Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Recipe video above. You can’t imagine how good a ham sandwich can be until you’ve tried Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders! Rolls stuffed with ham and cheese smothered in a tangy mustard onion butter sauce baked until the cheese is melty, this American game-day favourite is excellent big-batch party food that is leftover Christmas ham-worthy. The mustard and onion really works in this, lending savouriness and tang that sets this apart from the usual boring lunchbox ham sandwiches! And there’s probably less butter per roll (1 3/4 tsp each) than if you spread it on like usual. (Did I just convince myself this is healthy? 🤣)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, these sliders come together quickly, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm, cheesy sandwich! Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover holiday ham or swap the cheese to suit your taste; the possibilities are endless!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and tangy mustard makes every bite irresistible.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for an easy bake-and-serve option later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even heat distribution while baking to achieve perfectly cooked sliders.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly; a larger bowl allows for comfortable mixing without spills.
Ingredients
Bread
- 12 standard or 24 small soft white roll slab (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13 slab)
Mustard Mixture
- 1/3 cup American mustard
- 2 tbsp American mustard
Filling
- 350g/12 oz ham (shaved or thinly sliced up to 500g/1lb)
- 250g/8 oz Swiss cheese (or other melting cheese slices)
Butter Mixture
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp poppyseeds
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic, finely minced)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). While it heats up, line the base of your baking pan with paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Savoury Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine:
– Melted butter
– Finely chopped onion
– Poppyseeds
– Worcestershire sauce
– Garlic powder
– Salt
– Black pepper
Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble Base of Sliders
Cut the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread both the base and lid with the 1/3 cup American mustard. Place the bottom half of the bread into the prepared pan. Layer with shaved ham followed by slices of Swiss cheese. Don’t put the lid on yet!
Step 4: Bake Without Lid
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese has melted but before adding the lid.
Step 5: Smother with Butter Mixture
Remove from oven. Place the top half of bread back on and pour/spoon over the savoury butter mixture generously over all parts of the sliders.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover your pan with foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 7: Pierce for Soakage
After baking covered, remove foil. Pierce each intersection where rolls meet to help soak up all that buttery goodness.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
Return to oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and crusty.
Step 9: Cut and Serve!
Once baked, cut while hot into portions and serve immediately for best flavor. Enjoy your delicious Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders!
How to Serve Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for any gathering. Their delightful combination of savory ham and gooey cheese makes them a hit at parties, game days, or even casual family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
With Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
- Barbecue Sauce – Adds a smoky flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
- Ranch Dressing – For a creamy option, ranch dressing adds a cool contrast to the warm sliders.
On a Platter
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- With Pickles – Serve alongside dill pickles for a crunchy, tangy bite that balances the richness of the sliders.
As Part of a Sandwich Bar
- Customize Your Toppings – Offer additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños for guests to personalize their sliders.
- Choose Your Bread – Provide different types of rolls (like pretzel or whole wheat) for variety.
For Kids’ Parties
- Mini Size Options – Cut the sliders into smaller portions to make them more kid-friendly.
- Fun Shapes – Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the rolls before assembling.
How to Perfect Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
To make your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders truly stand out, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Rolls – Freshly baked rolls will yield the best texture and flavor.
- Let Them Rest – Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier cutting.
- Experiment with Cheeses – Try different melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda for varied flavor profiles.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Mix – The mustard onion butter adds essential moisture and flavor; ensure every inch is covered.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Pairing your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw – A crunchy and tangy slaw balances the richness of the sliders perfectly.
- Potato Chips – Classic chips add a satisfying crunch; consider flavored varieties like BBQ or salt & vinegar.
- Fruit Salad – A sweet fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to savory sliders.
- Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies with dip offer a healthy crunch that complements the meal well.
- Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad rounds out your meal with rich flavors.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness, making them a delicious pairing.
- Baked Beans – Their hearty texture and sweetness work nicely alongside ham flavors.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides greens that balance the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some to watch out for:
- Using stale rolls – Freshness matters! Always use soft, fresh rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Overloading on cheese – While more cheese sounds tempting, it can make the sliders too greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for balanced flavors.
- Skipping the mustard – Mustard adds a crucial tang. Don’t omit it; instead, choose your favorite type for added flavor.
- Not piercing before baking – This step is vital for allowing butter to soak into the bread. Skipping it leads to dry sliders.
- Neglecting to cover while baking – Covering with foil keeps the sliders moist during baking. Forgetting this can result in a dry texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Place sliders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Microwave each slider for about 30 seconds or until heated through. Use a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering the pan with a lid. This helps melt the cheese while warming the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders:
Can I use different types of cheese for my Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.
How do I prevent my sliders from getting soggy?
Make sure you pierce the rolls after they bake topless so that excess butter can soak in without making them too wet.
Can I prepare Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What should I serve with Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a side salad, potato chips, or even a warm bowl of soup for a cozy meal.
Final Thoughts
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Their melty cheese and savory ham offer comfort that everyone loves. Plus, you can customize them easily by adding different cheeses or toppings. Try making these delightful sliders at your next event!
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders! These baked delights feature soft rolls packed with savory ham and gooey melted cheese, all enveloped in a zesty mustard onion butter sauce that elevates them above the average sandwich. Perfect for parties or game days, these sliders are not only easy to prepare but also offer a delicious way to utilize leftover holiday ham. Each bite is a symphony of flavors—savory, warm, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether served as appetizers or main dishes, these sliders will be the highlight of any gathering!
Ingredients
- 12 soft white rolls
- 350g ham (thinly sliced)
- 250g Swiss cheese (or preferred melting cheese)
- 100g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup American mustard
- 1/4 onion (finely chopped)
- Poppyseeds
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking pan with paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, onion, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Slice the rolls horizontally and spread mustard on both halves. Layer sliced ham and cheese on the bottom half.
- Bake for 10 minutes uncovered until cheese melts.
- Pour the butter mixture over the top half of the rolls, cover with foil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Uncover and pierce each roll where they meet to soak up butter; bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut into portions while hot and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
