If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack or an irresistible appetizer, this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Combining the savory goodness of tender deli ham with the melty richness of Swiss cheese, all nestled inside soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are pure comfort food magic. The buttery, tangy poppy seed topping adds that perfect, flavorful crunch, making every bite absolutely crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just need a quick weekday treat, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create a balanced flavor and texture. Each component plays a starring role, from the soft rolls that cradle the fillings to the mustard and poppy seed topping that adds a zesty finish.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter (divided): Butter lends richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy top.
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory umami boost to balance the cheese and ham.
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds: Delivers a delightful texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onions.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (or dinner rolls or slider buns): Soft and slightly sweet rolls are perfect for sliders but you can use your favorite slider buns.
- 12 slices deli ham: Choose good-quality ham to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese, sliced): Swiss melts beautifully, but cheddar provides a sharper bite; either way, cheese is key for gooey satisfaction.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Preheating ensures that your sliders bake evenly so the cheese melts perfectly and the tops turn golden brown, setting the stage for the wonderful flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion flakes. This mixture will become the flavorful glaze that crowns your sliders with a deliciously crunchy and tangy finish.
Step 3: Separate the Rolls
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. If the rolls are still clumped together, no need to separate each one entirely—just keep the entire batch intact to hold them together as sliders during baking.
Step 4: Butter the Inside of the Rolls
Brush the inside surfaces of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This extra layer of butter will infuse moisture and richness inside the slider, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish in a single layer. Then, fold each slice of ham and place it on the rolls, topping each with slices of Swiss cheese. This layering creates a perfect balance of salty, savory ham and creamy, melted cheese in each slider.
Step 6: Add the Top and Brush the Glaze
Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer and gently press down. Then, generously brush the prepared butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. This step locks in the flavors and guarantees a golden, slightly crisp topping once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. You want to see the cheese piping hot and melted and the tops of the rolls turning lightly browned with a beautiful poppy seed crust.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, pull your sliders out of the oven and serve them immediately while the cheese is gooey and the rolls are perfectly soft. These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm for that irresistible bite every time.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your sliders even more. Try sprinkling some fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A light drizzle of honey mustard or a side of pickles can add a delicious contrast in flavor as well.
Side Dishes
Ham and cheese sliders shine as the centerpiece of your meal but pairing them with crunchy coleslaw, a crisp green salad, or classic potato chips complements their rich, buttery flavor amazingly. If you want a heartier meal, baked beans or creamy macaroni and cheese are wonderful choices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sliders buffet-style on a large wooden board or in a colorful serving dish to create a casual, inviting atmosphere. You can also separate the sliders into smaller stacks tied with twine for a charming party presentation. For a fun twist, add a variety of cheeses or swap ham for other deli meats to customize the sliders for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy the freshness of the rolls and the melty cheese texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps preserve the softness of the rolls while melting the cheese back to its signature gooey state. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella work wonderfully. Each cheese brings a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on what you love.
What kind of rolls work best for sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are the traditional choice thanks to their soft texture and subtle sweetness, but dinner rolls, slider buns, or even brioche buns can be fantastic alternatives depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the ham for grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or even a hearty plant-based deli meat alternative to keep the slider tasty and vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the standard rolls for gluten-free slider buns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple adjustment for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep the sliders from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, brush butter on the rolls to create a barrier and bake the sliders uncovered. Also, enjoy them fresh or reheat in the oven to maintain texture rather than microwaving.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is a total winner whether you’re serving a crowd or craving a hearty snack. The harmonious blend of savory ham, melted cheese, and that dreamy buttery poppy seed topping makes it impossible to stop at just one. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your family and friends—it’s truly comfort food at its finest, wrapped up in a little roll!
Print
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, featuring tender Hawaiian rolls filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with a flavorful buttery mustard glaze. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a satisfying casual meal.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 6 tablespoons melted butter (divided)
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
Slider Components
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (or dinner rolls or slider buns)
- 12 slices deli ham (see note)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese, sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried onion flakes to create a flavorful glaze.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the top and bottom. If the rolls are attached, they do not need to be separated individually.
- Butter the Rolls: Brush the inside of the cut rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter to add richness and help toppings adhere.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish. Layer each with a slice of folded deli ham and top with slices of Swiss cheese.
- Add Top and Glaze: Place the top halves of the rolls on the cheese layer gently, then brush the prepared butter mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops turn lightly golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the sliders warm for best flavor and melted cheese enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute deli ham with turkey or roast beef for variation.
- Swiss cheese can be replaced with cheddar or your favorite melting cheese.
- Use grainy mustard if Dijon isn’t available for a more textured mustard flavor.
- Assembly can be done in advance and baked just before serving.
