Cheesy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe: Comfort on a Bun

Ham nestles perfectly between soft rolls in these irresistible sliders that promise a quick lunch solution.

Melted cheese adds a creamy dimension to every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners just became easier with this simple recipe.

Leftover ingredients find new life in these compact sandwiches.

Pantry staples combine to create something magical on your plate.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in these crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches.

Ham and Cheese Sliders That Satisfy Every Craving

• Simplify Meal Prep: Transform leftover ham into delicious sliders that save time and reduce food waste, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These sliders bring irresistible cheesy goodness and warm, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a mouthwatering dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these sliders adapt to any casual social occasion with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that provide the perfect foundation for these sliders.

• Ham, Swiss Cheese: Classic deli ham and melty Swiss cheese create a satisfying and hearty filling.

• Butter, Poppy Seeds: Melted butter adds richness and helps create a golden-brown top, while poppy seeds provide a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of the sliders from the baking dish and prevents sticking.

How to Assemble Ham and Cheese Sliders Quickly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect toasty environment for these delectable sliders.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Split and Layer the Rolls

Gently slice the Hawaiian rolls right down the middle, creating a soft, pillowy base. Pile on generous layers of savory ham and melty cheese on the bottom half of the rolls.

Step 4: Create the Slider Sandwich

Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on, creating a perfect little sandwich package. Brush the tops with a luxurious coat of melted butter, adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sliders into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch as they transform into golden-brown, crispy-edged delights that are heated through and irresistibly delicious.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the sliders to cool for a few moments, then slice them up. Serve these warm, gooey treasures and watch them disappear in minutes!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free versions for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use low-fat cheese and lean ham to create a lighter, healthier slider option.
• Add mustard or honey mustard for extra flavor depth and tanginess.
• Prepare sliders ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal prep.
• Try different cheese types like swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.

Flavorful Variations on Classic Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Vegetarian Slider Swap: Replace ham with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce between ham and cheese for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Swap rolls for large lettuce leaves and use thin-sliced deli ham for a lighter, carb-conscious version.

Pairings That Complement Ham and Cheese Sliders Well

• Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of ham and cheese, balancing the slider's creamy and savory flavors.
• Create a zesty side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast to the warm, soft sliders.
• Add classic deli-style dill pickle spears alongside the sliders to introduce a sharp, briny element that enhances the overall taste profile and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

Best Ways to Store Ham and Cheese Sliders Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual sliders or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Oven Reheat: Unwrap frozen sliders, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual sliders on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent bread from becoming tough.

FAQs

• What bread works best for these sliders?

Hawaiian rolls are ideal due to their soft, sweet texture and perfect size for mini sandwiches, making them the top choice for this recipe.

• Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered. Just add an extra 5 minutes to baking time when ready to serve.

• What cheese alternatives can I use?

Swiss, provolone, or cheddar cheese work great as substitutes for the traditional cheese, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining the slider’s delicious essence.

• How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Slightly pat dry the ham and avoid adding extra moisture before assembly. Brushing with butter and baking helps create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in flavor.

Leftover Ham And Cheese Sliders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory ham and cheese sliders offer a delightful way to repurpose leftover ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Melted cheese, tender ham, and buttery rolls combine for a quick, irresistible bite that brings comfort and satisfaction to any gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 2 cups (480 ml) leftover ham, sliced
• 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter, melted
• poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by lightly coating with nonstick spray, ensuring even coverage.
2. Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for the sliders.
3. Distribute ham slices evenly across the bottom roll layer, creating a consistent meat coverage.
4. Layer cheese on top of the ham, allowing slight overlap to ensure each slider gets adequate filling.
5. Gently replace the top half of the rolls, aligning them precisely with the bottom layer.
6. Melt butter and generously brush across the entire surface of the rolls, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Optionally sprinkle poppy seeds over the buttered rolls for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Place the prepared sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
9. Monitor until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese begins to melt slightly.
10. Remove from oven and allow sliders to rest for 2-3 minutes to cool and set.
11. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm, perfect for quick gatherings or casual meals.

Notes

• Check ham thickness for even coverage across slider rolls, ensuring every bite has delicious protein.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack to customize flavor profiles.
• Swap Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Allow butter to cool slightly before brushing to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg