When you need a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes, nothing beats Ham and Cheese Sliders. Sweet rolls packed with melty Swiss and tender ham, then topped with a buttery, flavorful glaze—these sliders are what potluck and game day dreams are made of!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Gooey: The Swiss cheese melts into every buttery nook, making each bite ooze with delightful, cheesy goodness.
- Easy to Prepare: These sliders come together in about 10 minutes of prep—bake and you’re ready to serve a tray of happiness!
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: The combination of mustard, Worcestershire, and sweet rolls gives maximum flavor punch with just pantry basics.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ham and Cheese Sliders are ideal for casual brunches, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry crowd at your next party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you love fuss-free recipes, you’re in luck: the magic of Ham and Cheese Sliders is how just a handful of ingredients can create something truly special. Each one plays a star role—bringing sweetness, savory notes, and that all-important ooey-gooey cheese pull.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Their subtle sweetness balances out the savory ham and tangy mustard; soft and pillowy, they hold everything together beautifully.
- Deli Ham (thinly sliced): Opt for a smoky, quality ham for best results. The thin slices stack easily and keep the sliders tender.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss melts into gooey magic and adds just the right hint of nuttiness. You can use pre-sliced to save time!
- Butter (melted): Acts as the base for the irresistible glaze, ensuring the tops stay golden and flavorful.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham and cheese.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tang and gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami that sets these sliders apart.
- Poppy Seeds: Classic for sliders—adds a hint of crunch and visual appeal.
- Dried Minced Onion (or onion powder): A boost of savory, toasty flavor packed into every bite.
- Cooking Spray: To keep those glorious bottoms from sticking—so every slider comes out whole.
Variations
The beauty of Ham and Cheese Sliders is how easily you can tailor them to your cravings, available ingredients, or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about swapping, adding, or tweaking—these little sandwiches are endlessly adaptable!
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a different flavor or a little kick.
- Different Deli Meats: Turkey, roast beef, or a spicy capicola can be substituted for (or mixed with) the ham for a whole new vibe.
- Sweet Rolls, Savory Rolls: Use regular dinner rolls, potato buns, or even mini croissants if you like a less-sweet base.
- Gluten-Free or Lighter Options: Substitute gluten-free rolls, and use light cheese or turkey ham to suit your needs.
- Add Extras: Try a layer of thinly sliced pickles or a smear of honey mustard for a fun flavor twist.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray—this helps you slide those golden beauties out with zero fuss later. Gather all your ingredients to keep things running smoothly.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Buttery Glaze
In a medium bowl, add melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion. Give it a good whisk until everything is incorporated. The mixture should smell incredible—a preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom layer in the prepared baking dish. Add half the ham in an even layer, then top with all the Swiss cheese. Layer the remaining ham over the cheese and cap it all with the roll tops.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Slowly pour the buttery glaze over the tops of the sliders, making sure to coat as evenly as possible so each roll soaks in the flavor. Cover the dish with foil, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
As soon as they’re done, take them out, let them sit for just a couple of minutes, then slice with a sharp knife along the seams of the rolls. Serve warm and watch how quickly your Ham and Cheese Sliders disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Roll Selection Counts: For that signature sweet-and-savory bite, choose fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls. If using homemade, slice gently with a serrated knife to keep them intact.
- Get Butter Into Every Nook: When pouring the butter mixture, move slowly and tilt the dish so every roll gets glazed—you want all that flavor to soak in!
- Foil First, Then Finish: Covering the sliders early keeps them moist, while removing the foil for the last 10 minutes lets the tops get irresistibly golden and slightly crisp.
- Make-Ahead Ease: You can assemble the sliders several hours in advance (keep covered in the fridge), then brush with butter and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra poppy seeds and a scattering of finely chopped chives makes these Ham and Cheese Sliders look as good as they taste. For a tangy twist, serve alongside a dish of grainy mustard or a swipe of honey mustard for dipping.
Side Dishes
Sliders love company—serve with a crunchy coleslaw, potato chips, or a crisp green salad to round out your meal. For parties, add a platter of fresh veggies and dip or a creamy mac and cheese for a true comfort food spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, line sliders up on a wooden board with fun toothpicks for easy grabbing. Try arranging them in a circle, or pile them high on a cake stand for an abundant, festive look. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color if you want to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Ham and Cheese Sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful—perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
Ham and Cheese Sliders freeze surprisingly well! Simply wrap individual sliders or the whole batch tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. For a quick snack, you can microwave for 30–45 seconds, but the oven keeps the rolls from getting soggy.
FAQs
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Can I assemble Ham and Cheese Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready, pour over the glaze and bake as directed—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
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What kind of ham works best for this recipe?
Deli-style ham works wonderfully, especially if it’s thinly sliced so it layers easily. Honey ham, smoked ham, or even leftover baked ham can all be used for Ham and Cheese Sliders.
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Can I make Ham and Cheese Sliders without poppy seeds?
Absolutely! The poppy seeds add a little crunch and visual appeal, but you can simply leave them out (or substitute with sesame seeds, if desired) and the sliders will taste just as delicious.
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How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy bottoms, don’t let the sliders sit in the glaze for too long before baking. Also, baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes lets the tops crisp up perfectly. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for best results!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat, these Ham and Cheese Sliders will absolutely win you over. I can’t wait for you to try them—whether you’re hosting friends or making a cozy weeknight dinner, these sliders are always a guaranteed hit. Enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
Print
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are delicious and easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch or party snack. Soft Hawaiian rolls filled with thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese, baked with a savory buttery sauce.
Ingredients
For the butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder)
For the sliders:
- 1 pound Hawaiian Rolls (24 small or 12 large)
- 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 pound Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix the butter sauce: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion.
- Assemble the sliders: Cut the rolls in half and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ham on the rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese, and the remaining ham. Top with the other halves of the rolls.
- Add the butter sauce: Pour the prepared butter sauce over the assembled sliders. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cut into individual sliders, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
