Can I make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a day ahead and top them with the butter sauce, refrigerate overnight, and then bake the following day.

What makes Black Forest ham special for these sliders? Can I use another type instead?

Black Forest ham is prized for its distinctive smoky flavor and seasoned exterior, which adds depth and character to the sliders. However, if you can't find Black Forest ham or prefer a different type, other smoked hams like honey ham or Virginia ham are excellent substitutes.

My supermarket doesn't carry King's Hawaiian rolls. What else can I use?

King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are known for their soft texture and mild sweetness, and they conveniently come in pre-connected sheets that make assembly and baking easy. If you're looking for alternatives, potato rolls or brioche buns are a fantastic option, offering a similar softness and sweetness, and they can sometimes be found in pre-connected sheets. If those aren’t available, individual slider buns are also suitable. If using individual buns, you can still recreate the convenience of a sheet. Simply place the individual buns closely together in your baking pan, mimicking a connected sheet, and assemble your sliders on top. To ensure you can remove the sliders easily as one whole unit, line your pan with a foil sling.

Ham and Cheese Sliders - Once Upon a Chef

Ham and Cheese Sliders

By Jenn Segal

Make your next gathering a hit with these simple yet delicious ham and cheese sliders: soft buns filled with ham and melted Swiss cheese, all smothered in a tangy butter sauce.

Servings: 12 sliders

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Total Time: 40 Minutes, plus 15 to 20 minutes to cool

Ingredients

For the Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sandwiches

One 12-count pack square soft white dinner rolls, such as Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
⅔ pound sliced Swiss cheese
½ pound sliced Black Forest ham

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the butter sauce. Set aside.
Using a serrated bread knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves separately intact. (Don't worry if the rolls fall apart; you can piece them back together in the pan.) Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the cut sides of the roll tops and bottoms.
Place the bottom half of the bread, cut side up, in a 9-inch square baking pan. Place half of the cheese in an even layer over the bread. Top with all of the ham, followed by the remaining cheese. Cover with the roll tops.
Evenly spoon the butter sauce over the top of the rolls, letting it drip down the sides.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and toasted. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes in the pan. Using a large spatula, carefully transfer the sandwich block to a cutting board. Slice into sandwiches and transfer to a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Instructions: The sliders can be assembled a day ahead and topped with the butter sauce, refrigerated overnight, and then baked the following day.

Pair with

Tomato Soup

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 slider
Calories: 338
Fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Sodium: 648g
Cholesterol: 45mg