There’s something undeniably comforting about sliders, isn’t there? All those little bites packed with flavor can transform any gathering into something unforgettable. I remember the first time I made ham and cheese sliders for a friend’s game night. The moment I pulled that golden tray out of the oven, the aroma wafted through the house, and my friends’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Ever since that day, these sliders have been my go-to for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You’re probably wondering what makes these ham and cheese sliders so special. Well, let me tell you! The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory deli ham, and gooey Swiss cheese creates a mouthwatering partnership that dances on your taste buds. But wait, there’s more! The buttery herb mixture drizzled on top is the secret ingredient that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you the star of the potluck without breaking a sweat. Who wouldn’t want to take that shortcut to culinary glory?
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s talk about the star players for this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls: These fluffy morsels are the foundation of your sliders. Their sweetness perfectly balances the savory ham and cheese mixture.
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1/2 pound deli-sliced ham: Go for your favorite deli-style ham; the fresh slices pack a punch in flavor. If you’re not a ham fan, turkey or even a veggie option can work wonders here.
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1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese: This creamy cheese melts beautifully and has the right amount of nutty flavor. If Swiss isn’t your jam, gouda or cheddar would also make a delicious substitute.
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1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, a thin spread of mayo on the bottom rolls adds richness that’ll make you swoon. Just a note: skip this if you’re aiming for a lighter slider.
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional): It adds a tangy kick that complements the ham beautifully. Feel free to adjust this to your taste.
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1 stick unsalted butter, melted: Because butter makes everything better, right? It gives a lovely sheen and flavor to our sliders.
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: This is for the buttery topping, enhancing that zesty flavor.
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch and an elegant touch.
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1 teaspoon onion powder & 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: These pantry staples bring an awesome depth of flavor. You won’t want to skip these!
The Cooking Process Explained
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making these sliders. Get your apron on, and follow these steps for a delicious result:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for my metric friends).
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Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the top and bottom halves intact; it works like a charming little sandwich slab.
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Nestle the bottom half into a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s like creating a cozy little bed for all the tasty stuff that’s about to go on top.
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Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom rolls if you’re using it. This creamy layer adds a delightful richness.
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Layer all the sliced ham evenly over the rolls, ensuring every bite will be a meaty delight.
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Top it off with a generous layer of Swiss cheese. Yes, the more, the merrier!
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If you’re using it, spread some Dijon mustard on the inside of the top half of the rolls. This little zing will amp up the flavor profile.
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Place the top half over the cheese to complete your sandwich masterpiece.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder. You’ll want this to be well-combined; it’s the magic glaze that will make these sliders sing.
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Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to coat them nicely.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with foil—this helps trap the steam and keeps everything nice and moist.
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Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until the tops are gloriously golden.
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Let it rest for about 5 minutes after pulling them out of the oven. This makes it easier to slice.
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Finally, slice into those individual sliders and serve warm, letting the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness shine!
Best Way to Enjoy It
These sliders are practically perfect on their own, but why not kick it up a notch? Serve them alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast, or pair them with some homemade potato chips for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling extra fancy, whip up a batch of coleslaw or a tangy pickle salad to cut through the richness.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Now, let’s chat about storing those scrumptious leftovers. If you have any left (but honestly, good luck with that), pop them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or you can even microwave them for about 30-60 seconds. Just know that the oven option will keep that lovely crust intact!
Extra Tips and Advice
Here are a few insider secrets to making your sliders even better:
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Toast the spices: If you have a minute, you can toast the onion and garlic powders in the melted butter for an added layer of flavor. This simple step could take your sliders over the top!
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If you love a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ham layer. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Planning a party? Double or triple the recipe! These bad boys vanish off the platter faster than you can say “ham and cheese.”
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations you might want to explore:
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BBQ Sliders: Swap ham for pulled pork and drizzle some BBQ sauce onto the cheese. Add a slaw topping for crunch!
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Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, use roasted veggies and a melty cheese blend—think mushrooms, peppers, and a hint of basil.
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Breakfast Sliders: How about scrambled eggs and bacon instead of ham? Top with cheddar for a morning fiesta!
Key Ingredients
- 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1/2 pound deli-sliced ham
- 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom rolls (if using).
- Layer all the sliced ham over the bottom half.
- Add a layer of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of the top half of the rolls (if using).
- Place the top half over the cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove foil, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead and then bake them right before serving.
- What kind of meat can I use? Deli turkey, roast beef, or even a hearty veggie option works great!
- Can I freeze these sliders? Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Why do you recommend letting them rest before slicing? This helps the cheese set a little, preventing gooey messiness when you slice and serve.
- What drinks go well with sliders? I recommend pairing them with a nice chilled iced tea, a crisp lager, or even a fruity spritzer for a refreshing complement.
We’ve come full circle, and I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these ham and cheese sliders! With their cheesy goodness and mouthwatering flavor, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen, too. Don’t hesitate to make them your own, add some personal flair, and get the whole family involved. Give this recipe a whirl, and let’s keep swapping our cooking stories! You’ve got this!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Description
These ham and cheese sliders are a perfect blend of savory deli ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a buttery herb mixture.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. -
Prepare the rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.Keep the rolls connected in halves. -
Assemble the bottom layer
Nestle the bottom half into a 9x13-inch baking dish. -
Add mayonnaise
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom rolls if using. -
Layer ham and cheese
Layer the sliced ham evenly over the bottom half and top it with Swiss cheese. -
Add mustard
Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of the top half of the rolls if using. -
Complete the sliders
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. -
Mix the butter topping
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder. -
Coat the rolls
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. -
Cover and bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. -
Let rest
Let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes after pulling them out of the oven. -
Slice and serve
Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0.4 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 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.
