Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Darn Good Ham and Cheese Sliders

Perfect Pairing: Non-stick foil
IMG_1397

I really like all of the recipes I post on this blog.  I would not put them on this site unless I thought they were really good.  A lot of recipes/experiments do not make the cut. 
I don’t go out for lunch very often but when I do it is usually to Bravo, an Italian restaurant in Evanston.  Typically I like to try different things at restaurants, but I don’t even look at the menu anymore at Bravo.  I always get the mahi mahi fish wrap.  I absolutely love it.  I tried to re-create a version at home and it was good, everyone seemed to like it, but I knew it just didn’t quite compare to the restaurant version.  So I will not be posting it until I get it right.
So, all of this was just to say that while I stand behind everything on this site, some recipes stand out above the rest.  This is one of those recipes.  These Darn Good Ham and Cheese Sliders may look like any other sandwich, but they are so much better.  They are darn good.
My dear friend, Devon, brought these to the lake this summer.  Devon and I go way back, and I mean way back to those super awkward stages where it is painful to look at pictures.  Fortunately, things have improved through the years!  I am sure I could dig deep for some humiliating pictures but I am going to skip that step.

She has been a huge supporter of me and this blog and I love her for that.  Dev is just one of the best people I have ever met, not to mention the strongest, and has a very moving story.  Please also be sure to visit her foundation's website.  

Devon brought these sliders over this summer and everyone pretty much flipped over them.  My grandma even asked for the recipe.  I have made them multiple times since then and each and every time people ask me for the recipe and say over and over again how good they are. 
So you start with a basic ham and cheese sandwich on a Hawaiian roll.
IMG_1378

 Then you drizzle a sauce over them made from butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. 
IMG_1383

Bake them until gooey and ridiculous.  Make them now.
IMG_1392

 The Perfect Pairing for this recipe is non-stick foil.   The sauce that runs onto the pan can be a bit of sticky mess so it is great to line the pan with foil and throw the mess away!

Darn Good Ham and Cheese Sliders
Adapted by Lindsay at Perfecting the Pairing from Devon Schaaf

Ingredients:
·         12 Hawaiian rolls, split
·         12 slices of deli ham
·         6 slices of deli provolone cheese, halved
·         4 Tb butter
·         1 Tb brown sugar
·         1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
·         1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
·         ¼ tsp poppy seeds
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.  Assemble the sandwiches with a slice of ham and a half slice of cheese on each roll.  Place the assembled sandwiches close together on the baking sheet.
In a small bowl combine the butter, sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.  Microwave until the butter is just melted, about 30-60 seconds.  Add the poppy seeds and stir until combined.
Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches.  Bake in the oven until the cheese has melted and the butter mixture starts to caramelize, about 10 minutes.  Serve warm.

14 comments:

  1. Yum! I want to scarf one of these down right now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have read many recipes where the cook pours the mixture on after they are baked. Your recipe is correct.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Made these tonight and they were wonderful! Thank you for sharing the recipe and for sharing your dear friend's story.

    ReplyDelete
  4. My grandmother has had this recipe since before I was born, i pretty much grew up on it. The only difference is that she puts the poppy seed sauce inside the rolls instead of on top. Delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So glad you all enjoy the recipe! It is so simple but so yummy. I know these are going to be my go-to party food.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I was wondering if you came up with another version of this recipe-a group of friends(15) and I do 'family dinner' every Sunday- each at a different house. This ham looks AMAZING. have you tried any other variations to this? Roast beef? Turkey? I'm sure it wouldn't be hard, but the sauce on top may not mix well like it does w/ the ham.

    I can't wait to try this out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Engie, I have not tried anything else but keep meaning to try variations. My brother just made them with turkey. I think it would be hard to go wrong. I think fontina or swiss cheese would also be great! Let me know if you try something else.

      Delete
  7. I had the pleasure of waiting on your Mom in the Deli at the grocery store. She told me about these and your blog. I'm going to make them for a dinner coming up. And more of your recipes. Please Thank your Mom for turning me onto your blog. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie, thank you for the comment! I am so glad you made it to the site. I hope you love the sandwiches. I make them more than is necessary. :)

      Delete
  8. Made these tonight for our stay-at-home New Year's Eve. Since they were our main dish, I made 4 per person, and it was a perfect portion for us. I used Swiss cheese instead of provolone since I had it on hand. So good! Sandwiches generally bore my husband but he made a point to tell me THESE sandwiches he really liked. Thanks for the quick, easy and yummy recipe - and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa, I am so glad you both loved them! It is seriously surprising how good they are. Thank you so much for the comment!

      Delete
  9. Love these sandwich and will serve at a party but need suggestions for side dishes. I have a great cole slaw recipe I'd like to use instead of a salad. I want to stay away from baked beans. I also have spiced sliced apples do I need another?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You won't be sorry! They are delicious. I have served them with one of my favorite pasta/slaw salads: http://www.perfectingthepairing.com/2011/10/crunchy-asian-noodle-salad.html. Even something as simple as your favorite chips or chips a dip like this: http://www.perfectingthepairing.com/2012/11/caramelized-onion-dip.html or pretzels and pickle dip: http://www.perfectingthepairing.com/2012/05/pickle-dip.html. Hope you love them!

      Delete
    2. Just one more question...can I make them ahead complete with sauce and refrigerate them overnight and bake the next day?

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...