Ham and Cheese Sliders
Servings: 12 sliders (depending on how big you cut them)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pack (24 count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- These sweet, soft rolls are perfect for sliders. If you’re making fewer, you can use a smaller pack.
- 1 lb fresh deli ham
- You can use honey ham (like you did), or any other favorite ham like smoked or Black Forest.
- ¾ lb fresh deli Swiss cheese (or provolone)
- Provolone is a great option, but Swiss adds a nice mild nutty flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Adjust to your taste, adding more or less garlic flavor.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds extra flavor to the butter sauce.
- Optional: Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or grated Parmesan for topping before baking.
Instructions:
1. Prep the Buns:
- Slice the Hawaiian Rolls:
- Without separating the individual rolls, use a serrated knife to cut the entire pack of 24 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a large baking sheet. Set aside the top half of the rolls.
2. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- Melt the Butter:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter.
- Season the Butter:
- Once the butter is melted, stir in 1 tbsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. This flavorful mixture will be used to coat the buns, adding a rich, buttery taste.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
- Spread the Butter:
- Drizzle about half of the seasoned butter mixture over the bottom half of the buns, making sure to coat them evenly. This will add flavor from the inside out.
- Layer the Ham:
- Start with a layer of deli ham, using about half of the 1 lb of ham.
- Add the Cheese:
- Place a layer of Swiss cheese (or provolone) on top of the ham. Repeat with a second layer of ham and cheese for extra flavor and gooeyness.
- Top with Buns:
- Place the top half of the rolls on top of the assembled sliders.
4. Add the Final Butter Topping:
- Butter the Tops:
- Brush or pour the remaining garlic butter mixture over the top of the buns, making sure to cover all the tops.
- If you’d like extra texture, you can sprinkle poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or grated Parmesan on top for an added crunch or burst of flavor.
5. Bake the Sliders:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Place the sliders in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on them to make sure the buns don’t get too dark; you can cover the dish loosely with foil if needed.
- Tip: If you want extra crispiness on the tops of the buns, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve:
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the sliders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Cut into individual sliders and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mustard.
- Side Ideas: These sliders go great with a side of chips, fries, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, just brush the butter on top and pop them in the oven!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture or microwave for a quick bite.
- Freezing: These sliders can also be frozen after assembly (before baking). Just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings, and they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy!