These small sandwiches are the best part of having leftover glazed ham, though they deserve a trip to the market if you're out of it. Flavorful and quick, they're truly irresistible.
The best sliders
The day after a big holiday renders all sorts of wonderful dishes, and these sandwiches made with glazed ham are one of them.
Buttery and tasty, they are quick to assemble and truly memorable when eaten warm, while the cheese and bread are melty and gooey.
The idea of pouring melted butter with poppy seeds took the web by storm a decade or so ago. And with good reason: they're a far cry from a cold ham and cheese sandwich and more in line with a warm pastrami sandwich.
They're so good, I buy ham especially to make them. No need to wait for leftovers to happen.
How to make ham & cheese sliders
Soft rolls
I used my favorite old-fashioned dinner rolls, but store-bought Hawaiian rolls are a classic. Sometimes, I use my homemade coconut buns, as their hint of sweetness pairs very well with the rest of the ingredients.
Ham layer
Don't skimp on the ham. I like thin slices, but it's your sandwich, so you can cut them thicker.
Melted cheese
Melt the cheese before adding the top halves. It makes a difference, in my opinion.
Butter sauce
Simply mix the ingredients in a small bowl and use a pastry brush or pour it over the bread. Make sure the top of the rolls are covered and most of the sauce fall to the sides.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Bread: I like homemade dinner rolls or the classic Hawaiian buns from the market. But other ones can be used, whether whole wheat or flavored.
- Mustard: brown, spicy mustards or honey mustard can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Ratio: the amounts of each ingredient given below are an estimate. Adjust to your personal preference with more of this or less of that.
- Make ahead: Bake them and keep refrigerated, covered in foil, for 2-3 days. Reheat directly in a medium oven until warm, and the cheese is melted.
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Ham and Cheese Sliders (butter poppy seed topping)
Ingredients
- 12 dinner or Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half
- 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
For the butter mixture:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the bottom halves of 12 dinner or Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they touch each other as if they were a whole block.
- Layer 1 pound deli ham evenly over the rolls. Place 12 slices Swiss cheese on top of the ham, covering it completely. Make sure they have a nice amount of filling.
- Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt. Remove from the oven.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped chives on top and place the top halves of the rolls.
Prepare the glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder until well combined.
- Generously brush the glaze mixture over the tops of the rolls. Or pour it carefully so it doesn't all drip down the sides. For added flavor, make sure to get some glaze into the crevices between the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for a few minutes before serving. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
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