimp on the Butter Topping:** This is where much of the flavor and crispy texture comes from. Ensure every inch of the top buns is coated.
- **Even Slices:** When slicing the rolls horizontally, try to keep the cut as even as possible to ensure the top and bottom halves sit together nicely.
- **Layering is Key:** Distribute the ham and cheese evenly so that each slider has a balanced bite.
- **Watch the Browning:** Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your sliders during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the tops from burning while still achieving that golden perfection.
- **Add Poppy Seeds:** For an extra layer of texture and a classic “deli sandwich” look, sprinkle poppy seeds over the butter topping before baking.
- **Consider Caramelized Onions:** For an elevated flavor, sauté some thinly sliced onions until caramelized and add a thin layer over the ham. This adds a sweet and savory complexity.
How to Store Leftover Sliders
If by some miracle you have any sliders left, storing them properly will allow you to enjoy them for another meal. Simply wrap your casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a sheet of aluminum foil. This dual layer helps to keep the sliders fresh and prevents them from drying out in the refrigerator. You can safely store them in the fridge for up to three days. Alternatively, transfer the leftover sliders to an airtight container, such as a sturdy plastic container or a resealable plastic bag, to maintain their freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. For individual sliders, a few seconds in the microwave will suffice to warm them through and re-melt the cheese. For a larger batch, you can place them back in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Freeze Leftover Sliders?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover ham sliders for extended storage! This is a fantastic option if you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare them ahead of time for future meals. To freeze them effectively, allow the sliders to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each individual slider (or small portions) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped sliders into a large plastic food container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen sliders in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they are hot and the cheese is melted again. Covering them with foil during reheating can help prevent the rolls from drying out.
What to Serve With Your Delicious Sliders
These Ham and Swiss Sliders are incredibly satisfying on their own, making them a perfect standalone meal. However, they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, transforming them into a more complete and well-rounded dinner. For a fresh and homemade feel, consider these delightful options:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: A light, refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes provides a wonderful contrast to the savory sliders.
- Best Potato Salad: Creamy and flavorful potato salad is a classic pairing for sandwiches and sliders, adding a hearty and comforting element.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these wedges offer a satisfying crunch and are super easy to make.
- Green Beans with Bacon: A simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetable side dish that adds a touch of smoky goodness.
- Air Fryer Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots, roasted to perfection in the air fryer, offer a healthy and colorful addition.
For a super quick and easy lunch or dinner, you can also simply serve your sliders alongside a bag of your favorite potato chips or a fresh fruit salad. The versatility of these sliders means you can pair them with almost anything!
Beyond Sliders: More Creative Leftover Ham Recipes
If you still find yourself with a bit more leftover ham after making these delightful sliders, don’t fret! Ham is a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide array of dishes. Here are some more fantastic ideas to ensure not a single shred of that delicious ham goes to waste:
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits: Flaky biscuits baked with savory ham and gooey cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A comforting and filling soup, ideal for a chilly evening, combining the rich flavor of ham with wholesome beans.
- Mushroom and Ham White Pizza: A delicious alternative to traditional red sauce pizza, featuring savory ham, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy white sauce.
- Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham: A timeless, flavorful soup that perfectly utilizes ham bone or diced ham for a deeply savory broth.
- Ham and Cheese Tortellini: Quick and easy, this pasta dish combines tender tortellini with savory ham and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
With these ideas, your leftover ham will never be boring again!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
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Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ½ pound sliced ham, can be leftover ham
- 6-8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350º F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected, and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
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Lay the slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
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Arrange the sliced ham over the cheese, then place the top half of the buns back on.
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In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and sesame seeds. Mix well.
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Generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls, ensuring even coverage.
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Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven, use a knife to cut along the roll lines to separate, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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