If you have some leftover ham in the fridge and want a quick, delicious way to transform it, you’ll absolutely love this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. These little handheld sandwiches pack a perfect balance of savory ham, melty cheese, and buttery, flavorful tops baked right into soft slider buns. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or an irresistible party appetizer, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable bite that everyone will ask for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe plays a crucial role from taste to texture and even color, making the assembly straightforward yet impressive. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring these sliders to life.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture is the perfect vessel for the flavorful fillings.
- 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked ham (thinly sliced or chopped): The star protein that brings savory goodness and satisfying chew.
- 12 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, rich layers; you could swap with cheddar or mozzarella to change it up.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture and helps balance the tangy mustard.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: A bit of tang and kick that wakes up the flavors in every bite.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): For brushing the tops, adding a golden finish and delicious richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami punch and depth to the butter glaze.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and a delightful visual touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Layered flavor that rounds out the seasoning.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh color and a bright lift when serving.
How to Make Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the buns and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, but be careful not to separate each roll — keep them joined together like a pull-apart loaf. This makes assembly and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Assemble the base layers
Place the bottom halves of your buns in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly across the bottom buns; it creates a creamy, tangy layer that perfectly complements the ham and cheese.
Step 3: Add ham and cheese layers
Evenly layer your thinly sliced or chopped leftover ham over the prepared buns. Follow that up with a slice of Swiss cheese on each slider portion, allowing every bite to deliver a gooey, savory hit.
Step 4: Top and brush the sliders
Place the top halves of the slider buns back onto the layered ham and cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously brush this mixture over the tops of your sliders—the butter brings a gorgeously golden crust and loads of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to melty perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the buns soft and the cheese melting evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes to let the tops turn golden brown. When you see that perfect bubbly cheese and toasted top, your sliders are ready!
Step 6: Rest, garnish, and slice
Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes before slicing between the buns. If you’d like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of green freshness that makes these sliders pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes take these sliders to the next level. Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and a subtle herbaceous note. For extra flair, thin slices of pickle or a drizzle of honey mustard on the side can brighten up the plate and give a pleasing textural variety.
Side Dishes
Because these sliders are so flavorful and satisfying on their own, sides should complement rather than compete. Crisp coleslaw, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, or even classic kettle-cooked chips work wonderfully as fresh and crunchy counterparts to the melty warmth of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
The pull-apart style these sliders naturally come in makes them fabulous for sharing around the table. You can serve the entire slider slab on a platter with little appetizer picks inserted into each slider or slice them up neatly and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a more elegant party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftover sliders (which can be rare because they’re so addictive), keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days and remain delicious for quick reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled, unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since they’ll be cold going into the oven.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again. This method keeps the buns soft while reviving the flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or gouda all melt beautifully and bring their own unique flavor. Feel free to experiment based on what you love or have on hand.
What can I add to make these sliders more flavorful?
Besides the poppy seeds and seasoning in the butter glaze, try adding caramelized onions, thin pickle slices, or even a little honey mustard spread inside for a sweet and tangy twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe for vegetarians, substitute the ham with grilled or roasted veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or a hearty plant-based deli slice. The cheese and flavorful spread will still create a fantastic slider experience.
How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?
Spreading the mayo and mustard mixture on the buns helps create a moisture barrier, but try not to overload with sauces or wet ingredients. Baking covered initially keeps the buns soft yet prevents sogginess, and removing the foil at the end crisps the tops nicely.
Is it possible to make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire slider dish the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bake them fresh from the fridge following the baking instructions—it makes hosting so much easier!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe truly turns an ordinary leftover into a crowd-pleasing star. Its blend of simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and crowd-friendly appeal makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Give it a try—you might find it’s your new favorite way to serve ham that everyone in the family can agree on!
Print
Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Easy Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe is a quick and delicious way to transform leftover ham into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. Made with soft slider buns, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a buttery poppy seed topping, these sliders bake to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or game day snacks, these flavorful sliders can be customized with your favorite cheeses and add-ins for extra flair.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 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)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Topping
- 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
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls, and place the bottom halves in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
- Spread the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread this evenly over the bottom halves of the buns to add creamy, tangy flavor.
- Layer ham and cheese: Evenly distribute the sliced or chopped leftover ham over the buns, then layer the Swiss cheese slices on top to ensure a generous cheesy filling.
- Top the sliders: Place the top halves of the buns back onto the layered ham and cheese to assemble the sliders completely.
- Prepare the butter topping: In another bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a flavorful butter mixture.
- Brush the tops: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled sliders to infuse buttery, savory taste and help achieve a golden finish.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing them apart. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving for convenience.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for variety.
- Add thin pickle slices or caramelized onions inside the sliders for extra flavor and texture.
