Name: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Ingredients: 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or other soft dinner rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice due to their sweetness and soft texture, but any similar soft, slightly sweet dinner roll that comes in a connected slab will work.; ¾ to 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham: Choose a good quality ham that you enjoy. Honey ham, smoked ham, or Black Forest ham are all excellent options. Ensure it’s thinly sliced for easy layering and a tender bite.; 8-12 slices Swiss cheese (approx. 8 ounces): Swiss cheese is traditional for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Other good melting cheeses like Provolone, Havarti, Monterey Jack, or even a mild Cheddar can be used. You might need more or fewer slices depending on their size and thickness.; ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Provides a subtle crunch and visual appeal.; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Lends a complex, umami-rich savory note.; ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but recommended): Enhances the savory profile.; Pinch of salt (optional, especially if using salted butter or very salty ham): Taste your components and adjust if necessary.

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or other soft dinner rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice due to their sweetness and soft texture, but any similar soft, slightly sweet dinner roll that comes in a connected slab will work.

- ¾ to 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham: Choose a good quality ham that you enjoy. Honey ham, smoked ham, or Black Forest ham are all excellent options. Ensure it’s thinly sliced for easy layering and a tender bite.

- 8–12 slices Swiss cheese (approx. 8 ounces): Swiss cheese is traditional for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Other good melting cheeses like Provolone, Havarti, Monterey Jack, or even a mild Cheddar can be used. You might need more or fewer slices depending on their size and thickness.

For the Savory Butter Glaze:

- ½ cup (113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.

- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Provides a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Lends a complex, umami-rich savory note.

- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but recommended): Enhances the savory profile.

- Pinch of salt (optional, especially if using salted butter or very salty ham): Taste your components and adjust if necessary.

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

1. Slice the Rolls: Carefully take the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls (or other dinner rolls) out of the package. Do not separate the individual rolls yet. Using a long serrated bread knife, slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally, creating a top “bun” slab and a bottom “bun” slab. It’s like making one giant sandwich.

1. Place Bottom Buns in Dish: Gently place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, cut side up.

1. Layer the Ham: Arrange the thinly sliced deli ham evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. You can fold or slightly bunch the ham slices for better texture and coverage. Ensure the entire surface is covered with a generous layer of ham.

1. Layer the Cheese: Place the slices of Swiss cheese (or your cheese of choice) evenly over the ham layer, ensuring full coverage. Overlap the cheese slices slightly if necessary to avoid any bare spots. This is key for that all-over melty goodness.

1. Add Top Buns: Carefully place the top slab of rolls over the cheese layer, aligning it with the bottom slab.

Phase 2: Crafting and Applying the Savory Butter Glaze

1. Prepare the Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth.

1. Pour Glaze Over Sliders: Slowly and evenly pour the prepared butter glaze all over the tops of the sliders. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to gently spread the glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface and seeps down into the crevices between the rolls. Don’t worry if some pools around the edges; it will add extra flavor as it bakes.

Phase 3: Baking to Melty Perfection

1. Cover and Bake (Initial Bake): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it allows the sliders to heat through and the cheese to melt completely without the tops of the rolls burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.

1. Uncover and Bake (Final Bake): After the initial baking time, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Return the sliders to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are nicely golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges. Keep a close eye on them during this stage to prevent burning.

1. Rest Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, remove the sliders from the oven. Let them rest in the baking dish for about 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut and handle, and prevents you from burning your mouth on molten cheese.

Phase 4: Cutting and Serving

1. Cut into Individual Sliders: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along the natural separations of the rolls to create individual sliders. If they were very well connected, you might need to guide the knife more firmly.

1. Serve Warm: Serve the Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders immediately while they are warm, gooey, and the cheese is at its peak meltiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 200 to 300