Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. This should form a smooth paste. Keep whisking for about two minutes until it turns lightly golden. Gradually add the warmed milk while continuously whisking it to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens—about 5–7 minutes. Now, remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom halves on a lined baking sheet. Layer the sliced ham onto the bottom halves. Make sure every roll gets a generous serving. Then, drizzle or spoon a good amount of your cheese sauce over the ham. Next, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the sauce. With each layer, you’re building flavor.
Step 3: Top and Bake
- Place the top halves of the rolls onto the sandwich assembly. For an extra touch, brush melted butter on the top of the rolls. This will help achieve a beautiful golden crust. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once baked, let the sliders cool for a minute. Then, slice them apart to serve. You’ll have warm, cheesy sliders ready to be devoured.
Notes
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Don’t skimp on the cheese; fresh, high-quality cheese can elevate your sliders significantly.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the cheese sauce to cool a bit before adding it to the sandwiches. This prevents the bottom roll from getting soggy.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix in mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders beforehand and cover them. You can refrigerate them and bake them just before guests arrive.
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
