Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Name: Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 pieces slider buns (Any soft slider bun works well.); 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham; 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced (Can substitute with cheddar or provolone.); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute.); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s nothing quite like a warm, melty Hot Ham and Cheese Slider to make your taste buds sing! These bite-sized sandwiches are packed with savory ham, gooey cheese, and a buttery topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for game day, dinner parties, or a quick weeknight snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to dive into the delicious world of sliders that are simple to prepare and utterly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

These sliders aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they also come with a whole slew of benefits that make them a hit in any kitchen.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these sliders in no time—ideal for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Beginners: No complex cooking techniques here! This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the taste, making this a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients, these sliders are a delicious way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these straightforward ingredients to create your irresistible Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders:

12 slider buns
1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

Slider Buns: While Hawaiian rolls add a slight sweetness, any soft slider bun will work well.
Swiss Cheese: Feel free to substitute with cheddar or provolone if you prefer a different flavor.
Dijon Mustard: You can use yellow mustard in a pinch, but Dijon adds a nice depth of flavor.

How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders Step-By-Step

Here’s how you can craft these delightful sliders:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown finish.
Pro Tip: Always allow your oven to fully preheat before baking for best results.
Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Pro Tip: You can lightly toast the buns before adding fillings for an extra layer of flavor.
Layer the Ham and Cheese: Evenly distribute the ham over the bottom buns and layer the Swiss cheese on top.
Pro Tip: For extra melty goodness, substitute half of the Swiss with mozzarella cheese.
Make the Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
Pro Tip: For added flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture!
Assemble and Brush: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese, then brush the butter mixture generously over the sliders.
Pro Tip: Letting the sliders sit for 10-15 minutes after brushing will allow the tops to absorb the flavors better.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Broil for the last minute or two for extra crunch if you like a crispy top!

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with these tasty ideas:

Perfect Pairings

Drinks: Serve with a cold beer, sweet iced tea, or a classic root beer for a delightful combo.
Sides: Pair with a crunchy coleslaw, crispy potato chips, or a fresh garden salad.

Occasions

Game Day: These sliders are an ideal finger food for sports gatherings.
Potluck: Bring these to share at your next potluck; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Presentation Tips

Arrange sliders on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley for an appealing look.
Cut sliders into smaller pieces for appetizer-style servings.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Keep your sliders tasting fresh!

Refrigerator

Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Packaging: Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
Thawing: Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 30 seconds but enjoy them best when baked.

Tips for Success

Do Not Overload: Stick to the recommended amount of ham and cheese for even cooking.
Check Your Buns: Make sure your slider buns are fresh for the best texture.
Make Ahead: Assemble sliders a few hours in advance and bake right before serving.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun alternatives:

Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a kick!
Make it Veggie: Substitute the ham with roasted vegetables and a slice of gouda for a delicious vegetarian option.
Breakfast Sliders: Swap out the ham for scrambled eggs and use cheddar cheese—perfect for brunch!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time and refrigerate the assembled sliders. Bake them right before you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! While Swiss cheese works perfectly, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A: You can use yellow mustard instead. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still work beautifully in the recipe.

Q: Are these sliders suitable for kids?
A: Definitely! They are mild in flavor and easy to eat, making them perfect (and fun) for kids of all ages.

Q: How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
A: Simply opt for gluten-free slider buns and ensure the ham and cheese you’re using are free of gluten ingredients.

Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your friends and family with these Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders! Whether for a party or a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit.

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