Grilled Ham and Cheese Sliders With Dijon Aioli

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect use for leftover holiday ham, or if you are simply in the mood for a great Ham and Cheese Slider recipe for a crowd. The key trick to the amazing flavor of this recipe is to keep everything simple.

When it comes to leftover ham ideas, we are often looking for fun but easy ways to use ham. Whether we’ve made our Double Smoked Ham with Cherry Glaze, or our classic Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, they usually come with leftovers.

Sliders are one of the easiest uses for leftovers, especially if you’re making them for a crowd, because they are easy to assemble and quick to cook. The best part of this ham and cheese recipe is to use a pack of those ultra soft and indulgent Hawaiian rolls and bake the sliders all together, on the grill.

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Ingredients + Substitutions

• Slider Buns – We love Hawaiian style brioche buns or rolls. They have a buttery flavor, super soft texture, and don’t dry out in the grill.
• Aioli – You can buy one at the store, make it yourself, or use our easy version of equal parts Dijon mustard and good quality mayonnaise.
• Cheese – A good melty cheese like Provolone is best. You can substitute with mozzarella, gruyere, or pepper jack. We don’t want the cheese flavor to be too pronounced so there is balance in the bite.
• Ham – We use our leftover smoked ham, thinly sliced. You can also use grocery store-bought ham. If using store-bough ham – consider the richer flavor of Black Forest ham.
• Pickles – The bright bite of a good dill pickle slice is a very fun flavor addition. Be sure they are dill.
• Bun Seasoning – We always like to add a touch more flavor to the tops of the buns. In this ham and cheese slider recipe we are using our SPG seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Preparation – Easy Aioli

An aioli is typically made with egg yolk, lemon, and olive oil. You need to whisk it together vigorously in order to get the aioli to emulsify. To make it easier, just combine Dijon mustard with a good quality mayonnaise. Both are already emulsified and saves you the wrist pain.

For an easy modification you can add a pinch of your favorite dry rub or freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Key Tip

Cut the slider buns into a top half and bottom half to make the dish easiest to keep together.

Add parchment paper in a sheet tray to make preparation and cleanup much easier. Place the buns on the parchment paper as you make and grill the sandwich. You can grab the parchment paper to move the sliders around without them falling apart.

How To Grill The Sliders

1. Prep Grill: Prepare your grill for indirect grilling, targeting 400 degrees Fahrenheit. We prefer lump charcoal. If using gas grill, set two burners (of three) to medium heat.
2. Prep Dish: Using a bread knife slice the Hawaiian rolls to remove the top and bottom halves. Place the parchment paper in the sheet tray and then put the bottom half of rolls on the parchment paper.
3. Layer: Layer the aioli with a spoon and evenly apply on the entire bottom half of the bread. It will be a generous portion. Next add 6 slices of Provolone cheese overlapping with each other with a small amount hanging off the rolls. Then add the ham slices. Add the two remaining Provolone slices. Top with one pickle on each bun and then put on bun tops. Apply melted butter to the top of the buns and then sprinkle with seasoning and the cheese.
4. Grill: Grill indirect for up to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are slightly browned. If using a gas grill or smaller charcoal grill, rotate the sheet tray half way through the cooking time so each side gets an even cook.
5. Serve: Remove and holding the parchment paper transfer to a cutting board and serve warm.

Making Ahead + Reheating

You can prep the sliders in advance and cook them when you are ready. The aioli may get the bottom buns soggy, so we do not recommend prepping any more than a couple hours ahead.

If you have leftovers or scale up for a crowd, you can reheat them in an oven at 350 degrees in the center rack for 5 minutes to warm them. Don’t use the broiler as it will burn the tops.

Other Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas

Use as a base for soup, sandwiches or some of our favorite dishes below.

• Smoked Ham Hash – Eggs, potatoes, smoked ham, and veggies. All the awesomeness for a hearty brunch.
• Pineapple Sliders – While we use pulled pork, any leftover ham with grilled pineapple makes a delicious recipe.
• Cuban Sandwich – Use the ham in this incredible take on a smoked cubano.

Other Slider Ideas

If you are looking for fun slider recipes, we have a few of our favorites.

• Smoked Italian Beef Sliders – Inspired by the show “The Bear”, smoked chuck roast is added to a delicious beef broth.
• Smoked Cheeseburger Sliders – The easiest game day recipe for a crowd. Tiny sliders smoked until the cheese is melted and the buns are soft.
• Grilled Meatball Sliders – What’s not to love about melted cheese, a delicious meatball, and marinara sauce.

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Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.

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