Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are great for dinner or lunch and are freezer friendly. These tasty baked sandwiches are filled with layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery sauce.
Hot ham sandwich
Baked ham and cheese sandwiches are a family favorite from when I was a kid. We called them Ham on Bun Sandwiches. I figured I'd give these a slightly more refined name to share with you - Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches! Whatever you call them, they are delicious. Hot slices of ham, melted cheese, and a buttery sauce slathered onto a bun!
My recipe is for eight sandwiches. However, when I make these, I usually make 24 sandwiches and throw a bunch in the freezer.
They are perfect for quick dinners or lunches. I often throw one in my lunch box when I need a quick sandwich. If you love hot ham and cheese, you'll also want to check out these ham and Swiss paninis.
Any type of ham works for these sandwiches. My mom likes to use honey-baked ham with thicker spiral-cut pieces. I like thinner ham and I usually buy a boneless ham at the store and slice it up at home. It's so much cheaper than buying from the deli. I package up the remaining ham and freeze it in smaller portions to pull out when needed.
I do the same thing with a block of Swiss cheese. You can buy pre-sliced cheese and you can also use your favorite type of cheese. I often use my homemade hamburger buns for these sandwiches.
These sandwiches are similar to roast beef sliders! Both sandwiches can be made full-size or mini-slider size.
Step by step directions
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Make the butter mixture by melting butter, mustard and onions together
- Spread the butter mixture on the buns
- Pile on the ham and cheese
- Brush the top of the bun lightly with melted butter
- Wrap up each sandwich in foil
- Bake for 20 minutes!
How to Freeze
- Make and bake the sandwiches as directed
- Let the sandwiches cool
- Place the foil-wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag
- Place the bag in the freezer
- When you are ready to eat, remove the desired amount from the freezer
- They are best eaten reheated, but they are great cold too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with your favorite side dishes. Some of mine include:
Variations and substitutions
- Use sliced ham or sliced turkey
- Pick your favorite type of cheese - Swiss, pepper jack, cheddar, colby
- Add a pinch of horseradish to the butter mixture
- Use a hoagie roll instead of a hamburger bun
More delicious recipes with ham
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits
- Cheesy Baked Eggs
- English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich
- Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
- Ham Tetrazzini
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious main dish recipes!
Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Equipment
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ onion (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 pound sliced ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt butter in a saucepan with onions and both mustards, Simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes.
- To assemble sandwiches, spread butter mixture on the inside of the buns.
- Place ham and then cheese on bun.
- Add top of bun and brush lightly with butter.
- Place each sandwich on a piece of foil and wrap closed.
- Place wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Notes
Variations and substitutions
- Use sliced ham or sliced turkey
- Pick your favorite type of cheese - Swiss, pepper jack, cheddar, colby
- Add a pinch of horseradish to the butter mixture
- Use a hoagie roll instead of a hamburger bun
How to Freeze
- Make and bake the sandwiches as directed
- Let the sandwiches cool
- Place the foil wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag
- Place the bag in the freezer
- When you are ready to eat, remove desired amount from freezer
- They are best eaten reheated, but they are great cold too.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in September 2016.
MK says
I cannot wait to make these! Question-How much longer do you cook in oven when you take it out of the freezer than when you make it fresh?
Thanks!
Kathy says
It really depends on how many sandwiches you are baking and if they are fully frozen or partially thawed. Start with an additional 5-10 minutes and pull one out and check it. If it's still cold on the inside, pop it back into the oven.
When baking from frozen, I like to do a double layer of a baking sheet and wrap all the sandwiches with an extra layer of foil over the top. This will help prevent them from over baking on the bottom and keep them from drying out.
Enjoy! Kathy 🙂
Valentina says
I haven't ever baked a sandwich -- and I have no idea why. These ham and cheese sandwiches look delicious! And that butter mixture . . . YUM!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
These look delicious Kathy! I'd definitely add some horseradish to the butter mixture! These are perfect with a side of soup.
Kathy says
A little extra spice is always a good thing!
David @ Spiced says
This sounds like one of those family favorite types of recipes - and I can see why, too! I love the flavors here, and I also love that you can meal prep these in advance. They kinda remind me of a Monte Cristo, although much easier. Either way, I wouldn't be sad about opening my lunchbox to find one of these!!
Kathy says
I love making them for dinner and then having one for leftovers in my lunch. So yummy!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I can totally see how this would b e a childhood favourite! Such a classic combo. Wish I had one for lunch today with a side of potato chips 🙂
Kathy says
They are one that have been around for quite awhile - and for good reason!
Fred G says
A great sandwich.
Katie Crenshaw says
Yum! Love that you can make these ahead and freeze. These look great!
Kathy says
I love having quick, prepared foods ready to go in the freezer. Makes busy nights so much easier.
Summer says
Looks very nice for comfort food ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Kathy says
Thanks!
Manali@CookWithManali says
cheese sandwiches are definitely the best!
Kathy says
Especially when it's melted cheese!
Adina says
Great idea! I don't have a sandwich maker, so I never make this kind of sandwiches, but to make them in the oven sounds wonderful. I will try this soon.
Kathy says
Thanks, Adina!
mira says
I make similar sandwiches all the time! These look yummy!
Kathy says
You know just how yummy they are! There's a reason we keep making them 🙂
Pamela @ BFG says
You have me craving a big ol sandwich right now! Love how that melted cheese looks!
Kathy says
Melted cheese always takes food up a notch in flavor!