Hey everyone! I’m so pumped to share my recipe for mouthwatering ham and cheese slider bites. These mini sandwiches are the perfect appetizer or game day snack that will have everyone begging for more. Let’s get started!
First, let me tell you why these sliders are so irresistible. They start with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls loaded up with salty sliced ham, melty cheddar cheese, tangy mustard, and crisp lettuce. After a quick brush of butter and grill in the skillet, the rolls become warm, golden brown and irresistibly pillowy soft.
The sweet and salty flavors marry together so nicely in each bite. I love serving up a big platter of these sliders at parties or game days – they always disappear in minutes!
What’s the best way to split the Hawaiian rolls horizontally without them falling apart?
Use a very sharp serrated bread knife and gently saw back and forth while rolling the top/bottom away from your cuts. Take it slow and steady.
My rolls got smashed and lost their shape while cooking. How can I avoid that?
Make sure the skillet is not overcrowded and use a thin spatula to gently flip them. Don’t press down while they cook. Cook in batches if needed.
Some of my sliders spilled out filling. What went wrong?
Check that the rolls are sliced evenly across the tops, spread mustard close to edges, and don’t overfill the center with too much ham and cheese.
How do I get the cheese extra melty?
Use thinly sliced cheese and make sure it’s directly touching the pan surface while grilling. Covering the pan after flipping can trap heat.
My sliders stuck to the pan. How do I prevent that?
Make sure the skillet is properly preheated before adding butter. Use enough butter to coat the pan and brush tops often while cooking.
What’s the best way to transport the sliders to a party?
Nestle them snugly in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Insert toothpicks to hold their shape.
How do I reheat leftover sliders?
Place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 4-5 minutes until warm. Keep an eye to avoid drying out the rolls.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count)
- 6 oz sliced deli ham (about 12 slices)
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, sliced (about 12 slices)
- 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat. You’ll want it hot enough to toast the rolls nicely but not burn them. Prepare all other ingredients and tools beforehand so the cooking goes quickly.
- Take the package of 12 Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice it in half horizontally using a serrated bread knife. Try to keep the top and bottom halves intact.
- Spread a teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly over each bottom bun half. I use a butter knife to gently spread the mustard out to the edges without tearing the soft bread.
- Assemble the slider fillings on the bottom buns by placing one folded slice of deli ham, one slice of cheddar cheese, and a small pinch of shredded lettuce on each. Top with the other bun halves and press down gently to make complete sandwiches.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in the preheated skillet until foamy. Place as many assembled slider sandwiches into the skillet as will fit without crowding. I can usually cook 4 at a time.
- Use a pastry brush or spoon to brush the melted butter lightly over the top of each slider in the pan. This helps the bread toast up evenly and adds delicious flavor.
- Cook for 2 minutes then gingerly flip each slider over using a thin spatula. Be careful not to press down and squash the soft bread.
- Brush the tops again with butter and cook another 2 minutes until both sides are evenly golden brown. The cheese should be nicely melted.
- Transfer the finished sliders to a serving platter. Repeat steps 5-8 with remaining butter and uncooked slider sandwiches. Keep the cooked sliders warm in a low oven if needed.
- Serve the hot ham and cheese slider bites right away while the bread is still warm and pillowy in the center! Provide mustard, bbq sauce, or other dipping sauces on the side.
Cooking Tips:
- Substitute smoked gouda or provolone for the cheddar for a flavor twist.
- Add a slice of tomato or pickle to each slider for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use maple glazed ham or applewood smoked ham for premium flavor.
- Brush the cut sides of the rolls with garlic butter before assembling for a bolder flavor.
- Use mini cookie cutters to cut the rolls into fun shapes like hearts or stars.
- Double the recipe for a crowd or party. Grill in batches to keep rolls perfectly warm and crispy.
