Ultimate Ham and Cheese Melts

Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to feed a crowd? These Ham and Cheese
Sliders are the answer! They’re the perfect comfort food, offering a
satisfying combination of flavors and textures. While I also enjoy
air fryer grilled cheese
and
Parmesan-crusted pepperoni grilled cheese sandwiches, these sliders are ideal for when you need a quick, shareable meal.

The Best Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

These sliders are simply irresistible! Each bite is packed with melty cheese
and savory ham, reminiscent of a classic grilled cheese, but elevated to a
whole new level. The flavors are reminiscent of a chicken cordon bleu, but
without the chicken!

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. The rolls come pre-connected,
so you can slice through them all at once, layer the ingredients, and bake.
Once baked, just cut them into individual sandwiches. It’s that simple!

These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or any get-together. This
recipe makes 12 sliders, and you can easily scale it up for larger groups.
Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, and watch them disappear! Even better,
you can prepare them a day in advance and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Feel free to customize them to your liking. Swap the ham for turkey or roast
beef, or experiment with different types of cheese. Don’t like poppy seeds?
Leave them out!

Ingredient Notes

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: You’ll need a 12-pack (12 ounces) of
  rolls. Choose rolls that are attached, not separate. The slight sweetness
  of the rolls perfectly complements the salty ham.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the flavorful spread is mayonnaise.
• Dijon Mustard: Use a creamy Dijon mustard for the best
  flavor. A portion is used in the spread and some is added to the topping.
• Honey: A touch of honey in the spread enhances the
  sweetness of the rolls, and complements the ham.
• Deli Ham: Use thinly sliced deli ham for easy layering and
  cutting after baking. Choose your favorite variety; 12 ounces are needed.
• Swiss Cheese: The mild, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese pairs
  perfectly with the ham. Pre-sliced cheese makes preparation a breeze.
  Feel free to substitute another cheese if desired.
• Butter: The buttery topping is poured over the assembled
  sliders before baking, soaking into the rolls and creating the ultimate
  ham and cheese sliders.
• Seasonings: The butter topping is seasoned with Dijon
  mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic
  powder, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Slice the Rolls: Keep the rolls connected, and slice them
horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. A long serrated knife works
best.

Add the Spread: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, mustard,
and honey. Spread the mixture on both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.
Place the bottom half in a greased baking pan or dish (about 11 x 8 inches).

Layer the Cheese and Meat: Add a layer of cheese to the bottom
rolls, followed by a layer of ham and then the remaining cheese. Don’t be shy
with the ham and cheese!

Cover with the Top Half: Place the top half of the rolls on
top of the filling, with the spread-covered side facing down.

Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter,
mustard, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.

Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for
25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until
the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Cut and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then cut
into individual sliders and serve immediately. Enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy
goodness!

Recipe Variations

Want to make these sliders your own? Here are a few ideas to get you
started:

• Meat and Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different deli meats
  and cheeses. Gruyère or cheddar cheese work well in place of Swiss.
  Consider using turkey, roast beef, or chicken instead of ham. Try
  turkey sliders, or
  pizza sliders.
• Roll Alternatives: If you can’t find Hawaiian sweet rolls,
  use any dinner roll that comes connected.
• Add-ins: Consider adding thinly sliced apples, baby
  spinach, apricot or raspberry preserves,
  caramelized onions, tomato or onion jam, or fig jam. Spread these on the buns with or
  instead of the mustard/mayo mixture.
• Mustard Options: A grainy mustard would complement the ham
  and Swiss combination beautifully. A touch of horseradish could also add
  a kick, if that’s your thing. Avoid regular yellow mustard, as it might
  dominate the flavor.
• Topping Ideas: Add more garlic to the topping for a
  garlicky flavor. For a sweeter topping, mix in ¼ cup brown sugar to the
  melted butter mixture. If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can leave
  them out.

Make Ahead Tip

Ham and cheese sliders are ideal for making ahead. Prepare the rolls with the
spread, meat, and cheese, then cover the pan with foil. You can refrigerate
them for up to one day. Prepare the topping right before baking.

Unbaked sliders can also be frozen for up to three months. Wrap them securely
before freezing to prevent them from drying out. Thaw in the refrigerator
overnight. Add the topping and bake as directed.

Reheating & Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers, well-wrapped in foil, in the
refrigerator for up to a couple of days.

Reheat: Use your oven or toaster oven to bake the
foil-wrapped rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated
through.