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Easy Make-Ahead Ham & Cheese Sliders for Lunchboxes

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These make-ahead ham and cheese sliders are a lunchbox miracle—they stay soft, hold their shape, and taste delicious even after hours in a lunchbox. Perfect for busy mornings, they are quick to assemble and packed with flavor from a savory butter glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
  3. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Arrange half of the ham slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
  5. Place the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, covering it completely.
  6. Layer the remaining ham slices over the cheese.
  7. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling and gently press down.
  8. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  9. Brush the butter glaze generously over the tops of the rolls, using all of the glaze.
  10. Let the sliders rest for 10 minutes to allow the glaze to soak in.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
  12. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing along the seams into individual sliders.
  13. Let cool completely before packing for lunchboxes. Wrap each slider individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap.

Notes

For best results, use thinly sliced deli ham (not paper-thin) and let the sliders rest after baking to allow the cheese to set. These sliders taste even better the next day as flavors meld. To freeze, wrap individually and store for up to 3 months. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese sliders, make-ahead lunch, lunchbox sandwiches, easy meal prep, kid-friendly lunch

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-make-ahead-ham-and-cheese-sliders-for-lunchboxes/