Ham and cheese sliders are one of the most dependable appetizers you can serve for any gathering. Soft Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, melted cheese, and a buttery herb glaze come together in warm, pull-apart sandwiches that disappear as soon as they hit the table. These sliders are simple to assemble, affordable to make for a crowd, and bake in just minutes—perfect for game day, potlucks, family nights, or holiday parties.
This version focuses on balanced flavor, proper layering, and a buttery glaze that gives the sliders their signature golden top. Whether you’re hosting a big event or prepping a quick dinner, these ham and cheese sliders deliver consistent, delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless make-ahead party food
Assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake just before serving—ideal for stress-free hosting.
Stretches to feed a crowd
Simple, budget-friendly ingredients make this a smart choice for large gatherings.
Rich, melty, perfectly seasoned flavor
The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and a buttery Dijon glaze creates the perfect party bite.
Fast baking time
The oven does all the work in under 20 minutes.
Versatile for any event
Great for birthdays, tailgates, brunch, weeknight dinners, or holiday parties.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 (12-count) Hawaiian roll package
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham (honey, smoked, or black forest)
- 8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Parchment paper (optional)
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders (Step-by-Step)
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
1. Prep the Rolls
Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Keep the rolls connected to make filling and cutting easier. Place the bottom half into a baking dish.
2. Layer the Filling Properly
Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom half. Add a layer of ham, then cheese, followed by another layer of ham. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps the sliders structured.
3. Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a small pinch of salt and pepper until fully blended.
4. Brush the Tops
Brush the butter glaze generously over the rolls. Make sure to cover the tops evenly so they bake golden and flavorful.
5. Bake Safely
Cover the pan with foil to prevent over-browning.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly golden.
6. Slice and Serve
Cut along the original roll lines. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Food Safety Note:
Keep deli ham refrigerated until assembling. After baking, serve sliders promptly and avoid keeping them at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
How to Serve
Ham and cheese sliders pair perfectly with:
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Fresh fruit platter
- Simple green salad
- Pickles or relish
- Homemade fries
For parties, arrange sliders on a wooden board and garnish with chopped parsley for color.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Freeze (Unbaked)
Wrap assembled sliders individually and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little glaze → The butter mixture adds most of the flavor.
- Skipping the foil → Keeps tops from browning too quickly.
- Overfilling → Too much meat or cheese causes sliding and uneven baking.
- Separating rolls before assembly → Keeping them connected makes layering easier and cleaner.
FAQ – Ham and Cheese Sliders
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes. Assemble completely, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What cheese works best?
Swiss and provolone melt smoothly, but cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack also work.
Can I use turkey or roast beef?
Absolutely—these sliders adapt well to nearly any deli meat.
Are Hawaiian rolls required?
They’re traditional because of their soft, slightly sweet texture, but any slider roll works.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two pans and rotate them halfway through baking.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese sliders are one of the easiest and most reliable dishes you can make for gatherings. With soft rolls, savory ham, melted cheese, and a golden buttery glaze, they deliver warm, satisfying flavor in every bite. Whether for game day, potlucks, or a quick family dinner, this recipe guarantees an irresistible crowd-pleaser that guests will request again and again.
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer / Light Main
Cuisine: American
Method: Baking
Author: Isaacblogger
Ingredients
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
- ½ lb sliced deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss or provolone
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment if desired.
- Slice the rolls horizontally as one connected sheet. Place the bottom layer into the pan.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon on the bottom. Layer ham, cheese, and more ham. Add the top rolls.
- Whisk melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, minced onion, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over the tops.
- Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
Food Safety Tip:
Keep deli meat refrigerated until assembling. Bake sliders until the center is heated through and cheese is fully melted. Do not leave sliders at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Nutrition (Per Slider – Approximate):
Calories: 245 | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Carbs: 18g | Protein: 11g | Sodium: 410mg
Nutrition (Per Slider) approx.
(Estimate, varies by brand)
- Calories: 245
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 410mg
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
