Oh, these ham and cheese sliders! If there’s one recipe that has saved my sanity more times than I can count, it’s this one. I remember the first time I made them; it was for a casual get-together with friends, and I was *so* stressed about having enough food. I whipped these up on a whim, and honestly, I thought they were just okay at first. But then, everyone at the party gravitated towards them. People kept coming back for more, asking what my “secret ingredient” was! Little did they know, the secret was just how ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious they are. They’re like a warm hug on a plate, and the combination of salty ham, gooey cheese, and that slightly sweet, buttery bun? Pure magic. If you love the idea of a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich but want something you can feed a crowd without a fuss, you’re going to fall head over heels for these ham and cheese sliders. They’re a definite step up from your average sandwich, but I promise, they’re just as simple to put together.
What are Ham and Cheese Sliders?
So, what exactly are these magical little bites? Think of them as the ultimate party food or weeknight hero: a collection of mini sandwiches, usually made with slider buns or Hawaiian rolls, layered with delicious ham and your favorite cheese, then baked until everything is melty and glorious. The magic often happens with a savory topping – a butter-based mixture infused with herbs and a touch of mustard or Worcestershire sauce – that gets brushed over the tops of the buns before baking. This creates this incredible, slightly crispy, incredibly flavorful crust that transforms the whole thing. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s an experience. They’re like a bite-sized version of pure comfort, perfect for game days, potlucks, or even just a really, really satisfying lunch when you’re craving something a bit more special than your everyday sandwich but don’t have the time (or energy!) to do anything elaborate. It’s essentially the best of a ham and cheese sandwich, all bundled up into a neat, perfectly portioned package.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. First andflavor. Oh my goodness, the flavor! You get that savory, slightly salty ham, paired with the creamy, melty cheese – I usually go for cheddar or Swiss, but feel free to get creative! Then there’s the toasted, buttery bun that’s been kissed by a delicious glaze. It’s savory, a little sweet, and utterly irresistible. My kids, who can be notoriously picky, devour these like there’s no tomorrow. It’s a guaranteed win. But it’s not just about the taste; it’s the sheer simplicity. I can get these prepped and into the oven in under 15 minutes, which is an absolute lifesaver on those nights when I get home late and the thought of cooking a complicated meal feels overwhelming. The ingredients are super cost-efficientWhat are some great deals on slider buns and deli ham?versatility! While they’re amazing as is, you can easily customize them. Add some caramelized onions, a few pickles, or even a thin slice of tomato. They’re perfect for a casual brunch, a Super Bowl party, or even as a quick and satisfying dinner. Compared to other appetizers, these are way more substantial and satisfying. They’re not just a snack; they’re a mini-meal in themselves. What I truly love most about these ham and cheese sliders is that they bring people together. They’re always the first thing to disappear from any appetizer spread, and seeing everyone enjoy them just makes my heart happy.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Quick Overview
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward! We’re essentially taking soft slider buns, layering them with delicious ham and cheese, and then baking them in a glorious butter-herb mixture until everything is warm, gooey, and irresistible. You’ll slice the buns horizontally, arrange your fillings, pour over a flavorful topping, and bake. It’s truly that easy! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. The beauty is in its simplicity and the fantastic results you get with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredible little sandwiches. I like to use Hawaiian sweet rolls because they have a lovely subtle sweetness that balances out the savory ham and cheese perfectly, but any soft slider buns will work beautifully. Just make sure they’re fresh! For the ham, I usually grab some good quality deli ham. You can get it thinly sliced or slightly thicker, depending on your preference. The cheese is where you can have a lot of fun! I often use a mix of sharp cheddar for tang and Swiss for its nutty flavor, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere are also fantastic choices. Whatever melts well and tastes delicious to you is perfect!
24 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are my favorite!), split horizontally
1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
8 ounces sliced cheese (a mix of cheddar and Swiss is great!)
Butter for greasing the pan
For the Glaze/Topping:
This is where the real magic happens! This buttery mixture gets brushed over the tops of the buns, creating this amazing golden crust and infusing everything with so much flavor. It’s surprisingly simple but makes a world of difference. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness myself. Dijon mustard adds a little tang and depth without being overpowering, and Worcestershire sauce brings that umami goodness. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but dried parsley works in a pinch if that’s all you have. You can totally play around with the seasonings here – a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika can add another layer of flavor!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. You want to lightly grease it with some butter. This prevents the sliders from sticking and helps them get a nice, golden bottom. It’s a small step, but it really makes a difference in how easily they come out later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Wait, there are no dry ingredients to mix for the sliders themselves in this recipe! We’re building them layer by layer. The magic happens in the glaze, so don’t worry about this step for the main part of the sliders. Just make sure your buns are ready and split.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
This is for our glorious topping! In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried (or fresh) parsley, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. This mixture is what will give our ham and cheese sliders that irresistible golden crust and amazing flavor. It smells so good even before it goes on the buns!
