Name: Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 12 rolls; Leftover Ham: 1 pound sliced; Swiss Cheese: 8 slices; Unsalted Butter: ½ cup melted; Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon; Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon; Minced Onion: 1 tablespoon; Worcestershire Sauce: ½ teaspoon; Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for that irresistible dish that makes everyone—kids, neighbors, friends—gather around the table in anticipation, look no further than this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Imagine pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls, layers of smoky ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a savory, buttery glaze that soaks into every bite. Whether you’re making the most of holiday leftovers or simply craving a hot, melty sandwich in a flash, these sliders deliver comfort and flavor with minimal effort.

Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things uncomplicated and fuss-free, but every ingredient is carefully chosen to maximize flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in turning simple leftovers into an unfussy showstopper, from the sweet rolls to the tangy Dijon in the buttery topping.

Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their signature sweetness and soft texture are the foundation of these crave-worthy sliders.
Leftover ham: Sliced ham transforms last night’s dinner into today’s new star, bringing savory depth and easy protein.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, infusing the sliders with creaminess and a mild, nutty flavor—feel free to swap for cheddar or provolone.
Unsalted butter: The key to a rich, golden finish that ties together all the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tangy kick and depth to the glaze.
Poppy seeds: Bring a classic crunch and a touch of visual flair to the buttery topping.
Minced onion: Offers a savory sweetness that permeates each bite.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon that deepens the savory, umami notes in the glaze.
Garlic powder: Delivers subtle warmth and aromatic lift without overpowering.

How to Make Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by carefully slicing the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—keeping the halves connected makes assembly a breeze and gives you picture-perfect layers. Place the bottom half, cut side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to build the perfect base for your sliders.

Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Spread the sliced leftover ham evenly across the rolls, making sure each slider will get plenty of savory goodness. Lay the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, shingling them if needed to cover the whole surface. This is where the magic starts—the cheese will melt into creamy, bubbling pockets during baking.

Step 3: Cap the Sliders

Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheese layer, aligning them so the sliders keep their tidy shape. Press down very gently to help the fillings nestle together without squishing the rolls flat.

Step 4: Make the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. This fragrant mixture is what gives the Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe its signature flavor boost and a golden finish.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, letting the sauce work its way into every nook and cranny (some should drip down the sides—that’s a good thing!). Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are irresistibly golden brown. Serve warm straight from the pan—the best part is tearing them apart and watching the cheese stretch!

How to Serve Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little heat, offer a side of spicy mustard or horseradish dip for guests to swipe through—these simple add-ons elevate the sliders without extra hassle.

Side Dishes

This Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is perfect alongside crunchy potato chips, a bright coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For bigger appetites or game day spreads, add a bowl of pickles, a crisp veggie platter, or some fresh fruit for balance. Their versatility truly shines at any gathering!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the warm sliders on a wooden board or platter for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look. For parties, try arranging them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing and minimal mess. Alternatively, skewer each slider with a colorful pick—suddenly, they’re portable and party-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a few sliders left, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or midweek snacks.

Freezing

This Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Assemble and bake the sliders as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in foil and place in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—simply thaw and reheat when the craving strikes.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat the sliders in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through and melty. If you’re only heating a single slider, a quick zap in the microwave works, though the oven keeps the tops nice and crusty.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for these sliders?

Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella work beautifully in this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand or what your family prefers.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

No Hawaiian rolls? No problem! Any soft dinner roll will do. Brioche or potato rolls are great substitutions that still provide that delightful, tender texture.

Can I assemble the sliders ahead of time?

You can! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 hours before baking. Hold off on brushing the butter mixture over the top until just before baking for best results.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, don’t overdo the glaze, and bake the sliders uncovered for the last few minutes to let the tops crisp up. If you’re making them far ahead, add the butter mixture right before baking for the best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is a family favorite because the flavors are mild and approachable, and the size is just right for little hands. Kids especially love the sweet, buttery rolls.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing way to reinvent leftover ham, this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is pure gold. They’re simple to assemble, endlessly customizable, and always disappear fast—so go ahead, make a pan tonight and watch smiles appear around your table!

Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious way to use up leftover ham. Layers of ham and Swiss cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls, brushed with a savory buttery sauce, then baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls:

12 rolls;

Leftover Ham:

1 pound sliced;

Swiss Cheese:

8 slices;

Unsalted Butter:

½ cup melted;

Dijon Mustard:

1 tablespoon;

Poppy Seeds:

1 tablespoon;

Minced Onion:

1 tablespoon;

Worcestershire Sauce:

½ teaspoon;

Garlic Powder:

¼ teaspoon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare rolls: Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer ham and cheese: Evenly layer ham over rolls, then top with Swiss cheese. Place top halves of rolls over the cheese.
Make butter mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Brush rolls: Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring some drips down the sides.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and tops are golden brown.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!