Ham And Cheese Sliders: Easy, Tasty, Fun For A Party
One of the best things about family gatherings is keeping things simple, especially when it comes to feeding a crowd. We love to play softball with the kids and the whole family. There’s this big grassy field near our home, and every time we gather, it’s all about the fun—no one’s too strict about the rules, and the kids are just as likely to get more than three strikes as they are to run the bases in the wrong direction! But that’s the beauty of it. It’s less about the game itself and more about the laughter, the shouts of encouragement, and the pure joy on everyone’s faces.
After a good game, everyone’s hungry, and that’s where the ham and cheese sliders come in. They’re so easy to whip up that I can have them ready by the time the first wave of hungry players starts making their way off the field. The best part? They’re as fun to eat as they are to make. Just a few simple ingredients, a quick bake in the oven, and you’ve got a tray full of delicious, warm sliders that are perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s the kind of food that brings everyone together, whether they’re celebrating a home run or just enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.
Did You Know?
Sliders, originally a small hamburger, have become popular with various fillings like ham and cheese. The term "slider" is believed to have originated from the way small burgers would slide across the griddle. Fun fact: Sliders were first popularized by White Castle, an American fast-food restaurant chain, in the 1920s!
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
12 slider rolls
1/2 pound deli ham, sliced
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, sliced
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Personal Tip: Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier and helps prevent the sliders from sticking.
Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider rolls in half and place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Layer the ham and cheese on top, then cover with the top halves of the rolls.
Personal Tip: Press down lightly on the sliders to help them hold together better during baking.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and onion powder. Brush the tops of the sliders with the sauce.
Personal Tip: Make sure to cover the tops of the rolls evenly to get that golden, flavorful crust.
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Personal Tip: Removing the foil helps the tops of the sliders become perfectly crisp and golden.
Serve:
Serve warm.
Personal Tip: Serve the sliders with a side of pickles or potato chips for a classic party snack combo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 400, Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 2g, Net Carbohydrates: 28g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 1000mg, Sugars: 5g, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choosing the Rolls: Use sweet Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness, or opt for whole wheat rolls for a healthier version.
- Ham Alternatives: Substitute the deli ham with turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian option like roasted vegetables or a veggie burger patty.
- Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is classic, try using cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake them when ready to serve for a quick meal.
- Freezing Tips: Freeze assembled sliders (without baking) in an airtight container for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Sauce Options: Experiment with different sauce variations like adding Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or a touch of honey to the melted butter mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad to make it a complete meal.
- Portion Control: These sliders are great for portion control as they are small and satisfying. Perfect for parties and gatherings as finger food.
- Reducing Waste: Use any leftover ham and cheese in omelets, salads, or sandwiches. This helps minimize food waste and stretches your ingredients further.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Buy deli meats and cheese in bulk when on sale. You can also use store-brand ingredients to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Let's Learn A Little Bit About Ham
Ham, a beloved sandwich meat, comes in various forms and flavors, from smoked to honey-glazed. It’s made from the hind leg of a pig and is often cured, which involves salting, smoking, or aging the meat to preserve it and enhance its flavor. There are several types of ham, including country ham, which is dry-cured and often has a more intense flavor, and city ham, which is typically wet-cured and milder in taste.
When choosing ham, it’s important to consider the type and quality. Organic and nitrate-free options are available for those looking to avoid preservatives. While ham can be high in sodium, it’s also a good source of protein, making it a satisfying and versatile ingredient in many dishes. Whether you’re using it in a sandwich, a casserole, or these delicious sliders, ham brings a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.