Name: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder); 1 pound Hawaiian Rolls (24 small or 12 large); 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced; 1 pound Swiss cheese, sliced

Jump to Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delightful, savory treat that combine the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, the richness of Swiss cheese, and the deliciousness of deli ham. Topped with a flavorful butter sauce that includes Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, these sliders bake into perfect golden bites of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a snack for game day, or a dish for a potluck, these sliders are quick to make and guaranteed to be a hit. With minimal prep and the oven doing most of the work, they are both convenient and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a great balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of deli ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls creates a satisfying bite. The butter mixture, with its hint of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, adds a sweet and savory glaze that elevates the flavor of the sliders. Baking them covered ensures they stay moist and melt together perfectly, while the final uncovered baking step gives them a delicious golden-brown crust. Whether served as a quick family dinner or a party appetizer, they are simple to prepare and sure to please all palates.

Ingredients

Butter, melted
Brown sugar
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Poppy seeds
Dried minced onion (or onion powder)
Hawaiian Rolls (small or large)
Deli ham, thinly sliced
Swiss cheese

Variations

Cheese Swap: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can swap it with other varieties like cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Option: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for an added kick.
Turkey Ham: If you prefer turkey over traditional ham, turkey slices work just as well in this recipe, giving it a slightly lighter flavor.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with a layer of sautéed mushrooms or a mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion (or onion powder). Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the deli ham over the bottom rolls, then add a layer of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining ham slices.

Step 4: Add the Top Rolls

Place the top half of the rolls on top of the layered ham and cheese.

Step 5: Pour the Butter Mixture

Pour the prepared butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sliders. Use a brush or spoon to ensure the mixture is well spread over all the tops of the rolls.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to become golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven, cut the sliders, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: Be sure to layer the ham and cheese evenly without overstuffing the rolls, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
Rest Before Serving: Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes after removing them from the oven to help the cheese set before serving.
Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or mustard based on your personal preference for sweetness and tang.
Make it a Meal: Serve these sliders with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.

How to Serve

Ham and Cheese Sliders are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They are perfect for game day, parties, or as a simple weeknight dinner. Pair them with a side of pickle spears, chips, or a fresh salad for a full meal. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy chipotle mayo to complement the flavors of the sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their soft, warm texture.

Freezing

These sliders freeze well! After assembling the sliders but before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through. For extra crispiness on top, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread for these sliders?

Yes, you can use other rolls like dinner rolls or slider buns, but Hawaiian rolls are the best choice for their sweet, soft texture.

2. Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them the next day when ready to serve.

3. How do I make the sliders spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños to the ham and cheese layers, or mix a bit of hot sauce into the butter sauce for an extra spicy kick.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or even American cheese, depending on your preference.

5. Can I use turkey instead of ham?

Yes, you can use turkey slices or any other deli meat as a substitute for ham.

6. How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Make sure to evenly distribute the butter sauce and avoid over-soaking the bread. Allow the sauce to be absorbed slowly during the baking process.

7. How many sliders does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 12 sliders using 12 large rolls or 24 small rolls, depending on the size of your buns.

8. Can I make these sliders with a different sauce?

Feel free to experiment with different condiments such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even ranch dressing to add variety to the sliders.

9. Can I freeze these sliders after they are baked?

Yes, you can freeze fully baked sliders. Just make sure to cool them completely before wrapping and freezing.

10. Can I serve these sliders cold?

While the sliders are best served warm, you can serve them cold if needed, though they are much more enjoyable when freshly baked.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their perfect balance of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a flavorful butter sauce, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite. They are quick to assemble, easy to bake, and always delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, party, or game day, these sliders will be the first thing to disappear from the table. Enjoy!