Creative Leftover Ham Sandwich Ideas for Quick Meals

This leftover ham sandwich, made with thin spiral ham slices and sharp cheddar tucked into buttery soft dinner rolls, is a simple, satisfying way to use up holiday ham. These hot ham-and-cheese sliders come together quickly and are a family favorite.

One of the best parts of holiday meals is the leftovers. This easy baked ham-and-cheese sandwich uses leftover ham and rolls to create a warm, cheesy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

With only a handful of ingredients you can assemble these sliders in minutes, then bake them until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients for this recipe, plus optional add-ins to vary the flavor.

• Dinner rolls (Hawaiian or other soft small rolls)
• Ham slices — thin spiral ham works great
• Cheddar cheese — sharp or mild, sliced or grated
• Mayonnaise
• Butter — melted, for brushing the tops
• Yellow or Dijon mustard — optional for extra tang
• Seasonings — optional, Italian seasoning or Everything Bagel seasoning adds a nice finish

Leftover ham from holiday roasts like Christmas or Easter works perfectly in this dish.

How to Make the Best Leftover Ham Sandwiches

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a full package of small dinner rolls by slicing them in half horizontally with a serrated knife — slicing the whole tray at once is quick and keeps the rolls even.

Separate the tops and bottoms. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves and, if using, a little mustard.

Layer ham slices over the mayo, then top with cheddar. Replace the roll tops, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning.

Cook Time

Cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want the tops a bit more golden. If your ham is thick, add a few extra minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

How to Store and Reheat

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through or microwave briefly — a few seconds to a minute depending on your microwave — to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Recipe Variations

If you don’t have leftover spiral ham, deli ham works well. Swap the cheese for Swiss, American, Colby Jack, provolone, or mozzarella — any melting cheese you prefer.

For a touch of sweetness, add leftover cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of dried cranberries. For a BBQ-style slider, use larger buns, provolone, and your favorite barbecue sauce.

I hope you enjoy this savory sandwich — it’s easier than a Croque Monsieur or Monte Cristo and a smart way to use extra ham.

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