There are moments that just call for warm, cheesy comfort. Picture a table full of people you love, the smell of toasted buns and melted cheese filling the kitchen. You bring out a tray of ham and cheese sliders, and within minutes, the room quiets down as everyone grabs one (or two). These sliders aren’t just delicious—they’re nostalgic, filling, and effortlessly shareable.
Whether you’re hosting a casual party, prepping for game day, or pulling together a quick dinner, ham and cheese sliders are your reliable, satisfying answer. They’re simple to make, travel well, and disappear faster than you can say “seconds.”
What Are Ham and Cheese Sliders?
A Bite-Sized Classic with Big Flavor
These sliders are mini sandwiches that pack big comfort. Using soft slider buns, you layer on savory deli ham, melty cheese, and top it all off with a buttery glaze. Then bake them until golden and bubbling. The result? A tray full of irresistible, cheesy goodness.
Why People Love Them
- Quick to assemble and bake
- Customizable with various meats and cheeses
- Perfect for parties, brunch, or weeknight meals
- Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
They’re the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for every gathering.
Ingredients Breakdown: Why They Work Together
Each component of this slider plays a role in delivering balanced flavor and texture:
- Slider Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these hold everything together without getting soggy. Hawaiian rolls are a favorite for their flavor and fluffiness.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced and easy to layer. Choose a variety like honey ham or Black Forest for extra depth. It brings a salty, hearty bite.
- Swiss Cheese: Known for its subtle tang and smooth melt, Swiss pairs beautifully with ham. Feel free to try provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Butter: The golden touch. Brushed over the tops, it crisps up during baking and delivers that irresistible bite.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty edge that cuts through the richness. It brings balance to the sweet rolls and savory filling.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami bomb enhances depth in the buttery glaze. Just a dash gives you that signature slider flavor.
- Onion Powder: Provides a gentle, savory backbone to the glaze.
- Poppy Seeds (Optional): For a classic finish with a subtle crunch. They also add visual appeal.
All together, these ingredients create a perfect medley of sweet, salty, melty, and buttery.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
This recipe comes together in minutes. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the rolls horizontally (keep the bottoms attached) and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer ham slices evenly across the rolls.
- Add a layer of cheese over the ham.
- Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- Mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
- Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders generously.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until the tops are golden.
Serve warm. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls before serving.
When & How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders
These sliders are incredibly flexible, so you can bring them to:
- Family brunches or holiday breakfasts
- Potlucks or school functions
- Casual dinner parties
- Weeknight meals
- Super Bowl spreads
They pair well with:
- Fresh green salads or slaw
- Chips or roasted potatoes
- A tray of fruit or veggie sticks
- Pickles for contrast
Serve with soda, sparkling water, or even a cold beer depending on the occasion.
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to remix your sliders:
- Spicy Kick: Add pepper jack cheese or jalapeño slices.
- Breakfast Style: Swap ham for bacon and add scrambled eggs.
- Sweet & Savory: Use honey mustard in the glaze and brown sugar in the butter.
- Tropical Twist: Layer in pineapple slices with your ham.
- Turkey Version: Swap ham for sliced turkey and use cranberry sauce for the glaze.
These variations help keep things interesting and cater to every taste.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Slider)
Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 11g |
Carbohydrates | 16g |
Protein | 10g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Sugar | 3g |
These values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands.
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate them a few hours in advance. Brush with butter glaze just before baking.
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly before baking. When ready to eat, thaw and bake until heated through.
Swiss is traditional, but provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella all work wonderfully.
Warm them in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave for 30 seconds. They’re best hot.
Sure. Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies and follow the same process.
Ham and Cheese Sliders Are Always a Hit
Few recipes hit the sweet spot of simple and satisfying like ham and cheese sliders. They’re fast, fun, and full of flavor—everything you want in a go-to party snack or easy family meal. The best part? You can prep them in advance, customize them to your liking, and count on every last one being devoured.
So the next time you’re feeding a group (or just yourself with leftovers in mind), bring out a tray of these warm, buttery sliders. You’ll be glad you did.
PrintHam and Cheese Sliders
Ham and Cheese Sliders are soft, buttery mini sandwiches layered with savory ham, melty cheese, and a seasoned glaze—perfect for parties, potlucks, or easy family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Slider Rolls – soft and slightly sweet, like Hawaiian rolls
- Deli Ham – thinly sliced, such as honey ham or Black Forest
- Swiss Cheese – melts smoothly and adds a mild tang
- Butter – brushed on top for golden crispness
- Dijon Mustard – adds a sharp, zesty balance
- Worcestershire Sauce – enhances the glaze with rich umami
- Onion Powder – provides savory depth
- Poppy Seeds (optional) – for texture and visual appeal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls horizontally without separating the bottoms and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer ham slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place Swiss cheese over the ham.
- Replace the top halves of the rolls.
- Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the sliders.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds over the top if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate; brush glaze right before baking.
- Freeze assembled sliders before baking for future meals.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Customize with different meats, cheeses, or add-ins like jalapeños or pineapple.
- Reheat leftovers in oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg