Baking Ham And Cheese Sliders: The Perfect Timing

Ham and cheese sliders are a delicious snack that can be served at parties, game days, picnics, and family get-togethers. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The sliders are made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a savoury butter sauce. The butter sauce is made by mixing butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and kosher salt. The sliders are then baked in the oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil, and then baked for an additional 5-10 minutes without the foil. The total baking time is about 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bake covered for 20 minutes

When baking ham and cheese sliders, covering the dish with aluminium foil is essential. This step ensures that the sliders are evenly heated through to the centre and prevents the bread from browning too quickly.

After covering the dish, bake for 20 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F. This initial covered baking period is crucial as it allows the sandwiches to heat through thoroughly without drying out. It creates a steamy environment that helps keep the bread moist and prevents the cheese from burning.

The type of dish you use also matters. A 9x13-inch or 7x11-inch baking dish is ideal for this purpose. Line the dish with aluminium foil and grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Once the 20 minutes are up, it's time to remove the foil and continue baking. This step is just as important as the covered baking period. Uncovering the dish allows the tops of the rolls to brown and the cheese to melt to a perfect gooey consistency.

The total baking time for ham and cheese sliders is generally around 28 minutes, including the covered and uncovered portions. However, it's important to keep an eye on the sliders to ensure they don't burn. Baking times can vary based on factors such as pan size, oven variances, and climate.

Bake uncovered for 3-8 minutes

Baking is a crucial step in preparing ham and cheese sliders, and the time spent in the oven can significantly impact the final product's taste and texture. In this case, the sliders are baked uncovered for 3-8 minutes, which is a relatively short duration.

Baking uncovered for this brief period allows the rolls to achieve a desirable golden brown colour and a slightly crisp texture. This step is particularly important if you prefer your buns with a crunchier texture. It is the final step in the baking process, which begins with covering the dish and baking for a longer duration, around 12-20 minutes.

The initial covered baking ensures the sandwiches heat through to the centre, melting the cheese and warming the ingredients thoroughly. This step is essential to guarantee the sliders are not just warm on the surface but also heated evenly throughout. Leaving the dish uncovered for the final few minutes of baking allows the rolls to develop a desirable texture and colour.

The total baking time, including both the covered and uncovered portions, is generally around 20-30 minutes. However, it's important to monitor the sliders closely to prevent over-baking or burning. Baking times can vary based on factors such as pan size, oven variances, and climate, so staying vigilant is crucial.

Additionally, the baking temperature of 350°F is essential to achieving the desired results. Preheating the oven to this temperature ensures consistent cooking once the sliders are placed inside. This temperature strikes a balance between melting the cheese and warming the ingredients without burning the rolls.

Use Hawaiian rolls

Ham and Cheese Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls
• Ham
• Swiss cheese
• Butter
• Dijon mustard
• Poppy seeds
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Honey (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half. Place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
• Layer a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each bottom bun. You can also add mayonnaise or mustard for extra flavour.
• Cover with the top halves of the buns.
• In a bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder (if using).
• Pour the sauce evenly over the sliders and let them sit for about 5-10 minutes to soak in the sauce.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a crunchier bun, brush the sauce on the top and inside of the buns instead of pouring it over.
• If you prefer your sliders hot and fresh, assemble the sliders and mix the butter sauce separately. Don't combine the two or bake until you are ready to serve.
• For easier slicing, fold the ham to fit the buns instead of laying it flat.
• To store, transfer the sliders to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, place 1-2 sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 60 seconds on high power. If they aren't warmed through, reheat in 15-second increments.

Layer with ham, cheese, and sauce

Layering the ham, cheese, and sauce is a key step in making ham and cheese sliders. This step ensures that you get a delicious combination of flavours and textures in every bite. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need mini sandwich rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls, thinly sliced cooked deli ham, thinly sliced or shredded Swiss cheese, butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and any other desired seasonings.

Next, separate the tops from the bottoms of the rolls. Arrange the bottom pieces in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Start layering by placing a slice of ham on each roll, covering the entire surface. You can use a single slice or fold a slice to fit, depending on the size of your rolls.

Now, it's time to add the cheese! Layer Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham. You can use other melting cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack if you prefer. Feel free to shred your own cheese or use pre-sliced cheese for convenience.

For an extra flavour boost, spread a layer of Dijon mustard on top of the cheese. This adds a sharp, tangy flavour to your sliders. You can also experiment with other types of mustard, such as American mustard, for a brighter yellow colour and a tangier taste.

Finally, it's time to add the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, salt, pepper, or garlic powder to the sauce. Drizzle this savoury butter sauce over the rolls, making sure to cover them evenly.

Once you've layered the ham, cheese, and sauce, your sliders are almost ready for the oven! Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches, creating little sandwiches that are perfect for parties or game days.

Follow the remaining baking instructions, and you'll have delicious, gooey ham and cheese sliders that will be a hit with your family and friends!

Assemble and bake, or assemble, chill, then bake

The ham and cheese sliders can be prepared and baked immediately, or assembled and chilled before baking. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Assemble and Bake

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Prepare the rolls: Use a serrated knife to cut through a package of Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally, keeping the rolls attached. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish (9x13-inch or 7x11-inch).
• Layer with cheese and ham: On the bottom half of the rolls, layer Swiss cheese slices, followed by ham slices, and then another layer of Swiss cheese.
• Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder or dried minced onion, and kosher salt. Whisk until well combined.
• Brush the butter mixture onto the top half of the rolls, and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
• Cover and bake: Place the top half of the rolls, brushed with butter, onto the layered cheese and ham. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until the sandwiches are heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for 7 to 10 minutes, until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Transfer the sliders to a cutting board and cut into individual servings.

Assemble, Chill, then Bake

• Follow the above steps to assemble the sliders, but do not bake them.
• Chill the assembled sliders: Cover the assembled sliders and chill in the refrigerator for up to one day.
• Bake: When ready to serve, remove the sliders from the refrigerator and let the butter mixture come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the sliders, covered, for about 20 minutes, and then uncover and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Transfer the sliders to a cutting board and cut into individual servings.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use other types of melting cheese, such as cheddar, gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
• For a less spicy option, substitute Dijon mustard with American mustard or any other mild mustard.
• To add a modern twist, include honey and pickled jalapeños in the butter mixture.
• To prevent the sliders from getting soggy, toast the rolls under the broiler for a few minutes before assembling.

Frequently asked questions