Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious and simple crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal option, perfect for any occasion. These warm, gooey sliders feature layers of savory ham, melted cheese, and a tangy mustard sauce, all sandwiched between soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls. The sliders are baked until golden and crispy on top, making them an irresistible choice for parties, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. They are easy to prepare, and their warm, cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday get-together, a casual game day, or just looking for a hearty snack, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are sure to hit the spot. The combination of flavors is simple yet satisfying, and the baked nature of the sliders gives them a delightful crunch that complements the soft interior. Plus, you can make a large batch of these sliders to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep time, making it an ideal option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

2. Crowd-Pleasing

These sliders are a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or family dinners, satisfying both kids and adults with their delicious flavors.

3. Perfectly Melty

The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, comforting texture that’s hard to resist in each bite.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients based on personal preferences, swapping out the ham for turkey or adding extra toppings like pickles or onions.

5. Make Ahead Option

These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them perfect for meal prepping or large gatherings.

Ingredients

• Dinner rolls (preferably slider-sized)
• Sliced ham
• Sliced cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite variety)
• Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Brown sugar
• Poppy seeds (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Variations

• Turkey and Cheese Sliders: Substitute the ham for turkey slices for a lighter version of these sliders.
• Spicy Sliders: Add some jalapeños or a spicy mustard to the filling to give the sliders an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Sliders: Use roasted vegetables or a veggie patty in place of the ham for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves together as one piece. Arrange the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Place a layer of sliced ham on top of the bottom rolls, followed by a layer of cheese. If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more layers.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce (optional), and poppy seeds (optional).

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place the top half of the dinner rolls on top of the layered ham and cheese. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top of the rolls, making sure to coat them well.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are golden brown. For an extra crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the warm, melty goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Rolls: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh dinner rolls. If they’re too dry, the sliders might be less enjoyable.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add more ham and cheese, overstuffing the sliders can make them difficult to assemble and eat.
• Let the Sauce Soak: After pouring the sauce over the sliders, let them sit for a few minutes before baking to allow the sauce to soak into the rolls.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the sliders immediately after baking while they’re warm and gooey.

How to Serve

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect on their own or paired with a side of crispy potato chips, a fresh salad, or even coleslaw. Serve them at parties or gatherings as an appetizer, or enjoy them as a main course for lunch or dinner. They’re also great for meal prep and can be eaten as a quick snack during the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Freezing

These sliders can be frozen both before and after baking. To freeze them before baking, assemble the sliders and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as instructed.

If freezing after baking, wrap the sliders in plastic wrap and foil and store them in the freezer. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread for the sliders?

Yes, you can use any type of bread or rolls you prefer, such as Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns, or whole wheat rolls.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ham with turkey, roast beef, or chicken for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make these sliders without mustard?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it or replace it with honey mustard or mayonnaise for a milder flavor.

4. Can I add vegetables to the sliders?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed onions, peppers, or even spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

5. How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, a spicy mustard, or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

6. Can I use store-bought ham?

Yes, store-bought deli ham works perfectly fine for these sliders, but you can also use leftover ham if you have it on hand.

7. How can I make these sliders healthier?

Use whole grain rolls, lean turkey or chicken, and low-fat cheese to make a healthier version of these sliders.

8. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders the night before and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add the sauce right before baking.

9. Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like. Cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would all work well.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or quick snacks, these sliders are packed with flavor and always a hit. With the ability to customize the ingredients and make them ahead of time, they’re a go-to option for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness of these warm, cheesy sliders!

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