Introduction
This delightful recipe for sliders combines savory ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With layers of ham and melting cheese, all nestled within soft rolls, these sliders are sure to be a hit.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
12 standard or 24 small soft white roll slab (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ slab) – Note 1
1/3 cup American mustard (ie bright yellow stuff) – Note 2
350g/12 oz ham, shaved or thinly sliced (up to 500g/1lb, Note 3)
250g/8 oz Swiss cheese or other melting cheese slices (10 – 12 slices)
ONION POPPYSEED BUTTER:
100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp American mustard (Note 2)
1 tbsp poppyseeds (Note 4)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder (sub fresh garlic, finely minced)
1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
12 large sliders or 24 small sliders
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm / 13 x 9″ pan with paper (Note 5).
Savoury Butter – Mix ingredients together.
Assemble base – Cut the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread base and lid with the 1/3 cup mustard. Place bread in pan, top with ham then cheese. NO LID YET!
Bake topless – Bake 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. (Note 6)
Smother – Remove bread from oven. Top with bread lid, pour/spoon over butter, leaving no patch naked.
Bake covered – Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes.
Pierce for soakage – Remove foil. Pierce the intersections where the corners of the rolls meet to encourage pooled butter to soak into the bread.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until top is crusty.
Cut while hot then serve!
Recipe Notes
1. Soft rolls best so everything kind of melds together. Aim for a slab that will fit snugly in a 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ pan. Australia: 12 Bakers Delight rolls fit perfectly, that’s what I use 🙂 US: Hawaiian rolls are the perfect size, 12 large or 24 small.
2. Mustard – American mustard is the classic here though you can use any mild mustard. Not hot English mustard (too spicy!) and not wholegrain (too bumpy).
3. Ham quantity – If using ham you bought or glazed then slice yourself, you can easily increase this to 500g / 1 lb. The lower amount is for shaved or thinly sliced store-bought ham.
4. Poppyseeds – Traditionally used, adds nuttiness and visual effect, plus you get to make fun of everybody who gets the seeds stuck in their teeth. But don’t make a special trip just to find them. Worth making without!
5. Pan – If you don’t have a pan this size, use a tray with foil and wrap the bread to hold the butter in as it bakes.
6. Baking topless – Important step to ensure cheese melts. If you try with the bread lid on at the start, it takes almost an hour before cheese melts. Or, accept the cheese won’t fully melt. (I can’t accept that).
Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days (subject to the remaining shelf life of ham used). Revive by reheating in the oven.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C for fan-forced). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm / 13 x 9″ pan with paper.
Prepare the Savoury Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of American mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cooking salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Assemble the Base
Cut the slab of soft white rolls in half horizontally. Spread 1/3 cup of mustard on both the base and the top half. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the lined pan. Layer the shaved or thinly sliced ham evenly on top, followed by the slices of Swiss cheese. Do not add the top half of the rolls yet.
Bake the Cheese
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. It is crucial that the bread is left uncovered during this step.
Add the Lid and Butter
After 10 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven. Place the top half of the bread (the lid) onto the cheese. Generously pour or spoon the prepared savoury butter mixture over the entire top, ensuring no part of the bread is left dry.
Cover and Bake Again
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Pierce for Soakage
Once the 20 minutes is complete, carefully remove the foil. Use a fork to pierce the intersections where the corners of the rolls meet, allowing the butter to soak into the bread.
Bake Uncovered for Crispiness
Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crusty.
Serve Hot
Remove the sliders from the oven and cut them while still hot. Serve immediately.
Notes
1. Roll Type
Opt for soft rolls for the best texture and meld. Aim for a slab that fits snugly in the 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ pan. In Australia, 12 Bakers Delight rolls are recommended. In the US, Hawaiian rolls are ideal.
2. Mustard Choice
American mustard is traditional but feel free to use any mild mustard. Avoid hot English mustard and wholegrain mustard due to their spiciness and texture, respectively.
3. Ham Quantity
You may increase the ham portion up to 500g / 1 lb if you are slicing it yourself. The suggested lower amount is for pre-sliced, store-bought ham.
4. Poppyseeds Usage
Poppyseeds are traditionally used for their nuttiness and visual appeal. However, they can be omitted if not available.
5. Pan Alternatives
If the specified pan size is unavailable, use a tray lined with foil, wrapping the bread to retain the butter while baking.
6. Importance of Baking Uncovered
Baking uncovered at the start is essential to ensure that the cheese properly melts. Baking with the lid on can extend the time needed for the cheese to melt significantly.
7. Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored for 3 to 4 days, depending on the remaining shelf life of the ham used. Reheat in the oven to revive.
Cook techniques
Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures even cooking. Set your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced) for optimal baking.
Mixing Savoury Butter
Combine unsalted melted butter with finely chopped onion, American mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a savory topping for your sliders.
Assembling the Sliders
Cut the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread the bottom layer with mustard, then layer with ham and cheese before placing the top layer back on.
Baking Without the Lid
Bake the assembled sliders topless for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt properly before adding the lid and butter.
Applying Butter
After baking topless, remove from the oven. Place the lid back on and generously pour or spoon the savory butter over the entire top, ensuring even coverage.
Baking Covered
Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This step retains moisture and allows the flavors to meld.
Piercing for Soakage
After the covered baking, remove the foil. Pierce the intersections of the rolls to allow the butter to soak into the bread.
Baking Uncovered
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the top is crusty and golden.
Serving Hot
Cut the sliders while hot for the best texture and serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and flavorful butter.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other melting cheeses of your choice.
What if I can’t find poppyseeds?
Poppyseeds are traditional but not essential. You can make the recipe without them if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to revive them.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What type of rolls should I use?
Soft white rolls work best, ideally fitting in a 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ pan, such as Hawaiian rolls or similar soft varieties.
Conclusion
This delightful ham and cheese slider recipe, enhanced with a savory onion poppyseed butter, is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings. Its layers of melted cheese and flavorful ham nestled between soft rolls create a tantalizing treat that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these sliders are bound to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Turkey and Cheddar Sliders
Use turkey breast and cheddar cheese instead of ham and Swiss for a different flavor profile.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Swap out the ham for pulled pork and add a tangy barbecue sauce for a hearty twist.
Caprese Sliders
Replace ham with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a vegetarian option, drizzling with balsamic glaze.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Use shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese, topped with a drizzle of ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
Meatball Sliders
Fill the rolls with meatballs and marinara sauce, topped with provolone cheese for a classic Italian touch.
Spinach and Feta Sliders
For a lighter choice, combine sautéed spinach and feta cheese, seasoned with garlic for a Mediterranean delight.
