Not all sliders are created equal, and these Pioneer Woman Ham And Cheese Sliders are a testament to that! This recipe elevates the humble ham and cheese slider to something truly special, perfect for game days, potlucks, or a fun family dinner. The secret? A flavorful butter sauce packed with seasonings that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Get ready to discover your new favorite slider recipe!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
The beauty of these Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders lies in their simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- Soft Slider Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice for their slight sweetness and soft texture, but feel free to use any brand of slider rolls you love. For an extra homemade touch, consider using homemade Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls.
- Cheese, Glorious Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and provolone creates a balanced flavor profile. The sharp cheddar adds a tangy kick, while provolone melts beautifully and provides a mild, creamy counterpoint. Mozzarella or pepper jack are also great alternatives depending on your preference.
- Savory Ham: Leftover ham, like from a holiday dinner, is fantastic in this recipe, especially a flavorful honey ham. Deli ham works just as well; just be sure to use a generous double layer to ensure every bite is satisfying.
- The Magic Butter Sauce: This is where the magic truly happens! Melted butter infused with garlic salt and Italian seasoning creates a rich, savory sauce that soaks into the rolls and elevates the entire dish. The precise measurements of these seasonings are key to achieving that perfect flavor balance, so be sure to measure accurately!
How to Make Sliders
Step-by-Step to Slider Perfection
Making these Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders is surprisingly easy, even for beginner cooks. The most challenging part is slicing the rolls, and even that’s a breeze!
- Prep the Rolls and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Carefully slice your slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves together.
- Layer the Cheesy Goodness and Ham: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in your prepared baking dish. Create the first layer with sharp cheddar cheese slices, ensuring they cover the rolls. Next, layer the ham generously over the cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy with the ham – a good, hearty layer is what makes these sliders so satisfying. Finally, top the ham with a layer of provolone cheese slices.
- Top it Off with the Roll Tops and Butter Sauce: Carefully place the top halves of the slider rolls over the cheese layers. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Now for the best part: generously brush this flavorful butter sauce all over the tops of the slider rolls. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny, letting the butter sauce seep down the sides. If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can drizzle the butter sauce evenly over the rolls, ensuring the seasonings are distributed uniformly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sliders to heat through. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Easy Ham and Cheese Slider
Serving Suggestions for Happy Sliders
These Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders are best served hot right out of the oven, when the butter sauce is still sizzling and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey.
- Classic Serving: Slice the sliders along the roll lines and serve immediately. The rolls themselves provide natural guidelines for cutting.
- Potluck Perfection: If you need to transport them or keep them warm for a bit, you can stack the cut sliders on a plate. Stacking helps retain heat, making them ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
- Dipping Delights: While these sliders are delicious on their own, consider offering dipping sauces on the side. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a simple marinara sauce would complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game or have leftovers? These Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders freeze remarkably well!
- Freezing for Later: To freeze, assemble the sliders as instructed, but do not add the butter sauce. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the plastic-wrapped sliders in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and sometimes even longer if properly wrapped.
- Baking from Frozen: When ready to bake, remove the frozen sliders from the freezer and unwrap them. Place them in a greased casserole dish. Now, prepare the butter sauce and generously brush it over the frozen rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the rolls are golden brown and heated through, which may take a few extra minutes.
The Best Ham and Cheese Sliders
Bonus Tip: Breakfast Sliders!
Did you know you can easily transform these into Pioneer Woman Breakfast Ham and Cheese Sliders? Simply add a layer of scrambled eggs between the cheeses for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch option. Trust us, you might want to make a double batch – they disappear fast!
Ham Cheese Sandwich
Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
These Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit! The seasoned butter sauce is the star, turning basic ham and cheese into something truly irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to game day gatherings.
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 count King’s Hawaiian rolls or slider rolls
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 slices cooked ham (or ½ pound deli ham)
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Split your rolls in half, and place the bottom half in the baking dish.
- Top the buns with the cheddar cheese slices, followed by a layer of ham slices, and then the final layer of provolone cheese slices.
- Place the top half of the buns on top and brush the top of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes (or until the tops of the sliders turn a golden brown).
- Remove from oven, slice, and serve immediately!
Recipe Notes:
- Ham Variations: For the ham, you can use 12 slices of thinly cut deli ham or about 1/2 pound. If using cooked and sliced ham, you can use up to a pound depending on thickness and preference.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute provolone with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 1 slider | Calories: 415kcal
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Keyword: Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders, Ham and Cheese Sliders, Sliders, Appetizer, Party Food, Easy Recipe
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories: 415
Author: Pioneer Technology Food Expert (Content adapted from original recipe by Amanda Rettke – iambaker.net)
Enjoy making these delicious Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders! They are sure to become a family favorite.
