Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Once these ham and cheese sliders hit the oven, the smell alone is enough to make your eaters impatient! (At least in my house!).

A good balance between salty ham, melty cheese, and buttery rolls is what makes them so hard to stop eating.

Letting the butter mixture soak into the rolls for a few minutes before baking gives them a richer, more even texture.

A little Worcestershire sauce mixed into the butter adds an extra layer of savory goodness that takes the whole thing up a notch.

Serving them warm is key—the cheese needs to be gooey, and the buttery topping should still have that fresh-baked crispness.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ingredients

• 16 Dinner Rolls (sides attached)
• 8 oz. Sliced Ham
• 8 oz. Sliced Cheese
• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp Mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and set it aside.

Step 2:

Slice the entire block of attached dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the sides intact.

Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking pan.

Step 3:

Layer the sliced ham evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls.

Follow with a layer of sliced cheese on top of the ham.

Step 4:

Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 5:

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the assembled sliders.

Cover the entire pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly toast the tops of the rolls.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Try Different Cheeses:

Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or provolone for varying flavors and textures in your sliders.

Some cheeses melt better and will give different results in taste and texture.

Use a Serrated Knife:

A serrated knife works best for slicing through the attached rolls.

This prevents crushing them and helps maintain a clean cut.

Prepare in Advance:

You can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator a few hours prior.

This makes it convenient to just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Adjust Cooking Time:

If you want your sliders extra crispy, extend the uncovered baking time by a few minutes.

Just watch them closely to avoid over-toasting.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

You can’t go wrong with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese alongside these ham and cheese sliders.

The gooey, cheesy pasta balances the savory flavors of the sliders perfectly.

It’s an easy side dish that most people have fond memories of, making it a great pairing with sliders.

Tangy Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch and contrast to ham and cheese sliders.

The combination of cabbage with a vinegar-based dressing can cut through the richness of the cheese, offering a nice balance.

Plus, it’s quick to prepare and adds vibrant color to your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When seasoned well and roasted, Brussels sprouts become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

They add a sophisticated touch to your meal and provide a healthy alternative.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, baked sweet potato fries are an excellent choice.

Their natural sweetness complements the savory sliders, creating a wonderful flavor balance.

They also bring a bit of color and variety to your table.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Light and refreshing, a cucumber and tomato salad offers a fresh contrast to ham and cheese sliders.

With a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, the salad enhances the overall taste with its crispness and tang.

It’s a nutritious option that adds a refreshing twist.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Choice

Switching up the cheese is a great way to add some variety!

Try using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste.

Each type of cheese melts a bit differently, offering its unique texture and flavor profile.

Meat Alternatives

While ham is a classic choice, turkey and roast beef work well too.

Each brings something special to the sliders and keeps things interesting for those who like to change things up.

You can even mix different meats to find your favorite combination!

Sauce Options

The poppyseed-mustard sauce is delicious, but other sauces can create amazing flavors as well.

Consider a creamy garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo to give it an extra kick.

A simple butter and herb mixture can also provide a fresh and rich taste.

Bread Variations

Using different types of rolls can change the feel of your sliders.

Opt for whole wheat rolls for something healthier or pretzel rolls for a savory twist.

Each roll type contributes its own texture and flavor to the sliders.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Ham and Cheese Sliders

Make sure your leftover sliders are fully cooled down before storing them.

Cooling them to room temperature helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping them nice and fresh!

Once they’re cool, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped sliders in an airtight container to keep them safe from air exposure.

Store them in the refrigerator and they will stay good for up to three days.

Using A Ziplock Bag

Alternatively, you can use a large ziplock bag for easier storage.

Press out as much air as possible before sealing it shut.

The sliders will stay fresh and ready for a quick snack when you want them.

Freezing Tips

If you need to store them longer, freeze them by wrapping each in foil and placing them in a freezer bag.

Label the bag with the date, so you know when you stashed them away.

They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month, when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Keeping It Organized

When storing multiple sliders, try layering them with parchment paper between each layer.

This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab them easily when you’re ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Roll Separation

You might be tempted to skip cutting the rolls and just leave them attached.

This makes it harder to evenly distribute the filling, and some might end up without tasty cheese or ham!

Use a serrated knife and separate them so each is perfect.

Forgetting To Cover With Foil

Overlooking this step can result in dry sliders instead of soft, warm goodness.

Covering with foil locks in moisture while baking.

So remember to cover your sliders during baking and unveil them for the last few minutes to get that perfect golden top.

Using Cold Ingredients

Cold ingredients don’t blend their flavors well or melt nicely.

You’ll want your ham and cheese at room temperature. Super important, guys!

Allow them to sit out a bit before assembling your sliders.

Have fun and enjoy the process!