Ham, Swiss cheese, soft rolls, and buttery mustard sauce come together to make this irresistible ham and cheese sandwich. So easy and crowd-friendly!
Okay, so let’s be real for a sec. When you think “ham and cheese sandwich,” you probably imagine something… boring. Been there, done that. Same.
Until I really made them. Like, slow-it-down, bake-in-the-oven, let-the-butter-do-its-thing style. That changed everything.
I still remember the first time I made these baked beauties. It was for my sister’s baby shower — because of course, I procrastinated and needed something easy and quick (classic me). But when people started asking, “Who made these?!” I knew I stumbled on something kind of special.
Now? These ham and cheese sandwiches are on repeat. Game days. Holidays. Lazy Sundays. You name it. They always get devoured. No leftovers… ever. Kind of annoying actually, but also not.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Sandwich Recipe?
Where do I even start? First off, we’re not talking about the usual dry sandwich you throw together in two seconds flat. Nope.
This version is baked. That means buttery, slightly crispy tops, melty cheese, and warm ham wrapped in pillowy rolls. Oh, and that sauce? Not your average spread. It’s savory, a little tangy, and packed with flavor.
The best part? It’s effortless. Like, you-can-make-it-with-your-eyes-half-closed easy. Plus, you can make a big batch which is exactly what you need when hungry people are lurking.
Ingredient Notes:
- Onion (grated): This sneaky ingredient gives a little kick. Not overpowering, just enough to make you go, huh, that’s tasty.
- Butter (softened): Butter makes the world go round. Or at least makes these sandwiches golden and irresistible.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny guys bring a little crunch and visual fun. Totally optional but I always add ‘em.
- Dijon Mustard: Not just for fancy sandwiches. It brings tang and sharpness. If you love flavor, don’t skip this.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that subtle umami thing that makes you wonder why does this taste so good?
- White Party Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and perfect. I go for Hawaiian rolls when I want to go the extra mile.
- Ham (chopped): Leftover holiday ham? Great. Deli slices? Also fine. Use what ya got.
- Swiss Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully. You could swap cheddar or provolone if you’re feeling wild.
How To Make Ham and Cheese Sandwich?
Step 1: Preheat that oven to 350°F. You know the drill.
Step 2: Mix up your butter, onion, poppy seeds, Dijon, and Worcestershire in a bowl. It’s gonna look messy, but trust the process.
Step 3: Slice those rolls in half horizontally. No need to be perfect. Spread that buttery magic all over the bottoms.
Step 4: Pile on your chopped ham. Don’t be shy. Then sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top. You want every bite cheesy.
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Step 5: Pop the tops back on, arrange them nice and snug in your baking dish. They love being cozy.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden and melty. You’ll know they’re done when you get that heavenly buttery smell filling the kitchen.
Step 7: Pull them out and serve immediately. Hot. Ooey-gooey. Perfect.
Storage Options:
If — and that’s a big if — you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 2 days. Reheat them in the oven so they get a little crispy again.
Microwave works too, but the oven’s the move if you ask me.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Swap the Meat: Turkey, roast beef, leftover rotisserie chicken… all solid swaps.
- Try Different Cheese: Not feeling Swiss? Try cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for some heat.
- Ditch the Poppy Seeds: Totally optional. If you don’t have ‘em, don’t sweat it.
- Use Different Rolls: Brioche, potato rolls, slider buns — use what makes your taste buds happy.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sandwich?
- Chips and Pickles: Classic combo. Crunchy and salty = sandwich heaven.
- Tomato Soup: For ultimate cozy vibes. Seriously, try it.
- Fresh Salad: Balance is key (or at least that’s what I tell myself).
- Fruit or Veggie Tray: To make it feel healthier. No shame.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep. Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready. Easy peasy.
Can I freeze them?
Sorta. They freeze fine but are 100x better fresh. Just sayin’.
What cheese works best besides Swiss?
Cheddar melts beautifully and gives that sharp flavor. Mozzarella is mellow. Provolone is smooth. You can’t go wrong.
If you’ve read this far and still haven’t preheated your oven, what are you waiting for? These baked ham and cheese sandwiches are pure comfort — simple, satisfying, and perfect for literally any occasion.
Make ‘em for brunch. Make ‘em for dinner. Heck, make ‘em just because it’s Tuesday.
I dare you not to fall in love at first bite.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely grated
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 12 oz packages white party rolls
- ½ pound cooked ham chopped
- 5 oz Swiss cheese shredded
Instructions
Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated onion, softened butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Using a serrated knife, slice each package of party rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom halves of the rolls into a baking dish. Evenly spread the prepared butter mixture over the bottom portions of the rolls.
Add the Filling:
- Distribute the chopped ham evenly across the buttered rolls. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Complete the Sandwiches:
- Replace the tops of the rolls and arrange the sandwiches snugly in a single layer in the baking dish.
Bake the Sandwiches:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for optimal texture and taste.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
