If you’ve ever wondered how to transform leftover ham into something irresistibly delicious, you’re going to love this Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. These sliders are a perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a savory, melty, and crowd-pleasing treat that’s ready in just about 30 minutes. Soft Hawaiian rolls packed with rich slices of ham and Swiss or cheddar cheese, all wrapped up with a buttery, slightly crispy top, make these sliders a surefire hit for family dinners, game days, or whenever you crave a comforting bite. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely scrumptious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these sliders unforgettable. Each component plays a key role: the Hawaiian rolls bring a soft, sweet base, the ham adds a smoky savory punch, the cheese melts to gooey perfection, and the buttery topping gives it that golden finish you’ll adore.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Their fluffy texture and subtle sweetness balance the salty ham perfectly.
- 2 cups leftover ham, sliced: This is your protein star, adding savory depth to every slider.
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese: Choose your favorite for melty, creamy richness.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushed on top to create a golden, slightly crispy crust.
- Poppy seeds (optional): Adds a delicate crunch and a lovely visual touch to finish things off.
How to Make Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without over-toasting the rolls. While waiting, lightly spray your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; this simple step guarantees the sliders won’t stick and keeps clean-up easy.
Step 2: Slice and Layer
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as one sheet. This makes layering your ham and cheese straightforward and keeps the sliders easy to serve once baked. Arrange the bottom half in your prepared dish, then layer the sliced leftover ham evenly over the rolls followed by your cheese slices, covering the ham completely for that gooey melt.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer and Butter
Once all the ham and cheese are snug between the bottom rolls, place the top half over the stack. Don’t be shy with the melted butter – brush it generously over the tops of the rolls to create that beautiful golden color and add rich flavor. If you love a little extra texture, sprinkle poppy seeds on top before the sliders head into the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the sliders into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This is enough time for the cheese to melt perfectly, the ham to get warm, and the tops to turn irresistibly golden brown without drying out the rolls. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the sliders cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief rest allows the cheese to set just enough so when you slice through them, the gooey filling doesn’t spill out everywhere. Then, slice the sliders apart and serve them warm to enjoy every melty, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the sliders, add fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped chives or a dab of Dijon mustard on the side for a little zing. A few pickles or a handful of crisp lettuce can add freshness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even crispy sweet potato fries. The contrast in textures and flavors will round out your meal and make it feel extra special without much fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your sliders on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, horseradish mayo, or a smoky barbecue. For parties or casual gatherings, serve sliders with decorative toothpicks topped with olives or cherry tomatoes to impress your guests with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain the softness of the rolls and preserves the delicious, melty cheese inside.
Freezing
This Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap the fully assembled, unbaked sliders tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese becomes gooey again—about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the rolls from getting soggy and preserve that perfect buttery crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides Swiss or cheddar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp gruyere for a different flavor profile. Each cheese melts differently but will work wonderfully in these sliders.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls, or can I substitute another type of bread?
Hawaiian rolls are ideal because of their sweet, soft texture, but you can substitute with dinner rolls or slider buns if needed. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may change slightly.
Can I add other ingredients like mustard or pickles inside the sliders?
Yes, layering in some Dijon mustard or thinly sliced pickles adds a nice tangy kick that complements the ham and cheese beautifully. It’s a great way to personalize the sliders.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ham for grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based deli slice. Use your favorite cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a meat-free version that’s just as tasty.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy after baking?
Brushing the top with melted butter helps create a barrier that keeps moisture in check. Also, be sure not to add too many wet ingredients, and avoid overcrowding the baking dish so heat circulates evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is going to be your new go-to for using up ham in the most delicious way possible. It’s quick, comforting, and has just the right balance of flavors to please everyone around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy snack, these sliders deliver satisfaction in every buttery, cheesy bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious and easy way to transform leftover ham into a tasty meal. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory ham and melted Swiss or cheddar cheese, brushed with buttery goodness, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or party snack, these sliders come together in just 30 minutes and satisfy every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups leftover ham, sliced
- 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the sliders from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Assemble the sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, then layer the bottom halves with sliced ham and cheese slices evenly.
- Add the top and butter: Place the top halves of the rolls back on the assembled sandwiches. Brush the tops generously with melted butter and, if desired, sprinkle poppy seeds over the butter for a subtle crunch and added flavor.
- Bake: Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts, the ham is heated through, and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let the sliders cool slightly to set, then slice and serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss or cheddar cheese based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For added flavor, spread a thin layer of mustard or mayo on the rolls before adding ham and cheese.
- Poppy seeds are optional but give a nice texture and appearance.
- Leftover ham works best for this recipe, but you can also use deli ham if needed.
- These sliders can be made ahead and reheated in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
