Description

These budget-friendly ham and cheese sliders are a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch option perfect for back-to-school routines. Made with honey rolls, deli ham, cheddar cheese, and a buttery brown sugar glaze, they cost less than $1 per serving.

Ingredients

Scale

12 honey roll buns (or Hawaiian rolls)
12 slices deli ham (approx. 1 lb / 300g)
12 slices cheddar cheese (medium cheddar works best)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the 12 honey roll buns horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer snugly in a 13×9 inch baking dish.
Fold each slice of ham in half or thirds to fit the rolls. Place one folded slice of ham on each roll, then top with one slice of cheddar cheese. Press down lightly.
Place the top layer of rolls onto the ham and cheese, pressing gently to seal.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth.
Brush the glaze generously over the top of every roll, ensuring it seeps into the cracks between them.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling slightly at the edges.
Let the sliders sit for 2 minutes after removing from the oven, then press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese set and glaze adhere before serving.

Notes

For best results, press down on the sliders with a spatula after baking to help them hold together for packing. To meal prep, you can assemble unbaked sliders, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Avoid storing baked sliders in the freezer as the bread becomes tough; freeze unbaked instead. If watching sodium, rinse the deli ham briefly before slicing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 180
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 450
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 10

Keywords: budget lunch, ham sliders, back to school lunch, cheap meals, meal prep, ham and cheese sliders, easy lunch ideas, comfort food