There’s something about pulling a pan of golden, buttery sliders out of the oven that just feels right. Ham and Cheese Sliders are those no-fuss, crowd-pleasing bites that work for game day, potlucks, or Tuesday dinner when you need everyone fed fast.
I started making these back in 2019 when a friend brought them to a baby showerI watched that tray disappear in under ten minutes. The secret’s in brushing the tops with a poppy seed butter mixture before baking, which creates this shiny, slightly sweet crust that locks in all the savory goodness. I’ve tested this at least a dozen times since then, tweaking the butter ratio until it was just right.
Joe Rooney
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe – Easy and Irresistible
Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple and delicious meal perfect for quick dinners or entertaining guests. These sliders combine tender ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a flavorful buttery topping that makes them truly irresistible and crowd-pleasing.
1 pound Hawaiian Rolls 24 small or 12 large (my dinner rolls also work great)
1 pound deli ham thinly sliced
1 pound Swiss cheese
Method
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion in a bowl.
Slice the rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves evenly in the baking dish.
Layer half of the sliced ham over the bottom rolls followed by the Swiss cheese, then add the remaining ham on top.
Place the tops of the rolls over the layered fillings and pour the butter mixture evenly over all the sliders.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Take off the foil and continue baking the sliders for another 10 minutes until the tops are nicely browned.
Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve while warm.
Notes
For best results, use freshly sliced deli ham and quality Swiss cheese. These sliders taste great served immediately but can be reheated covered with foil to retain moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders check every box when you need something crowd-pleasing without the stress. They’re baked all together in one pan, which means no standing over a griddle flipping individual sandwiches. The buttery topping soaks into those soft Hawaiian rolls and creates a golden crust that’s slightly sweet and totally addictive.
Here’s what makes them a winner:
Ready in 35 minutes: Perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners when everyone’s starving
Minimal hands-on time: Just layer, pour, and bakeno complicated techniques required
Family-approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds with this combo of melty Swiss cheese and savory deli ham
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble hours ahead and pop in the oven when guests arrive
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
The magic happens when simple pantry staples come together. Hawaiian rolls bring that pillowy sweetness that balances the savory filling perfectlyI’ve tested this with regular dinner rolls too, and they work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand. Swiss cheese melts into gooey perfection without getting greasy, while thinly sliced deli ham layers easily and heats through evenly.
The real game-changer is that buttery topping. Melted butter mixed with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion creates a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit fancy. Don’t skip the poppy seedsthey add texture and visual appeal that makes these look like you spent way more time than you actually did.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Swiss cheese
Try provolone or cheddar for different flavor
Deli ham
Turkey, roast beef, or leftover holiday ham work great
Dried minced onion
Use 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder instead
Hawaiian rolls
Any soft dinner rolls (12 large or 24 small)
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish. Mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion in a small bowlit’ll look glossy and smell amazing.
Slice your rolls in half horizontally (keep them connected if possibleit makes this so much easier) and place the bottom half in your prepared pan. Layer on half the ham, add all the Swiss cheese, then top with the remaining ham. This double ham layer ensures every bite has plenty of savory filling. Add the top half of the rolls, then pour that beautiful butter mixture evenly over everything.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. The foil keeps them soft and steamy at first, then they finish with that gorgeous crispy top. Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately while they’re still warm and gooey.
Storage and Serving Tips
These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the tops are still crispy. If you’re bringing them to a party, you can assemble everything in the baking dish up to 4 hours aheadjust keep it covered in the fridge, then add about 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time since they’ll be cold.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole batch covered with foil in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’re still delicious.
Storage Method
Duration
Best Reheating
Room temperature (covered)
2 hours max
Serve immediately
Refrigerator (airtight)
2-3 days
Microwave 20-30 seconds or oven at 300°F
Assembled, unbaked
4 hours in fridge
Bake as directed, add 5 minutes
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Don’t skip the foil: Covering the pan for the first 15 minutes steams the rolls and helps the cheese melt completely. Removing it for the final 10 minutes gives you that golden, slightly crunchy top everyone loves.
Use a sharp knife: After baking, let the sliders rest for just a minute, then use a serrated knife to cut through cleanly. If your rolls were already separated, you can pull them apart gently instead.
Adjust the sweetness: The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the Dijon mustard beautifully. If you prefer less sweet, start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2I’ve done it both ways and both work great depending on your crowd.
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FAQs ( Ham and Cheese Sliders )
What type of rolls work best for this recipe?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are the gold standard for their soft texture and slight sweetness. King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls hold up perfectly to the butter mixture without getting soggy. If unavailable, brioche or potato rolls make excellent substitutes with similar soft, pillowy texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually improves flavor as the seasonings have time to penetrate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What cheese melts best for sliders?
Swiss cheese is classic and melts beautifully without being greasy. Provolone and mild cheddar also work wonderfully. Avoid pre-sliced processed cheese as it can become rubbery. Freshly sliced deli cheese from the counter gives the best melt and flavor.
How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Pat the ham completely dry with paper towels before layering. Use a light hand with any mustard or mayo spread. Baking on a wire rack set inside the pan allows air circulation underneath, keeping bottoms crispy while tops stay tender.
Can I freeze leftover sliders?
Absolutely! Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. The texture stays remarkably good after freezing.
You’ll love how these Ham and Cheese Sliders turn outgolden and buttery on top, with melted Swiss and savory ham tucked inside soft rolls. They take just 35 minutes start to finish, and the whole pan disappears fast. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen asking when they’re ready.
Try swapping in turkey and provolone for a different twist, or brush on extra butter if you’re feeding a crowd that loves richness. These reheat beautifully in a 300-degree oven covered with foila trick that makes them taste almost fresh-baked the next day. You can even assemble everything in the morning and bake right before guests arrive.
I’d love to hear if you made these for your family or brought them to a potluckdid they vanish as fast as they do at my house? Share a photo or tell me what occasion inspired you to try them. Save this recipe for your next gathering, or send it to someone who deserves an easy win in the kitchen. Here’s to meals that bring everyone together.
