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Easy Freezer Ham and Cheese Sliders: Best Make-Ahead Recipe

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These easy freezer-friendly ham and cheese sliders are perfect for last-minute dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a signature savory-sweet sauce, they can be assembled ahead and baked straight from the freezer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
  • 1 pound deli-sliced ham (medium-thick, about 1/8 inch; honey ham or black forest ham)
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted; salted butter works, reduce added salt)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Keep the slab of Hawaiian rolls intact; using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire slab horizontally to create one solid top half and one solid bottom half.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of this mixture for brushing the tops later.
  3. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer Swiss cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls, overlapping slightly. Layer ham slices evenly over the cheese, slightly overlapping. Place the top half of the rolls over the ham.
  4. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the reserved sauce mixture over the tops of the rolls, including the edges and sides. Sprinkle poppy seeds and dried minced onion evenly over the top.
  5. To bake immediately: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 12 minutes at 350°F. Remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes until tops are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  6. To freeze for later: After brushing tops with sauce (before baking), cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label with date and baking instructions. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to brown tops. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use deli-sliced ham from the counter (Boar’s Head or Dietz & Watson recommended). Warm Hawaiian rolls slightly before slicing to prevent tearing. Always let sliders rest 5 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape. For frozen sliders, do not thaw before baking. The sauce can be adjusted to taste; if it tastes flat, add another pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese sliders, freezer sliders, make-ahead sliders, Hawaiian roll sliders, easy sliders, potluck recipe, game day food

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