Ah, ham and cheese sliders—the ultimate crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug after a long day! I remember the first time I whipped these up for a family gathering. The kids circled the platter like seagulls around fries at the beach, and let me tell you, those little rolls disappeared faster than I could say, “more cheese, please!” This is the kind of dish that wraps you in nostalgia while keeping things deliciously simple. Let’s dive into why these sliders should make their way into your kitchen tonight.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Picture this: you’re hosting friends, or maybe it’s game night with family, and the craving for something savory kicks in. This is where ham and cheese sliders swoop in like superheroes! We’re talking about flaky Hawaiian rolls stuffed with layers of savory ham and gooey cheese, drizzled with a sensational butter mixture that transforms them into pure bliss.
These beauties are super quick to assemble, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, and they can easily feed a crowd—all while looking pretty darn impressive. What’s more? The sweet and tangy magic of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor you didn’t even know you needed! This dish embodies warmth, comfort, and a bit of creativity, so why not indulge a little?
Gather these ingredients
To create these delightful sliders, you’ll need:
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12 Hawaiian rolls: The backbone of this recipe! Their sweet, fluffy texture adds a lovely contrast to the savory filling. Feel free to substitute with other soft rolls if you’re feeling adventurous—just keep that sweetness in mind!
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8 slices of ham: Choose your favorite deli ham, and don’t be shy about using smoked or honey ham for an extra twist. If you’re into a healthier option, turkey or chicken breast can work wonders here too!
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8 slices of cheese: Swiss or cheddar? The choice is yours! Swiss melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor, while cheddar brings that robust cheesiness we all adore. Mixing cheeses can also result in an unexpected flavor party!
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1/4 cup butter (melted): This buttery goodness is the secret sauce for that golden top. You can use garlic-infused or herb butter for an elevated twist; trust me—don’t skip this step; it’s pure magic!
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This adds a tang that cuts through the richness, keeping everything perfectly balanced. Feel free to swap with whole-grain mustard if you’re looking for a bit more texture.
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds: For that lovely aesthetic and a hint of crunch! If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them, but I think they add a nice touch.
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Don’t underestimate the power of this condiment—it’s the secret agent that amplifies all the flavors.
The cooking process explained
Now that we’ve gathered our bounty of ingredients, let’s get into the fun part—the creation! Here’s how you’ll assemble these sliders:
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Preheat the oven to a delightful 350°F (175°C) to get those flavors mingling perfectly.
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Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half—they’re like soft pillows begging to be filled—and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
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Layer the ham generously—don’t skimp! Follow with the cheese. Sometimes I like to mix the cheese for a flavor explosion!
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Cap it with the top halves of the rolls. It’s like putting the finishing touch on a beautiful cake!
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
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Pour this heavenly mixture over the sliders, making sure they’re all slathered with goodness.
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Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Peek-a-boo! We want those sliders warm and the cheese melty. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until that golden crust forms. Just keep an eye on those sliders—they can go from golden to burnt pretty quick!
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Serve warm and watch them disappear like magic!
Best way to enjoy it
Ah, how to serve these little wonders? These sliders shine best with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh salad. You might also want to whip up a quick batch of coleslaw for some tangy crunch.
Want to elevate your slider game? Try slicing them into halves for bite-sized adventures at your next party—your guests will love this little touch. Alternatively, pair them with a light dipping sauce spread on the side; a honey mustard or zesty aioli can elevate the experience.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Store your ham and cheese sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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When it’s time to reheat, a quick spin in the microwave will work, but for the best experience, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
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If you want to freeze them, wrap individual sliders in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about a month. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them defrost in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating guidelines above!
Pro chef tips
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Prep ahead: Assemble everything the night before, cover and refrigerate, then just pop them in the oven when it’s showtime!
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Experiment: Use different types of rolls—pretzel rolls, brioche, or even a gluten-free option to accommodate your guests.
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Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or arugula with your ham and cheese for a flavor punch and extra nutrients.
Creative Twists
Looking to shake things up? Here are some creative variations:
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Veggie Power: Swap the ham for roasted veggies or hummus for a delightful vegetarian treat.
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Spicy Surprise: Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a kick!
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Barbecue Bliss: Smother the ham in your favorite barbecue sauce for a unique take that screams summer!
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer the ham and cheese on the rolls.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on the cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the tops of the sliders.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Your questions answered
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Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and then bake just before serving.
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What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls? Any soft sandwich roll works, but try to maintain that sweetness for the best flavor.
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How do I make them healthier? Opt for whole grain rolls, lean turkey, and skip the butter topping.
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Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze; just remember to defrost them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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What drinks pair well with these sliders? I recommend a refreshing iced tea or a light beer—perfect companions for a savory bite.
There you have it! Our ham and cheese sliders are not just a recipe; they’re an experience waiting to captivate your taste buds. With their comforting flavors, you might find yourself making them a permanent fixture in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity flow. Don’t forget to share your own interpretations or feedback in the comments. I can’t wait to hear how your sliders turn out!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Description
These ham and cheese sliders are a crowd-pleaser, featuring savory layers of ham and gooey cheese, drizzled with a flavorful butter mixture.Ingredients
Sliders
Instructions
Assembly and Cooking
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the Rolls
Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. -
Layer the Filling
Layer the ham generously on the bottom halves of the rolls, followed by the cheese.Feel free to mix cheeses for more flavor. -
Cap the Sliders
Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the cheese. -
Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. -
Bake the Sliders
Pour the butter mixture over the sliders evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. -
Serve
Serve warm and enjoy your sliders!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 100 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 200 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
