Ham Heroes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Ham Heroes are delicious, cheesy sandwiches with ham, cheddar, and olives, perfect for quick lunches or casual gatherings, combining savory flavors in a satisfying bun.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 large or 12 small hamburger buns
  • 4 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 pound diced Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sliced olives
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup tomato paste or ketchup

Instructions

  1. Combine diced cooked ham, diced Cheddar cheese, sliced olives, mayonnaise, and tomato paste or ketchup in a bowl.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
  3. Wrap each sandwich in Reynolds Wrap or similar aluminum foil.
  4. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using a flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or herb. If you're short on time, pre-packaged diced ham and shredded cheese can work well. You can also substitute the olives with pickles for a different flavor profile. For a healthier twist, swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Check out our Lazy Gal Cobbler for an easy dessert pairing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious Ham Heroes as a satisfying lunch or dinner option, perfect for game day or a family gathering. Pair with Crispy Oven Potatoes for a delightful meal. A side salad or vegetable platter complements the richness of the sandwiches well, making for a balanced spread.

Storage & Reheating

After preparing the Ham Heroes, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ham Heroes contains roughly 692 calories, with 21g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 806mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

692 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.4g 43% DV
Total Fat 50.9g 65% DV
Carbs 44.4g 16% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 22.2g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 805.8mg 35% DV
Potassium 1426.2mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 65.1mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 330.1mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 44.8mg 50% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 561.3mg 43% DV
Iron 5.7mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sandwiches a day in advance. Just follow the instructions up to wrapping them in foil and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. This makes them perfect for parties or busy weeknights!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor. Each type will give the sandwiches a unique taste, so feel free to get creative!

What if I want a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with diced grilled vegetables or a hearty bean mixture. You can also try using a plant-based cheese to keep it dairy-free. This allows you to enjoy a delicious twist on the recipe while accommodating vegetarian diets!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →