If you’re looking for a ridiculously tasty snack or an easy party hit, this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls snugly sandwich layers of savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all dressed up with a buttery poppy seed glaze that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together with such ease you’ll want to make it again and again for family dinners or casual get-togethers. These sliders deliver that satisfying mix of gooey cheese, salty ham, and golden buttery goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the soft Hawaiian rolls providing the perfect sweetness, or the poppy seed butter glaze adding that irresistible richness and texture. These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps create the golden top crust when baked.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a slight tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a deep, savory umami boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor with a subtle hint of onion without overpowering.
- 1 (12-pack) Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that cradle all the flavors together.
- 12 slices cooked deli ham: The star protein, adding savory, salty goodness.
- 12 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that lovely gooey cheese pull you want in a slider.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps keep your sliders from sticking and ensures even cooking. Getting everything ready means less fuss when you get to layering the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. This magical mixture is what turns these simple sliders into a flavor-packed treat. The poppy seeds add crunch while the mustard and Worcestershire sauce bring complexity.
Step 3: Slice and Arrange the Rolls
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife—it’s easier than you think and keeps the rolls from squishing. Place the bottom halves snugly in your baking dish, creating your sandwich base ready to be loaded with goodies.
Step 4: Layer Ham and Cheese
Layer half of the ham slices evenly over the bottom rolls, then pile on all the Swiss cheese slices, and finally top with the remaining ham. This layering ensures every slider has the perfect balance of meat and melty cheese in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Rolls and Add the Glaze
Place the top halves of the rolls over your stacked fillings. Then, pour the butter glaze mixture evenly over the entire sandwich, making sure every slider will be soaked with that delicious, buttery sauce.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your sliders with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. This traps the heat and melts the cheese perfectly. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes so the tops turn a beautiful golden color with a slight crispiness that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can take your Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe from great to stunning. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A light brush of extra butter or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before baking can also add a subtle but tasty touch.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with simple sides like crunchy coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or crispy sweet potato fries complement the sliders perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your sliders on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of mustard, pickles, and olives. Or, use colorful parchment paper to wrap each slider individually for a fun party platter. These small presentation details make enjoying the sliders even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep their flavor well and are perfect for a next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked sliders by assembling them in a baking dish and wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then proceed with baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover sliders with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps restore that lovely golden crust on top.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ham with your favorite vegetarian deli slices, grilled vegetables, or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.
What is the best way to slice the rolls without squishing them?
Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice through the rolls horizontally. This helps maintain their shape and prevents squishing.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for parties or busy days.
Are these sliders good for large gatherings?
Yes, the Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. They’re easy to make in big batches and always disappear quickly thanks to their irresistible flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but is unbelievably easy to make. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving a cozy comfort food snack, these sliders deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love with their buttery, cheesy goodness just like I have!
Print
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, made with soft Hawaiian rolls layered with savory deli ham and Swiss cheese, topped with a flavorful buttery mustard glaze infused with poppy seeds and Worcestershire sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 (12-pack) Hawaiian rolls
- 12 slices cooked deli ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
Butter Glaze
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder until well combined. This glaze will add a delicious, tangy topping to the sliders.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all rolls intact together to make layering easier. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Fillings: Arrange half of the ham slices evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, layer all the slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the ham. Then add the remaining ham slices on top of the cheese layer for extra meaty goodness.
- Add the Top and Glaze: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the ham layer, pressing gently to fit. Pour the butter glaze evenly over the entire top of the rolls, ensuring the sauce seeps between them for maximum flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly. Slice along the natural roll seams and serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sliced pickles or a sprinkle of garlic powder inside the sandwich layers.
- To make the sliders spicier, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter glaze.
- Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or provolone, for a different twist.
- These sliders can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
