Ham and Cheese Sliders
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These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a family staple. They are super easy to make, budget-friendly, great for a group of people, and even freezer friendly. I’ve been making these for YEARS and constantly have people ask for the recipe.
About This Recipe
Like I mentioned, I’ve made this recipe for an eon. Let’s see, I’ve fed my husband, my kids, my extended family, many college students, our small group from church, my neighbors, new parents (dropped it off as a freezer meal)…you get the idea. It’s a well-worn fave!
Other than how kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and easy this recipe is, I love that Ham and Cheese Sliders can serve a lot of people for either lunch or dinner. Like many of the recipes in 20 Meals That Feed a Large Group, this one is ideal for feeding lots of mouths. Keep this in your back pocket for your next gathering!
Video: How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Before you head to the pro tips, FAQs, and recipe below, it’s helpful to watch this short overview of how to make these sliders first.
Slider Pro Tips
Since I make these so often, I have a few tricks to make them even tastier!
- I prefer to use an unsweetened ham from the deli. Since the glaze brings the sweetness factor, no need for the honey ham.
- I’ve found that I can leave the poppy seeds out and they taste just as delicious.
- I also sometimes omit the mustard if these are bring made for kids. I think the mustard brings a depth of flavor but it can for sure be left out if needed.
What Kind of Roll Should I Use for Ham & Cheese Sliders?
You have options! Many like to use a classic Hawaiian Roll. I do love the soft, sweet bread that Hawaiian Rolls offer but I have also been known to make them with wheat rolls. This provides a bit of a healthier option.
You can also just use any down the pipe dinner roll that you find at the store. Tip: It saves a little time if they are pre-sliced!
What’s In the Glaze?
Let’s talk about the glaze for a moment. I mean, it’s hard to go wrong with butter and brown sugar mixed together, right?
The Worcestershire brings a delightful tang to the mix. Now, be warned: Do not overcook the sauce! It thickens the longer you cook it.
I made the mistake of leaving it boiling for too long (like 4-5 minutes) and it got way too thick and sticky. 1-2 minutes of boiling should do the trick. I like to have enough glaze to coat each slider but not soak each slider. It’s a bit subjective but that’s where I land on how much glaze to add.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is one of the many reasons I love this recipe. If I have a group of people coming over or just want to get dinner done ahead of time, I prep the sliders all the way up until baking. I stick them in my fridge (for up to 2 days) and then just pull them out and bake them when I’m ready!
Can I Freeze Ham & Cheese Sliders?
YES! Like many of our freezer meals, Ham & Cheese Sliders work wonderfully to prep ahead and freeze.
I almost always do this when I’m making them. I mean, if I’m already getting the dishes out and doing the work for one batch, why not just double them! After making the sandwiches and covering them in the glaze, do not bake. Then, wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. (Here are a few freezer dishes we use and recommend.)
You can freeze these sandwiches for 3-6 months (or longer if you properly package them for freezing!) When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then just bake them as directed.
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What Side Dishes Go Well With This Recipe?
Here are some recipe and meal ideas that would be tasty to serve with Ham & Cheese Sliders
- Strawberry Avocado Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Easy Hash Brown Casserole
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
More Slider Recipes
We are big fans of sliders because they are perfect for families (since kids can be smaller eaters) and can stretch a food budget pretty far.
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
These Mini Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect meal for a crowd or hungry kiddos! Always a hit.
Ingredients
- 15–20 mini wheat rolls
- about 1 pound deli ham
- 7 ounces Swiss cheese slices
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds (find in spice aisle)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
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Instructions
Make It Now:
- Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
- Assemble the sandwiches, using 1-2 slices of folded ham and a 1/2 slice of cheese on the rolls. Place in 9×13 baking dish (or whatever size you have). Squeeze sandwiches in side by side.
- Mix butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds and brown sugar into medium sauce pan.
- On medium-high heat, bring sauce to a boil and then reduce heat.
- Lightly drizzle each sandwich with the prepared sauce. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
- Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
Freeze For Later: Prepare sandwiches with sauce on top in casserole dish, but do not bake. Seal tightly with a lid or wrap with plastic wrap and/or foil very well. Freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Let sandwiches thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake according to directions in step 6.
If frozen, thawed and baked later. Will the sliders be soggy in any way? I am bringing these on vacation and feeding 20+ but I hate when bread is soggy
I’ve never had a problem with them getting soggy. A few tips to make sure this doesn’t happen: let the sauce simmer a touch longer than directed so it thickens up. Use a denser bun that won’t soak up moisture as much. For example, a Hawaiian Roll will soak up that sauce like that’s it’s job. Some like that. Some don’t. If you don’t, a denser whole wheat bun will maintain its form a bit better. Hope that helps! They are a crowd pleaser for sure!
Wondering if I can make this with cheddar cheese? Or American cheese?
I think cheddar would be fine.
I made these as part of appetizers for my son’s wedding rehearsal! Delicious!! Huge mistake I made I only doubled the recipe should have made A LOT more!!!
Can I Make these with fresh shredded chicken breast follow same recipe otherwise????
★★★★★
That’s so fun that these showed up your son’s wedding rehearsal, Holly! I love your idea of trying shredded chicken. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Thanks for the review.
Where I’m from in Virginia, we call them “funeral sandwiches”. The reason is they’re quick to make, feed a lot of people and can kept warm in a low oven.
★★★★
I’ve never heard that term before but it makes sense. These are really good for a crowd for sure.
What an easy and affordable way to turn a normal sandwich into something that is meal-worthy! Great recipe with lovely flavors and textures.
★★★★★
Happy to hear this was a win for you. Thanks for the review, Tiffany!
An easy make ahead recipe. Use potato rolls and it’s like having a spiral ham and scalloped potatoes in one bite
★★★★★
Ooo, good idea! Thanks for the tip and the review, Dianne.
Question – I’m wanting to make these for my husband to take to work. Freezer type meal prep. He only has access to a microwave. Should I go ahead and bake, or freeze and let him zap at work?
★★★★★
Great question. Yes, that is the best way to do it. Bake before and then just have him rewarm them. Enjoy!
Good, but next time I’ll add more mustard and less brown sugar.
★★★★
Thanks for the feedback! This recipe works great to tweak to your preferences.