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The “Slab” Cut Do not pull the rolls apart! Take the entire block of rolls out of the package and use a long serrated knife to slice the whole slab in half horizontally. You now have one giant “top” and one giant “bottom.”
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Layer the Foundation Place the bottom slab in a 9×13 baking dish. Layer the ham evenly across the bread. Follow with a solid layer of Swiss cheese. Place the top slab of rolls back on.
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Whisk the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onions, poppy seeds, and brown sugar.
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The “Slow Pour” Pour the glaze evenly over the rolls. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to make sure every square inch of the tops and the sides is coated.
The Secret: If you have time, let the rolls sit for 20 minutes before baking. This allows the butter to soak into the bread rather than just sitting on top.
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The Bake Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the tops from burning) and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
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The Finish Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
3 Tips for Potluck Success
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Avoid the “Soggy Bottom”: If you’re worried about the bottom getting too soft, toast the inside of the bottom slab in the oven for 3 minutes before adding the ham and cheese.
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Slice After Baking: Use a sharp knife to cut along the natural lines of the rolls after they come out of the oven. The melted cheese will create a beautiful “pull” as you separate them.
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The Ham Choice: Ask the deli for “shaved” ham rather than thick slices. Shaved ham creates air pockets that hold the melted cheese and butter much better.
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