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Hallelujah Ham Loaves (also known as ham and cheese sliders) – Stuffed with chopped sweet ham, plenty of shredded Swiss, diced onions and poppy seeds, these easy make-ahead hearty sliders are just the thing for your office party, anytime get-together, or football-frenzied hoopla!
Long before sliders became a ‘thing,’ these little party sandwiches were a favorite among our friends and co-workers. This recipe for ham and cheese sliders has been around almost forever, but I first became a fan when a co-worker brought them to an office party way back in the 1980’s. Inspired by a recipe in Dinner on the Diner, a Junior League Cookbook published in 1983 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, these have been a family favorite for years. The cookbook highlights the “delicacies of Southern cooking on the rails” (think Chattanooga Choo-Choo) and was crazy popular in our community.
What kind of rolls can you use for sliders?
Originally served on 60 small Pepperidge Farms Party Rolls (which I don’t think you can buy anymore) our ham and cheese sliders are made on the larger, super famous, King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. If you can find small appetizer sized dinner rolls, half the size of the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, these make easy to eat finger-friendly party food. But who am I kidding? Guys love these cheesy, buttery ham stuffed treats, and I do too. This recipe makes 36 well-stuffed sandwiches, or 24 ooey-gooey finish with a fork treats. If you’re serving these buffet style, I say go with 36. If you’re serving on plates and using forks, go fat and cheesy with 24! One of the things I love about serving these at a party is you can bake one pan at a time and serve them hot in about 20 minutes.
Can you freeze these Hallelujah Ham Loaves?
You should try making these using our delicious Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Oh so delicious! They’re rich and buttery of course, but if you love a good ham and cheese, you’ll love these. Our Hallelujah Ham Loaves are easily made ahead, and totally freezable too! Party prep just got so much easier 🙂
If you have already baked leftovers, no worries, they freeze great too. Divide them into individual size portions (2-3) and freeze for a quick and easy weekday lunch. My husband is always happy about having a few of these ham and cheese sliders hiding in the freezer.
Thanks for PINNING!
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PRINT THE RECIPE!
Hallelujah Ham Loaves (ham and cheese sliders)
Ingredients
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 cup sweet onion, minced
- 1 pound sweet boneless cooked ham, minced
- 16 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded, divided
- 36 large dinner rolls (like King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 14 tablespoons of softened butter, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard until blended.
- Add the minced onion, ham and cheese and fold together with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Slice the rolls in half lengthwise and place cut side up in a 13x9-inch baking pan lined with parchment or place on sheets of foil large enough to cover the rolls. Divide the ham mixture equally on top of the three pans of rolls. Cover with the top half of the rolls. Cover with a double thickness of foil to seal. (If desired, seal and refrigerate or freeze at this point.)
- TIPS: If made ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes before baking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then set out for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. If making 24 thicker rolls, bake for an additional 5 minutes. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and brush on top of the hot rolls, if desired. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Adapted from the 1983 Junior League of Chattanooga Cookbook - Dinner on the Diner
Nutrition
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Appetizers are perfect for so many occasions, but this time of year it’s all about football! Our Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is always a favorite on the food table, as is our easy to make-ahead Party Cheese Ball. These Buffalo Chicken Roll Up Appetizers are also easy to make, and oh-so-good. And finally, don’t miss our filling Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins with Blue Cheese Dip.
If you’re still crushing on sliders … check out these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Sliders from Belly Full. Holly from Spend with Pennies has me drooling with these Reuben Sandwich Sliders and this juicy Gouda Grilled Onion Slider Recipe from She Wears Many Hats looks fantastic!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Enjoy your party 🙂 Tricia
Rebecca Brown
I don’t wanna rock the recipe boat, but has anybody tried adding sweet pickle relish to this recipe? It seems like it would taste good.
Tricia Buice
I haven’t tried adding sweet pickle relish but it sounds fantastic Rebecca. Let us know if you try it!
