Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe! This crowd-pleaser takes tender leftover ham, layers it with gooey cheese, and tucks it all inside pillowy-soft buns, finished with a luscious buttery glaze. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s irresistibly melty, perfectly savory, and ready for everything from game day to lazy brunches. It’s my absolute favorite way to make leftovers feel like a celebration, and I think you’ll see why after one bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you love when a recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure magic? Each part of this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe brings something special—think creaminess from the mayo and mustard, richness from butter, and that unforgettable pop from the ham and cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls (12): Their soft texture and hint of sweetness are perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors.
- Leftover cooked ham, thinly sliced or chopped (1 1/2 cups): The star of our show—using what you already have makes these sliders extra satisfying.
- Swiss cheese, or your favorite slices (12): Swiss is classic, but try cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you love for your own twist.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Adds a creamy base that keeps everything luscious and moist.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings just the right tang—if you want extra zing, go a little heavier.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Creates that signature glossy, golden top adorning every slider.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A splash of umami depth that elevates the flavor way beyond basic ham and cheese.
- Poppy seeds, optional (1 tablespoon): For a crunchy, classic finish and a hint of nutty flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth to the buttery topping.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory backbone that rounds out each bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional: A sprinkle brings fresh color and a lovely herby note to the finished sliders.
How to Make Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things rolling. Without pulling the buns apart, carefully slice your slider buns or Hawaiian rolls straight across, creating a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom half snugly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Keeping the rolls together makes assembling and serving a breeze—and helps all that cheesy filling stay put.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Spread
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard into a dreamy, tangy spread. Use a spoon or spatula to slather this mixture evenly over the bottom half of your rolls. This step isn’t just for flavor—it helps lock in moisture, so every bite is melty and satisfying.
Step 3: Add Layers of Ham and Cheese
Layer your sliced or chopped leftover ham over the mayo-mustard base, spreading it all the way to the edges. Next, cover the ham with slices of Swiss cheese (or your choice of cheese). Make sure every inch gets love! This layering makes the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe super hearty and delicious.
Step 4: Finish and Top
Carefully set the top half of the buns back on. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the sliders with this flavorful butter mixture. That magical glaze is what turns these into legendary party food!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This first bake helps everything become melty and warm. Remove the foil, then bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let the sliders cool briefly before slicing them apart. The hardest part here is waiting those extra few minutes—they smell amazing!
How to Serve Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the warm sliders just before serving. It adds a vibrant pop of green and a subtle freshness that beautifully balances the richness. If you want to get fancy, a few thinly sliced green onions or even a smattering of tiny pickles bring visual appeal and extra flavor, too.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair well with everything from creamy coleslaw and crisp potato chips to tangy pickles or a simple green salad. During colder months, try serving them with a bowl of tomato soup or roasted veggie soup—pure, cozy comfort! Their versatile flavor makes the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe an all-season star.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your sliders into a shareable centerpiece by arranging them on a big wooden board surrounded by your favorite dips—honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli are all winners. For parties, toothpicks in each slider make grabbing-and-going super easy. And if you want bite-sized versions, make them with mini rolls and let guests build their own with little bowls of extra toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover sliders (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) into an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days—making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick snacks. The flavors actually deepen a bit after chilling, so they’re just as delicious the second time around.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze them, assemble the sliders up to the point before baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed. This make-ahead version means the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is ready whenever you need it most.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sliders in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 10 minutes, then uncover for a few more to crisp up the tops. In a pinch, you can also microwave a slider on a plate in 20-30 second bursts, but the oven method keeps them best-textured. Either way, that gooey cheese and savory ham spring right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Main Course
Absolutely! Try cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick. The Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe welcomes all cheese lovers—pick your favorite and make it your own!
Do I have to use poppy seeds on top?
Nope! Poppy seeds are optional. They add a nice bit of crunch and a classic bakery look, but if you’re not a fan, you can easily leave them out or swap in sesame seeds instead.
Can I assemble these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Put the sliders together a few hours or even a day in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them off just before serving. This makes entertaining with the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe absolutely stress-free.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?
Be sure not to oversaturate the buns with too much sauce or butter. Lining the bottom of the baking dish with parchment helps as well, and serving soon after baking ensures the sliders stay perfectly crisp on top.
Can I use turkey, roast beef, or another leftover meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Swap in turkey for a post-holiday twist, roast beef for a heartier flavor, or mix a couple of different deli cuts for a fun combo slider platter.
Final Thoughts
These sliders are the kind of comforting favorite you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or showing off your party-hosting skills, the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is sure to steal the spotlight. Give it a try the next time you have extra ham on hand—you might discover your new go-to for quick, craveable meals!
Print
Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious way to use up leftover ham. Perfect for a quick meal or party appetizer, these sliders are baked to perfection with layers of ham, cheese, and a flavorful buttery sauce on sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients:
- 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)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 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
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom halves in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the sliders: Mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread evenly over the bottom buns. Layer the ham and cheese over the buns, then place the top halves back on.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Sliders can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda, and add pickle slices or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
