Ham and cheese sliders are a classic party snack that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Along with being a tasty dinner idea, these mini sandwiches are also great for camping, youth group events, and potlucks! But the best thing about these tasty snacks is that you can make them ahead of time! You can make them up to six months ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to eat them. We love bringing these bunwiches camping with us. In a pinch, you can even cook them on the grate on the fire.
Watch how these sliders are made in the video below. You can also get ideas for other meals you can make ahead of time to take camping, like our hot beef sandwiches that are individually wrapped.
Ham and cheese sliders are a beloved classic party snack perfect for a variety of occasions. In addition to being a delicious dinner idea, these tasty mini sandwiches work great for youth group events, camping trips and potlucks. But the best part about these snacks is that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them!
These freezer-friendly sandwiches can be prepared up to six months in advance and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy them. They are fantastic to bring camping – you can even cook them right on the campfire grate in a pinch.
Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing ham and cheese sliders, from prep to storage times to reheating. With proper freezing and thawing methods, you can have warm, melty sliders ready in just minutes that taste like you just assembled them fresh.
Benefits of Freezing Ham and Cheese Sliders
There are many advantages to make-ahead ham and cheese sliders
- Saves time – no need to assemble at the last minute
- Allows making large batches for upcoming events
- Reduces food waste from uneaten leftovers
- Provides quick appetizers or meals anytime
- Lets you prepare ahead when short on time
- Allows purchase of ingredients on sale for cost savings
With frozen sliders ready and waiting, you’re party-ready at a moment’s notice!
How to Prepare Sliders for Freezing
Follow these tips for freezing ham and cheese sliders at peak quality
- Assemble sliders with ham and cheese on bun bottoms. Leave tops off.
- Place assembled slider bottoms on tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil, sealing edges to prevent freezer burn.
- Label freezer bag or container with contents and date.
- Place tray of assembled sliders in freezer bag or rigid airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal bag or container tightly.
- Freeze sliders immediately at 0°F or below.
Proper prep helps your sliders freeze quickly for best preservation.
How Long Do Ham and Cheese Sliders Last in the Freezer?
When stored consistently at 0°F, frozen ham and cheese sliders maintain optimal quality for:
- 1-2 months in freezer bags
- 3-6 months in airtight containers
For best taste and texture, bake frozen sliders within these timeframes. Freeze assembled sliders for faster prep later when ready to eat.
Tips for Freezing Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Line tray with parchment paper for easy removal after freezing.
- Wrap tray tightly before bagging or containerizing to prevent freezer burn.
- Use rigid airtight containers for longer freezer storage.
- Label each package clearly with contents and freeze date.
- Stack bags or containers flat in freezer to save space.
- Use frozen sliders within recommended storage timelines.
Proper freezing keeps your ham and cheese sliders party ready for reheating and eating when needed.
How to Thaw Frozen Ham and Cheese Sliders
To safely thaw frozen assembled sliders:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator – about 12 hours.
- Thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Microwave on defrost setting, checking often.
- Bake frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Never thaw sliders at room temperature or in hot water. Cook fully thawed sliders immediately and do not refreeze.
How to Reheat Thawed Ham and Cheese Sliders
Follow these tips for warm, melty sliders:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover thawed sliders loosely with foil and bake 20-25 minutes.
- Check frequently to prevent burning.
- Heat just until cheese melts and rolls are golden brown.
- For crispy rolls, unwrap and bake last 5 minutes uncovered.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
With the right gentle reheating, your frozen sliders will taste freshly assembled.
Serving Ham and Cheese Sliders Hot or Cold
In addition to serving warm from the oven, you can also enjoy ham and cheese sliders chilled:
- Perfect finger food for parties straight from the fridge.
- Pack in lunches to eat at room temp or chilled.
- For picnics or potlucks, store chilled with ice packs.
- Sliders hold well for hours out of refrigeration when kept cool.
- Add sliced veggies, chips or pasta salad for quick cold meals.
Ham and cheese sliders satisfy cravings whether served piping hot or ice cold.
Enjoy Effortless Sliders Anytime
Freezing assembled ham and cheese sliders lets you always have a delicious hot appetizer ready in an instant. Follow the tips above for freezer-to-oven success.
With those flavorful fillings sealed inside soft rolls ready and waiting, all you need is a quick reheat for mouthwatering mini sandwiches your guests will love. End mealtime chaos with delicious sliders ready in your freezer anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese goes best with ham?
Popular cheese choices for ham and cheese sliders include:
- Swiss
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Provolone
Swiss cheese is the most common pairing, but other melty cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack also taste great.
Can you make sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, sandwiches can easily be made in advance. There are two storage methods:
Refrigerator: Sandwiches can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days. Cover and keep chilled.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze sandwiches up to 6 months. Freeze assembled but uncooked sliders.
Do ham and cheese slides freeze well?
Yes, ham and cheese sliders freeze wonderfully. Assemble the sliders, then wrap well and freeze for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts.
How do you reheat ham and cheese sliders?
Cover thawed ham and cheese sliders loosely in foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and melty. Check frequently to avoid burning. For crispy rolls, unwrap and bake the last 5 minutes uncovered.
How can I prevent soggy ham and cheese sliders?
Toast the slider buns before building the sandwiches to help them stay sturdy and prevent sogginess. Popping them under the broiler for a few minutes works well. Proper reheating is also key – bake at 350°F just until the cheese melts to avoid over-softening the rolls.
Freezing assembled ham and cheese sliders allows you to always have a quick, delicious appetizer ready in minutes. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to party anytime with minimal effort.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders:
Ingredients:
- dozen buns
- 12 slices deli ham
- 6 cheese slices (Swiss, cheddar, or marble)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 Tbsp. dried onion
Assembly Instructions:
- Lay the buns out flat and cut them all in half.
- Place the bottom of the buns on a 9×13-inch aluminum baking sheet.
- Stack ham and cheese on top of the buns, then put the top buns on top of the cheese.
- Put the melted butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, honey, and dried onion in a small bowl. Mix the dressing together. Spread the dressing mixture over the top of the buns.
- Place two sheets of aluminum foil over the tray and freeze until you’re ready to eat.
Serving Instructions:
- Allow the sandwiches to thaw completely.
- Warm the oven up to 350° and put the baking dish with the lid right in it.
- Put the sandwiches in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the buns get toasty.
- To eat, just take the sandwiches off the tray and give them to your guests.
What Cheese Goes Best with Ham?
When you make your own sliders at home, you can pick from a number of tasty cheeses. With ham, Swiss cheese seems to be the most popular choice, but these mini sandwiches also taste great with the following types of cheese:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar Jack
- Colby Jack
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- American
- Provolone