Oven-Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders: Cooking Time Perfection

Ham and cheese sliders are a delicious treat, perfect for parties, game days, and family meals. But how long do you cook them for? Well, it depends on how you like your sliders. If you want them gooey and irresistibly cheesy, you'll need to bake them for around 20 minutes, covered, and then for a further 3-8 minutes, uncovered, to get that golden brown finish. So, all in all, you're looking at between 23-28 minutes of cooking time. But remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on your sliders to make sure they don't burn!

What temperature to bake them at

To make ham and cheese sliders, you should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to bake the sliders until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned.

Once you've assembled your sliders, you'll want to cover the baking dish with foil and let it bake for about 20 minutes. This ensures the sandwiches heat through to the centre without the bread browning too quickly.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 3 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven and desired level of browning. Keep a close eye on the sliders during this time to prevent them from burning.

If you're reheating leftover sliders, cover them and bake at 350°F until they're warmed thoroughly.

How long to bake them for

The baking time for ham and cheese sliders will vary depending on the recipe you follow and your desired level of doneness. However, on average, they should be baked for around 20 minutes if covered, and then for an additional 3-10 minutes if uncovered, to ensure the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned.

Firstly, it is important to cover the dish with foil and bake the sliders for around 20 minutes. This ensures that the sandwiches heat through to the centre without the bread browning too quickly.

After this, remove the foil and continue baking until the tops of the rolls are browned and the cheese has melted. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

In total, the sliders should be in the oven for around 25-30 minutes. However, one source recommends baking for 10 minutes, then uncovering and baking for a further 2 minutes to achieve a slightly crisp, golden brown finish.

It is also worth noting that baking time will vary depending on factors such as pan size, climate, and oven variances. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the sliders and adjust the baking time as needed.

For best results, it is recommended to serve the sliders immediately after baking, to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to prevent the rolls from getting soggy

To prevent the rolls from getting soggy, it is important to consider factors such as temperature, light, and moisture. Here are some tips to keep your ham and cheese sliders fresh and delicious:

• Temperature Control: Avoid placing the sliders in a warm or hot location. Room temperature or slightly cooler is ideal. You can also store them in the refrigerator, but be mindful that this can speed up the staling process.
• Light Exposure: Keep the sliders away from direct light, both natural and artificial. Store them in a dark place like a cupboard or bread bin.
• Moisture Control: Moisture is a common culprit of soggy bread. Keep the sliders away from any moisture sources and ensure the storage area is dry. Use airtight containers or linen bags to prevent air and moisture from reaching the bread.
• Proper Storage: If you plan to store the sliders, wrap them tightly in their original packaging or use airtight containers. They can last for 2-3 days at room temperature or a few months in the freezer.
• Reheating: When reheating the sliders, avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy. Instead, bake them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed thoroughly.
• Butter Mixture: The butter, mustard, and onion mixture can make the bread soggy if applied too generously. Apply a light coating, and consider spreading it on the meat and cheese layers instead of directly on the rolls.
• Assembly: If you're making the sliders in advance, assemble them close to the baking time to prevent the bread from absorbing too much moisture.
• Bread Type: Choose rolls that are known for their firmness and ability to withstand moisture, such as Hawaiian sweet rolls or similar varieties.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the sliders, slice them before freezing to make reheating easier. Wrap the slices individually or separate them with wax paper to prevent them from freezing together.
• Defrosting: Defrost frozen sliders slowly and naturally, rather than using a microwave, to prevent sogginess.

What kind of rolls to use

When making ham and cheese sliders, the type of roll you use is important. The best option is Hawaiian sweet rolls, which are a popular choice for this dish. They are slightly sweet, soft, and squishy, and pair perfectly with the other ingredients. The subtle sweetness of the rolls complements the salty-sweet flavours of the ham and cheese.

If you are unable to get Hawaiian rolls, plain rolls will also work well. You could also try making your own rolls with a dinner roll recipe. If you are making the sliders as party food, you may want to use mini sandwich rolls.

When preparing your rolls, cut them in half horizontally, so you have a top and bottom slab. You can then layer on your ham and cheese, and pour over your sauce. Cover with foil and bake.

What to serve with them

There are many options for what to serve with ham and cheese sliders, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are some ideas:

For a Hearty Meal

Ham and cheese sliders can be a complete meal when paired with side dishes such as:

• Grilled asparagus
• Pasta salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Macaroni salad
• Potato salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Sweet potato salad
• Homemade potato chips
• Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Air Fryer Potato Chips

For a Lighter Meal

If you're looking for something lighter, serve the sliders with a side salad:

• Romaine wedge salad
• Apple coleslaw
• Carrot raisin salad
• Avocado corn salad
• Simple spinach salad
• Italian chopped salad

For a Party or Game Day

Ham and cheese sliders are perfect for game day or as party appetizers. Serve them with:

• Chips and dip
• Nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Oven-Baked Ranch Chex Mix
• Easy, Cheesy Hot Pizza Dip

For a Packed Lunch

If you're taking ham and cheese sliders for lunch on the go, pair them with:

• Farro & Broccoli Salad
• Crunchy Cabbage & Ramen Noodle Salad

Frequently asked questions