These Ham and Cheese Sliders put a fun twist on an old classic. This easy recipe is on the table in under 30 minutes. Make an extra batch because these will fly off the platter at rapid speed.
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This is not your Gramma’s ham sandwich. These ham and cheese sliders are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun after school snack. They are the perfect way to use up leftover ham from holidays as well.
Our theme this month is “Not Your Gramma’s Gay Lea” so I wanted to showcase a recipe that put a fun spin on a classic. Ham and cheese sandwiches were one of my Gramma’s favourites so I decided this was the perfect way to make it more modern.
Sliders are all the rage right now. Trends tend to come and go. What I love about this trend is it’s not a new concept. Moms have been putting fresh spins on sandwiches forever. Back in the day this was considered stretching a meal.
My Mom’s generation and my Gramma’s generation knew how to make a meal go a long way. You make something for dinner one night then use the leftovers in creative ways the next night, or two.
I grew up making one meal stretch into 3 or 4. Money was tight when the hooligans were little. I was a stay at home mom so we had to feed a family on one income. You learn to get super creative when money is tight.
If I made ham for dinner for a holiday I would make good use of the leftover ham. Typically we’d have ham and all the trimmings one night, then I’d make ham and cheese sliders for lunch the next day.
Other great ways to use up leftover ham is adding it to scrambled eggs or quiche. You can also make a ham casserole. I always freeze extra with my vacuum sealer so we have plenty on hand for lunches for the following month.
Nothing beats being able to pull some tasty ham to pull out of the freezer for months after a holiday. Some days are busier than others and those are the days where having some great leftovers on hand are a lifesaver.
For this recipe I used Gay Lea Butter Sticks. I live in a small town where finding sticks of butter used to be impossible. Butter is typically measured differently in Canada. So many American recipes call for sticks of butter.
While it’s easy enough to do the conversions it’s still nice to be able to buy sticks of butter nowadays. I feel like Gay Lea is helping our little town move into the right era. One small step for butter is a giant step for small town living.
It’s the little things in life that make me happy. Things like Gay Lea Butter Sticks, ham and cheese sliders, and spending time with family during holidays and beyond. Making simple recipes like this frees up more time for hanging with the hooligans.
I learned so many little cooking tips and tricks from my Gramma. They were so creative when it came to making the most out of every meal. Leftovers were a way to get creative and adventurous. Which is how my family approaches life.
My gramma was a riot too. She was always down to play with us kids and get silly. Whether it was teaching me how to make her favourite recipes, how to paint my nails like a pro, or playing baseball in the back yard, she always made everything fun.
I know, right! My Gramma was a force to be reckoned with. She was so much fun and such a character. She taught me how to make french fries, pizza, and kick ass sandwiches. She also taught me to be fierce and courageous.
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 package of slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 16 oz 1 pound of ham (I used leftovers from a boneless sweet ham but you could use Black Forest ham or any deli ham, sliced to your preference)
- 8 oz 1/2 pound swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup deli dressing or Italian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
- Place the bottom buns in the pan.
- Top the bottom buns with ham.
- Add swiss cheese over top of the ham.
- Place the top buns on top of the cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the melted butter and deli dressing. Mix until combined. Pour over top of the sandwiches. (Substitute for dressing in notes)
- Cover pan with tinfoil and place in oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5-10 minutes more. You want the tops to be golden brown and the cheese perfectly melted.
- Remove from oven and use a spatula to lift out. Place on platter and watch them disappear.
- Serve with a big old ham and cheese loving smile.
Notes
8 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon sugar
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Toodles! xx
Nikki says
These ham and cheese sliders are perfect for Easter party. Thanks for sharing it.
Isabelle @ Crumb says
These look so adorable, Kim! We’re not doing ham for Easter, but maybe I’ll have to swing by the store to pick up a little ham just so I can make these… because, holy yum.
(Also, why is it so dang hard to get Hawaiian sweet rolls up here in Canadia? Hopefully that will change, because it’s perfect for ham sammies.)
Nicole says
Oh my gosh, I could plow through about a dozen of these! They look so good 🙂
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
LOVE how easy and cheesy this are 🙂
[email protected] says
Heavenly heaven on a bun! My husband will LOVE THESE! Pinned and making.
Kirsten/Comfortably Domestic says
Your grandma sounds like my kind of lady! That generation had the gift of being able to stretch a meal without having it feel like you were eating leftovers. My family would devour these sliders in no time flat. The boys have this thing about eating anything that’s “mini” in size.
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I love the pic of your grandma!!! AND these sliders. Yummatola, as my dad would say. My grandma only taught me to say, “where’s the fire extinguisher” in the kitchen… LOL. She was always burning everything 🙂
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m seriously craving these! And yes, quality butter makes all the difference!
Jennifer Farley says
I’ve never met a slider I didn’t like. Your photos are gorgeous!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
Whereas it would have been great to win the iPad Mini 2, I feel like a winner just getting this recipe. Sharing on Desserts Required’s FB page this week.
Ginger Wroot says
I am SO a sandwich fanatic, so I’ve pinned this recipe and can’t wait to try these lish-looking sliders! Thanks, and what a lovely blog you have, by the way! –G
Jeannie says
I have never seen slider buns that look as delicious as those. What is the black on them – onion – black sesame seeds?? I would love to find buns like those – sometimes the right bread is what makes the sandwich.
Kim Beaulieu says
Hi Jeannie. I used deli dressing from Boar’s Head for this one if memory serves. If you can’t find that you can use Italian salad dressing. Usually, I melt butter and add spices that go well with the flavour combination. Making your own is super easy. If you peek at my Spicy BBQ Chicken Fajita Sliders there’s a recipe for a topping in it- https://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/spicy-bbq-chicken-fajita-sliders/
Basically, you just melt a little butter and throw in your fave spices. Pour on before cooking. Makes the buns so crispy and adds extra flavour.
Let me know if you need any more help.
Ashley @ Sweetpea Lifestyle says
YUMMMMMM!!! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty!