If you’ve ever wondered what to do with that extra holiday ham or just want a quick, crowd-pleasing snack, this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, buttery slider buns layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all kissed by a garlicky, tangy glaze that bakes into golden perfection. These sliders strike the perfect balance between comfort food and a special treat, making them ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, leftovers will never feel boring again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to the table. The Hawaiian rolls provide softness and a touch of sweetness, while the ham and cheese create that irresistible savory core. The blend of Dijon mustard and mayo adds creaminess with a tang, and the buttery, poppy seed topping takes these sliders over the top in flavor and texture.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for sandwiching all the yummy fillings.
- 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked ham (thinly sliced or chopped): The star protein that gives these sliders their hearty taste.
- 12 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite): Melts beautifully to add richness and gooey texture.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps balance the Dijon mustard’s tang.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Gives a sharp, zesty kick that wakes up the flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): For brushing the tops and creating that golden, irresistible crust.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a subtle umami depth to the buttery glaze.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory warmth that pairs perfectly with ham and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor with a mild, sweet onion undertone.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): For a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slider Buns and Spread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected like a mini sandwich loaf. Place the bottom halves snugly in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth, then spread this creamy combo evenly over the bottom buns—this adds flavor and helps keep the sliders moist.
Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese
Next, layer your sliced or chopped leftover ham evenly over the mayo-mustard spread—don’t be shy here, the ham is the star! Follow that up with a generous layer of Swiss cheese slices. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, binding everything together with luscious gooeyness. Finally, place the top halves of the slider buns back over the layers to form the sandwiches.
Step 3: Make and Brush the Butter Glaze
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. This magical glaze is what gives these sliders their iconic golden topping and unbeatable flavor. Brush the mixture generously over the top buns, ensuring every slider gets a flavorful coat.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 15 minutes. This keeps the sliders moist while melting the cheese perfectly. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to lock in all those flavors.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds an inviting burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich ham and cheese beautifully. You can also get playful with a few thin pickle slices inside the sliders or a side of spicy mustard for dipping to boost the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wondersomely with simple sides like crunchy coleslaw or a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy potato chips or oven-baked fries will complete the meal superbly. The key is to balance the sliders’ rich flavors with lighter, refreshing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board with small bowls of mustard, pickles, and dips surrounding them. You can also cut the sliders into halves or thirds for bite-sized finger foods. Another fun twist is layering in caramelized onions or swapping Swiss cheese for Gouda to create exciting flavor variations that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well prevents the bread from drying out and keeps the cheese fresh.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully if you want to prepare them in advance. Assemble the sliders as instructed but do not bake. Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sliders in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Cover with foil to prevent the buns from drying out. You can also reheat individual sliders in the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven method preserves their delightful texture best.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, feel free to swap it with cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for a flavor twist. Each cheese will melt differently but adds that necessary gooeyness.
Is it better to use fresh ham or leftover ham?
Leftover cooked ham works perfectly here, especially from holiday roasts. It’s already seasoned and cooked, which saves time and layers in great flavor. Fresh deli ham can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or your favorite plant-based deli slices. Pair with cheese and the same glaze for that irresistible slider taste.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
No worries at all, the poppy seeds are optional and just add a subtle crunch and visual texture. The sliders will still taste amazing without them.
Can I prepare these sliders the night before?
Yes! Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day right before serving for warm, melty goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about sinking your teeth into these Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. They transform simple leftover ham into a show-stopping meal or snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. So go ahead, dig into that ham, and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe is a delicious and simple way to transform your leftover ham into a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer. Featuring soft Hawaiian rolls layered with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a flavorful mayo-Dijon spread, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with a buttery, garlicky topping, making them irresistible and perfect for parties, gatherings, or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked ham, thinly sliced or chopped
- 12 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
Spread
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally but do not separate the individual rolls, keeping the bottom halves together. Place them in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Spread and Assemble: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns to add tangy flavor and moisture.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Layer the sliced ham evenly over the buns, then cover with the Swiss cheese slices. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layers.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In another bowl, mix the melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture creates a savory topping that will brown beautifully.
- Apply Topping: Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the slider buns to ensure the tops brown and gain flavor while baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese and warms the ham thoroughly.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for provolone, gouda, or your preferred cheese to customize flavor.
- Add thin pickle slices or caramelized onions between the ham and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Use leftover ham or deli ham as per availability.
