Greasing The Pan For Ham And Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are a popular choice for parties, game days, and casual get-togethers. They are easy to make, economical, and can be eaten as finger food. The key to this dish is the combination of sweet and savoury flavours, with the tanginess of the mustard and the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls complementing the salty ham and cheese. The sliders are typically assembled in a baking dish and baked in the oven, with the cheese melting and the bread becoming crusty. The butter sauce, made with seasonings such as garlic, onion, dijon mustard, and honey, is what sets these sliders apart from a basic ham and cheese sandwich.

The best type of ham to use

Ham and cheese sliders are a popular American party food, perfect for big batches and leftover Christmas ham. While there is no single "best" type of ham for sliders, there are several varieties that work well in this dish. Here are some options to consider:

• Shaved ham: Shaved ham is a great choice if you want to pile on layers and layers of meat. It has a delicate texture that allows for generous portions without making the sliders too heavy.
• Deli ham: This is a convenient option, as it is readily available and typically thinly sliced, making it easy to use.
• Leftover Christmas ham: If you have some leftover glazed ham from the holidays, ham and cheese sliders are an excellent way to repurpose it.
• Cherrywood ham: This type of ham has a unique, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sliders.

When selecting ham for your sliders, look for thinly sliced or shaved varieties, as these will ensure that your sandwiches are easy to eat and have a good balance of flavours and textures.

Additionally, feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of ham, such as black forest ham, honey-glazed ham, or even a simple smoked ham. The beauty of ham and cheese sliders is that they are versatile and can accommodate a range of ingredients.

The best type of cheese to use

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• American cheese
• Monterey Jack
• Colby
• Gruyere
• Jack cheese

If you're looking for a more adventurous option, you can try using a flavoured cheese such as pepper jack or a spicy cheddar. For a more subtle flavour, mild cheeses like Havarti or Muenster would also work well.

When choosing a cheese, consider the flavour profile you want to create. Some cheeses, like Swiss or provolone, have a more subtle flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. Others, like cheddar or pepper jack, will add a sharper, more pronounced taste to the sliders.

Additionally, think about the texture you want to achieve. For a gooey, melty cheese experience, Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone are excellent choices. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, cheddar or Colby would be better options.

Ultimately, the best type of cheese to use will depend on your personal preference for flavour and texture. So, feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find the one that suits your taste!

The best type of roll to use

The best ham and cheese sliders start with the best rolls. The most popular choice is sweet Hawaiian rolls, which are soft and fluffy with a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savoury ham and cheese. If you can't get your hands on Hawaiian rolls, don't worry—you can use any soft white roll, such as a soft packaged dinner roll, or even brioche. Just make sure they're stuck together in a slab that measures around 23 x 33 cm or 9 x 13 inches so they fit snugly in your baking pan.

If you're feeling virtuous, you can opt for wholemeal bread, or if you're feeling adventurous, try using croissants instead of rolls for a fancy twist!

How to make the sauce

To make the sauce for ham and cheese sliders, you'll need a combination of butter, mustard, and seasonings. Here's a detailed guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter and melt it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but you can also use American mustard or any other variety of smooth mustard. Avoid hot English mustard as it may be too spicy.
• Honey: A small amount of honey will add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Poppy Seeds: These seeds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. They also get stuck in your teeth, so they're great for making fun of your dining companions!
• Onion: Finely chop some brown or white onions, or use dried minced onion if you don't have fresh onions available.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper will enhance the flavor of the sauce. You can also add Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory kick.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan.
• Melt the butter in a small bowl.
• Add the mustard, honey, poppy seeds, onion, and seasonings to the melted butter.
• Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Follow the remaining steps for assembling and baking your ham and cheese sliders.
• Before baking, brush the sauce mixture over the tops of the sandwiches or pour it over the rolls.
• Bake according to your chosen recipe's instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes, until the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and the number of sliders you're making. This sauce will add a delicious savory and tangy flavor to your ham and cheese sliders!

How to assemble the sliders

To assemble ham and cheese sliders, you'll need to split a slab of bread in half, keeping the rolls stuck together so you can bake them in one piece. Spread the base and lid with mustard, then cover with cheese. Bake without the lid for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, mix together the ingredients for the savoury butter sauce. Remove the sliders from the oven and top with the mustard-smeared lid. Smother with the butter sauce, then bake covered with foil for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and pierce the intersections where the corners of the rolls meet to encourage the pooled butter to soak into the bread. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until the top is crusty. Then cut and serve!

Frequently asked questions