Debbie Jo Miller
I suggest a slightly different name for this recipe, though I am sure that it is very good. That spelling of Hallelujah should probably not be associated with ham as it may offend some people. I say that out of concern for your website and business. Perhaps there is another word that can be used instead of Hallelujah. Sincerely, Debbie Jo Miller
Tricia Buice
Hi Debbie. I appreciate your comment. However, this is the name of the recipe as was published in the cookbook. Merriam-Webster notes that the definition of hallelujah is a word used to express praise, joy, or thanks.
Beverly
Really? Maybe it should be called “Dog Gone Good….” Oh wait. Can’t do that. Someone may not like dogs and get offended. Or maybe their dog ran away and this name causes them to be offended.
Tricia Buice
Haha – we can’t please everybody, but we try!
2 sisters recipes
These look so tasty Tricia! These little sliders are calling my name! Have a great week! 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thanks Anna! Hope you’re doing great 🙂
Monica
What a fun and yummy recipe, Tricia. I love being able to slice the pack of rolls straight across and baking them in one pan. It’s so easy and what a delicious way to feed a crowd. I love seeing party food like this. : )
Tricia Buice
Me too Monica. These can be made in advance so that makes party food even easier. Thanks for stopping by!
Susan
Such mouth-watering sliders, Tricia! Terrific for any casual party. I love Junior League cookbooks and own quite a few. I may have to add this one to my collection 🙂
Tricia Buice
These have been a favorite for years Susan – and the cookbook is a keeper. Check it out! Thanks for stopping by!
Larry
I’m sure I would love these and I remember the Pepperidge Farm rolls you mentioned
Tricia Buice
I wish they still made the little ones Larry – such an easy bite 🙂
Gerlinde
This looks so good, I wish I had one right now. I think I might surprise my brother with them when he visits me next week. Pinned!
Tricia Buice
You must be so excited to have a nice visit! Thanks so much Gerlinde.
Monique
Perfect Easter fare! I have to get to the USA..Thos rolls are n/a here:( plus I want Clabber Girl BP..lol and maybe some TJ things..it’s just the 3 hr drive there and then 3 hrs back..OY.You are such a busy bee Tricia!
Tricia Buice
I served these during the Christmas holidays – such a long time family favorite. I can’t believe they don’t bring these rolls north of the border – what a shame! I included a link to my homemade version – and they are pretty close. Give them a try Monique!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
I make a similar pan of sliders, but this one sounds really good, too. And, Tricia, your photos make me want to reach right in and grab one or two (maybe even three)!
Tricia Buice
Yeah! Thanks so much Jean 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Just loving everything about this fabulous football food! So fun and flavourful. Makes me love football 😉
Tricia Buice
I’m all about the football food – haha. We’ll watch the game, it’s always so exciting, but we hardly follow one team anymore. Hope you get to try these sometime Jennifer!
cheri
Wow! love that you added mustard, I bet these taste delicious! perfect entertaining food.
Tricia Buice
Perfect party food for sure. I served these to my family during the holidays, and made extra so everybody could take a few home. They’ve always loved them. Thanks!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
I’ve never had one, and now it’s all I can think of! My mom used to make a ham salad in the old days, she had a meat grinder and all, and that’s the closest I’ve come. These look amazing, Tricia, pinning and sharing away!
Tricia Buice
Maybe these ham rolls are a southern thing 🙂 Anything with cheese, ham and butter slathered on bread must have gotten it’s beginning in the south – 🙂 Hope you get to try one someday Sue!
Chris Scheuer
I love the name and just looking at the pictures of these rolls makes me want to shout “Hallelujah”! I have always loved these little (or big) sandwiches and I know your homemade rolls would take them to a whole other level! Pinning and sharing!
Tricia Buice
Yeah! That’s the idea Chris – everybody loves these sliders, and I think the onions really add that something different. Have a happy weekend and thanks for sharing!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
My mouth is watering terribly … wish I could reach into the screen and grab one or two!
Tricia Buice
I could eat a few of these right now too Angie – thank you! Happy weekend!