Step 4: Combine
Now for the fun part: assembling the sliders! Take your split slider buns and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Layer the ham evenly over the bottom buns. Don’t be shy with the ham; you want a good amount in each slider. Then, layer your sliced cheese over the ham. If you’re using a mix of cheeses, alternate them or layer them side-by-side. Finally, place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and ham.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
The filling is already prepared with the ham and cheese layered in the previous step. The “filling” is essentially the delicious combination of ham and cheese nestled inside the soft buns!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
This step is actually incorporated into Step 4, where we layer the ham and cheese. There’s no swirling needed for the filling itself. The “swirling” aspect comes with the glaze being brushed on top, creating a beautiful, inviting look.
Step 7: Bake
Now, take that delicious butter-herb mixture you made and generously brush it all over the tops of the slider buns. Make sure to get good coverage so every bite is infused with that amazing flavor. Once they’re all brushed, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get too dark!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once they’re out of the oven, let the ham and cheese sliders rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set up just a bit, making them easier to handle. The glaze is already applied before baking, so no extra glazing is needed at this stage!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Here’s the best part: you can serve these whole in the pan for people to pull apart themselves, or you can use a sharp knife to cut them into individual sliders. They’re best served warm, when the cheese is melty and gooey. They are fantastic on their own, but don’t be afraid to pair them with your favorite sides!
What to Serve It With
These ham and cheese sliders are so versatile, they can really fit into any meal or occasion. For a casual breakfast, I love serving them alongside a strong cup of coffee. They’re hearty enough to start your day right. For a more elegant brunch spread, I’ll arrange them on a nice platter, maybe with a side of fresh fruit salad or a light green salad. A mimosa or a sparkling cider pairs perfectly. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert option (and yes, I do this!), a slightly sweeter glaze can work wonders, and serving them warm after dinner with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream can be surprisingly decadent and fun! For those cozy snacks moments, when you just need something comforting, these are ideal. Pair them with a bowl of tomato soup or some crispy potato chips. My family has a tradition of making these for our “movie night dinners,” and they always disappear in minutes. We usually serve them with a big bowl of popcorn and some of my homemade ranch dip. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ham and Cheese Sliders
I’ve made these ham and cheese sliders more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make them even better. For instance, when it comes to the buns, don’t be afraid to really get that butter mixture all over the tops. I’ve found that the more glaze, the better! Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Also, if your buns seem a little dry, you can always brush a little extra melted butter directly onto the cut sides before adding the ham and cheese – it adds an extra layer of richness. When it comes to the cheese, I always recommend using slices rather than shredded if possible. Slices melt more evenly and create that perfect gooey texture without leaving gaps. If you *do* use shredded cheese, try to get a block and shred it yourself; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the melt. For the ham, don’t overstuff them to the point where the buns can’t close properly, but also don’t be stingy! A good balance is key. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to cram too much filling in makes them difficult to eat and bake evenly. If you find your buns are browning too quickly before the cheese is fully melted, don’t hesitate to loosely tent them with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This traps steam and heat, helping everything melt together perfectly. I also like to use a good quality Dijon mustard in the glaze; it adds a little complexity that regular yellow mustard just doesn’t quite replicate. And a little trick I learned from my grandmother: if you’re making these ahead of time, assemble them up to the point of brushing on the glaze, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Then, just before baking, brush with the glaze and proceed as directed. They might need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re cold from the fridge. Experiment with different cheeses too! A little bit of Gruyere mixed with cheddar adds a wonderful nutty depth, and pepper jack gives a nice little kick.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These ham and cheese sliders are undeniably best served fresh from the oven, warm and gooey. But life happens, and sometimes you have leftovers! If you find yourself with any (which is rare in my house!), storing them is pretty simple. If you have a few left that have cooled down, you can store them at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 24 hours. However, for longer storage, the refrigerator is your best bet. Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container or wrap them well with plastic wrap and foil. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll still be tasty, though the bun might lose a little of its initial crispness. Now, about reheating: the microwave is the quickest option, but it can sometimes make the buns a bit soft or chewy. If you go this route, heat them in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through. For the best results, I highly recommend reheating them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven. Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at around 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit (150-160 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. This method helps to crisp up the bun a bit. If you plan on freezing them, I suggest baking them, letting them cool completely, and then wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil and bake them, still loosely tented with foil, at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully heated through. The glaze is applied before baking, so there’s no need to add it again after storing or reheating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the most delicious ham and cheese sliders! I really hope you give these a try. They’re more than just a recipe to me; they’re a symbol of easy, delicious, crowd-pleasing food that brings smiles to faces. The perfect balance of savory ham, gooey cheese, and that irresistible buttery topping on a soft bun is just pure comfort. Whether you’re planning a party, need a quick dinner solution, or just have a craving for something incredibly satisfying, these sliders deliver every single time. If you enjoyed these, you might also love my recipe for Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks or my Quick and Easy Quesadillas, which are also perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. I can’t wait to hear what you think! If you make these ham and cheese sliders, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out, or share your own favorite variations. Happy baking, and happy eating!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 rolls Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Slice the rolls horizontally, without separating the rolls. Place the bottom half in the prepared casserole dish. Set the top halves aside for now.
- Place 6 slices of cheese in an even layer on top of the bottom layer of buns. Add a layer of ham slices on top of the cheese. Then add the remaining 6 slices of cheese.
- Place the top of the buns over the cheese, press down slightly.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds). Add the poppy seeds, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well and brush over the tops of the rolls.
- Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the rolls are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and slice the rolls into 12 buns.
