chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, these chicken ham and cheese sliders are the perfect choice. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just need a quick and satisfying meal, these sliders are easy to make and full of flavor. With their soft Hawaiian rolls, savory chicken ham, and melted cheese, they stand out as delicious finger food that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up these sliders in just 15 minutes of prep time.
Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for serving at parties or gatherings with 24 sliders in one batch.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of chicken ham, Havarti cheese, and savory sauce makes every bite irresistible.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add veggies for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them a day ahead and bake right before serving for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious chicken ham and cheese sliders, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking pan (13×9)
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking pan: A good-sized baking pan ensures even cooking while holding all your sliders together.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients seamlessly without lumps.
Knife: Essential for cutting the rolls and slicing your cheese cleanly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for all your chopping tasks.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful chicken ham and cheese sliders:

For the Sliders

24 Hawaiian rolls
24 slices smoked or baked deli chicken ham
6 slices Havarti sliced cheese (quartered)

For the Sauce

1 cup Mayonnaise (about 2 teaspoons per slider)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 tablespoon minced shallot or onion
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your sliders bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Cut each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally.
Spread mayonnaise on each side of the roll.

Step 3: Add Chicken Ham and Cheese

Fold each slice of chicken ham in half twice so it fits nicely on the roll.
Place the folded chicken ham on each roll half.
Top with a small piece of Havarti cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking pan close together. You may need more than one batch to fit all 24 sliders; typically, you can fit around 15 in one pan.

Step 5: Mix and Apply Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of all assembled rolls. Allow them to set until the butter begins to firm up slightly.

Step 6: Bake

For crispy tops, bake uncovered. If you prefer softer rolls, cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until heated through and golden.

Enjoy!

These chicken ham and cheese sliders can be made ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Enjoy this easy-to-make appetizer at your next gathering!

How to Serve chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

These chicken ham and cheese sliders are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual family dinner, here are some great ways to serve them.

Casual Gatherings

Pair with chips – Serve alongside your favorite potato or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
Add a veggie platter – Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers complement the richness of the sliders.

Game Day Snacks

Set up a slider bar – Let guests customize their sliders with toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Offer dips – Serve with ranch dressing or spicy mustard for added flavor.

Family Dinners

Serve with soup – A warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with these sliders.
Include a salad – A light side salad adds freshness and balances out the meal.

How to Perfect chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

To make sure your chicken ham and cheese sliders turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh rolls – Fresh Hawaiian rolls will provide the best texture and flavor for your sliders.
Don’t skimp on the sauce – Generously brush the sauce over the tops of the rolls for added moisture and taste.
Bake until golden – Keep an eye on your sliders in the oven; remove them once they are golden brown for optimal crunch.
Let them rest – Allowing the sliders to sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Consider variations – Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like spinach or roasted peppers.

Best Side Dishes for chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

These chicken ham and cheese sliders pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here’s a list of delicious options to consider.

Coleslaw – A tangy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds crunch and brightness.
Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side.
Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad is hearty and complements the lighter sliders perfectly.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that balances savory flavors.
Sweet Potato Fries – Baked sweet potato fries provide a healthy twist with natural sweetness.
Pickle Chips – Crunchy pickle chips can be served on the side for an extra zing in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken ham and cheese sliders can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overfilling the rolls: Adding too much chicken ham or cheese can make it hard to close the rolls. Stick to recommended amounts for the best results.
Skipping the sauce: Neglecting the sauce can lead to dry sliders. Brush it generously on top for flavor and moisture.
Not letting them set: If you bake immediately after assembling, the flavors won’t meld. Allow the sliders to rest for better taste.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can burn or undercook your sliders. Always preheat your oven properly.
Forgetting storage tips: Improper storage leads to stale sliders. Follow guidelines to keep them fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover chicken ham and cheese sliders in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating chicken ham and Cheese Sliders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sliders inside. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chicken ham and cheese sliders.

Can I use different types of bread?

You can substitute Hawaiian rolls with any soft bread like brioche or slider buns.

How can I customize chicken ham and Cheese Sliders?

Feel free to add additional toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or different cheeses according to your preference.

What is the best way to serve these sliders?

Serve them warm as an appetizer during parties or game days. They pair well with dips!

How do I store leftovers of chicken ham and Cheese Sliders?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These chicken ham and cheese sliders are not only delightful but also versatile. Perfect for gatherings, you can easily customize them with various ingredients or sauces. Try this recipe for your next event, and enjoy a delicious crowd-pleaser!