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 work 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
- Quick Preparation: These sliders come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of ham, cheese, and the mustard onion butter sauce creates a savory delight.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners—everyone will love them!
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite cheeses or add veggies to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy sliders offer that comforting feel that everyone craves.
Tools and Preparation
For preparing Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to get started.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- 23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife
- Baking paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A good-sized pan ensures even cooking and allows for easy serving.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like the savory butter mix without any mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps cut the rolls cleanly for assembly without tearing.
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 12 standard or 24 small soft white roll slab (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13 slab)
- 1/3 cup American mustard (the bright yellow stuff)
- 350g/12 oz ham (shaved or thinly sliced; up to 500g/1lb)
- 250g/8 oz Swiss cheese (or other melting cheese slices; about 10-12 slices)
For the Savory Butter Sauce
- 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp American mustard
- 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). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm / 13 x 9 pan with baking paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Savory Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Finely chopped onion
3. Additional mustard
4. Poppyseeds
5. Worcestershire sauce
6. Garlic powder
7. Salt and pepper
Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Cut the slab of rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Spread both layers generously with the initial amount of mustard. Place the bottom half in your prepared pan.
Step 4: Add Ham and Cheese
Layer on the shaved or thinly sliced ham, followed by a generous layer of Swiss cheese on top of the ham. Do not place the top layer back on yet!
Step 5: Bake Without Lid
Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes until the cheese begins to melt but before it browns.
Step 6: Smother with Butter Sauce
Remove from oven. Carefully place the top layer of bread back on, then pour or spoon over your prepared butter mixture evenly across all rolls.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover with aluminum foil and return to oven. Bake for another 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 8: Encourage Soakage
After baking covered, remove foil. Use a fork or knife to pierce where each roll meets to let extra butter soak into each piece.
Step 9: Final Bake Uncovered
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Cut sliders while they’re still hot for easy serving and enjoy!
How to Serve Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are deliciously versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether at a party or a family gathering, these sliders can be dressed up or kept simple to suit any occasion.
For Game Day
- With Dips: Serve alongside mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Chips on the Side: Pair with crunchy potato chips for a satisfying texture contrast.
At a Party
- On a Platter: Arrange sliders on a large platter with decorative garnishes like parsley or pickles.
- Mini Skewers: Insert toothpicks to create easy-to-pick appetizers that guests can enjoy while mingling.
Family Dinner
- With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Warm Buns: Keep the sliders warm in the oven until serving for that freshly-baked experience.
How to Perfect Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
To make your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders even more perfect, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Rolls: Always start with soft, fresh rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on the ham and cheese—layer them generously for maximum taste.
- Don’t Rush the Butter: Allow the butter mixture to soak into the rolls by piercing them before finishing the bake.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different melting cheeses like Gouda or cheddar for unique flavors.
- Adjust Mustard Levels: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the amount of mustard used in the recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Adding side dishes can elevate your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders experience. Here are some great pairings to consider.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the sliders well.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side.
- Vegetable Tray: A colorful assortment of raw veggies gives a healthy balance to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic macaroni salad brings comfort food vibes to your spread.
- Pickle Chips: Tangy pickle chips offer a zesty bite that pairs perfectly with rich sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale rolls – Always opt for fresh, soft rolls for the best texture. Stale bread will lead to a dry and unappetizing slider.
- Overloading on cheese – While cheese is essential, too much can overpower the other flavors. Stick to the recommended amount for balance.
- Skipping the soaking step – Don’t forget to pierce the rolls before baking uncovered. This allows the butter sauce to soak in, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Not preheating the oven – Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crust.
- Ignoring storage guidelines – Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Follow the recommended methods to avoid soggy or dry sliders.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat wrapped sliders for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat sliders on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- Stovetop – For a crispy bottom, heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders:
Can I customize my Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like pickles, jalapeños, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
How do I make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders healthier?
Consider using whole-grain rolls or low-fat cheese options. You could also reduce the butter without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I use other meats instead of ham?
Yes! Turkey or roast beef also work well in sliders. Just adjust the mustard sauce if needed.
What’s the best way to serve Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners. Serve them warm with sides like chips or a salad!
Final Thoughts
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick dinner idea, these sliders are sure to satisfy any craving. Give them a try today!
Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders! These delightful sliders feature soft rolls stuffed with savory ham and gooey melted cheese, all luxuriously coated in a tangy mustard onion butter sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser that transforms leftover Christmas ham into something spectacular. With a quick prep time and customizable ingredients, these sliders are destined to become your go-to dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 soft white rolls
- 350g ham (shaved or thinly sliced)
- 250g Swiss cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 100g unsalted butter
- 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). Line a baking pan with baking paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, chopped onion, mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the rolls in half horizontally and spread mustard on both layers. Place the bottom layer in the prepared pan.
- Layer ham and cheese on top of the bottom layer.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese begins to melt.
- Add the top layer of rolls and pour the butter mixture evenly over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Uncover and pierce the rolls to soak in extra butter; bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (90g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
