Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Bites

Crafting the perfect ham and cheese sliders takes creativity and a dash of culinary magic.

Layers of savory ingredients come together in a bite-sized delight that sparks joy.

Soft rolls cradle melted cheese and tender ham, creating an irresistible combination.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings become instantly more exciting with these compact treasures.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in every single slider.

Quick assembly means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in mere minutes.

Ham and Cheese Sliders That Disappear Fast

Quick Kitchen Triumph: Effortless Party Sliders make entertaining a breeze.

Speedy Preparation: Whip up these delicious sliders in just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet Hawaiian rolls with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a zesty butter glaze that guarantees everyone will ask for seconds.

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for game days, potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend snacking – these sliders adapt to any social occasion with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ham and Cheese Sliders Ingredients

Bread Base:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet base for the sliders with a perfect bite-sized shape.
  • King's Hawaiian Rolls: Recommended for authentic flavor and soft texture.
Protein Layer:
  • Ham, Deli Ham: Savory protein layer that provides classic sandwich flavor.
  • Honey Ham, Black Forest Ham: Good options for added sweetness or smoky taste.
Cheese:
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that complements ham with smooth texture.
  • Provolone: Alternative option with similar melting characteristics.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted Butter: Rich, golden coating that adds shine and extra flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp, tangy element that enhances overall taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the glaze.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic background flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Complementary seasoning with soft, savory notes.
  • Poppy Seeds: Decorative touch with slight nutty crunch.
Preparation Extras:
  • Foil: Used for initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
  • Baking Dish: 9×13-inch recommended for even slider arrangement.

Ham & Cheese Sliders Snack Prep Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Prepare Rolls

Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls right down the middle, keeping them connected like a sandwich book.

Gently place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Layer your ingredients with love:
  • Thin slices of ham
  • Soft Swiss cheese

Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on top, creating a cozy slider sandwich.

Step 4: Craft the Magical Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Poppy seeds

Mix until everything is perfectly combined and looking glossy.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Generously paint the glaze all over the tops of the sliders.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Let the sliders rest for a few moments to cool slightly.

Slice them up and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

These little bites of heaven are best served warm and will disappear in seconds!

Party Snack Tips for Ham & Cheese Sliders

  • Choose high-quality deli ham or leftover holiday ham for richer flavor profiles and personalized taste.
  • Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for different flavor experiences and dietary preferences.
  • Ensure even butter distribution by whisking glaze ingredients thoroughly and using a silicone brush for consistent coverage.
  • Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during party preparation.
  • Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Ham Sliders Keep Fresh

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them flat to maintain their shape and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm sliders at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Unwrap for the last 2 minutes to crisp the tops.
  • Heat individual sliders for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Watch carefully to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Snacks That Go With Ham & Cheese Sliders

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp Companion Beverages: Light, refreshing pilsner beer cuts through the rich ham and cheese, cleansing the palate with each sip.
  • Create Complementary Side Crunch: Tangy dill pickle spears provide a zesty contrast to the slider's creamy, savory profile, adding bright acidity to the meal.
  • Balance with Fresh Green Accent: Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp, clean counterpoint to the sliders' buttery, decadent texture.
  • Elevate with Sweet-Tart Complement: Chilled apple slaw introduces a hint of sweetness and crunch that harmonizes beautifully with the salty ham and melted cheese.

Fun Filling Ideas For Ham And Cheese Sliders

  • Vegetarian Slider Swap: Replace ham with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu slices for a plant-based alternative that keeps the cheesy, buttery essence.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free dinner rolls or lettuce wraps instead of Hawaiian rolls, maintaining the same flavor profile while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap rolls for roasted bell pepper halves or create mini cheese and ham cups using crispy prosciutto as a base for a keto-friendly version.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the butter glaze for those craving extra heat and a zesty flavor boost.

FAQs

  • Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliders up to a day in advance. Assemble them completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are poppy seeds necessary for the recipe?

No, poppy seeds are optional. If you don’t have them or prefer not to use them, you can skip them without affecting the overall flavor of the sliders.

  • What type of ham works best for these sliders?

Deli-style honey ham or black forest ham are excellent choices. Use thinly sliced, high-quality ham for the best taste and texture.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! Provolone, mild cheddar, or American cheese are great alternatives that will work well in these sliders.

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Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crowd-pleasing ham and cheese sliders deliver irresistible flavor in miniature form. Perfectly layered with savory ham, melted cheese, and buttery rolls, these bite-sized delights will vanish from your party platter in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins and Bread:

  • 12 Hawaiian Rolls
  • 12 slices Deli Ham (smoked or honey ham)
  • 6 slices Swiss Cheese (or preferred cheese)

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

Dry Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, preparing the surface for the delectable sliders.
  2. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, maintaining their connectivity, and gently position the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Create a uniform layer of ham across the roll base, ensuring complete coverage of the bread surface.
  4. Distribute Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, allowing the cheese to drape smoothly across the meat.
  5. Delicately replace the top half of the rolls, aligning them precisely with the bottom layer.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds, whisking until the glaze becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  7. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the slider tops with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Shield the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to begin melting.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn a golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy.
  10. Allow the sliders to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then slice into individual portions and serve while warm.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free dinner rolls or cauliflower slider bases to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with provolone, cheddar, or dairy-free cheese for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save party prep time.
  • Protein Swap: Replace ham with turkey, chicken, or plant-based deli slices for varied protein options and vegetarian adaptations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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