Introduction

These easy baked ham and cheese sliders are the perfect party appetizer for any gathering. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and are always a crowd-pleaser. For another fantastic finger food, try these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe or these Tater Tot Appetizer Cups Easy Recipe.

Ingredients

These Ham and Cheese Sliders come together with a sweet, tangy, and buttery glaze that soaks into soft rolls for an irresistible, gooey bite.

1/2 cup butter (melted)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon 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; dinner rolls also work great)
1 pound deli ham (thinly sliced)
1 pound Swiss cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Ham and Cheese Sliders about 20% faster than similar recipes that require separate assembly and baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pan and Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Without separating the individual rolls, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom slab.

Step 2 — Assemble the Bottom Layer

Place the bottom slab of rolls into the prepared baking dish. Layer the bottom evenly with thinly sliced deli ham, followed by slices of Swiss cheese. For the best melt and flavor, use about 1-2 slices of ham and one slice of cheese per slider.

Step 3 — Add the Top and Prepare the Butter Sauce

Place the top slab of rolls over the layered ham and cheese. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of finely minced onion (or 1 tsp onion powder), 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon of poppy seeds.

Step 4 — Apply the Flavorful Glaze

Using a spoon or pastry brush, generously and slowly pour the butter mixture over the top of the rolls, ensuring it soaks into all the seams and edges. For maximum flavor penetration, you can use a toothpick to poke a few holes in the top before glazing.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake the covered Ham and Cheese Sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step steams the rolls, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly and the sliders heat through without drying out.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown

After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is visibly bubbly around the edges.

Step 7 — Rest and Separate

Remove the pan from the oven and let the sliders rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the buttery glaze to set slightly, making them easier to handle. Use a sharp knife to cut along the perforations to separate the individual Ham and Cheese Sliders.

Step 8 — Serve Warm

Serve these warm, gooey sliders immediately. They pair wonderfully with a simple side like pickles, potato chips, or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	720 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one ham and cheese slider, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you customize your Ham and Cheese Sliders for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Protein Swap: Turkey or Chicken — Use thinly sliced roasted turkey or chicken breast for a leaner option with a milder, savory flavor.
Lower-Carb Option: Lettuce Wraps — Skip the rolls and serve the ham and cheese filling in large butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, crunchy alternative.
Dairy-Free Cheese — Use your favorite brand of plant-based cheese slices for a melty, creamy texture without dairy.
Gluten-Free Rolls — Substitute with your preferred gluten-free slider buns or rolls to make this a celiac-friendly meal.
Low-Sodium Version — Opt for low-sodium deli ham and unsalted butter in the glaze to significantly reduce the salt content.
Whole Grain Boost — Use whole wheat or whole grain slider buns to add fiber and a nutty depth to your sliders.
Sweet & Spicy Glaze — Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the butter glaze for a tangy, spicy kick.
Veggie-Packed — Add a layer of fresh spinach, arugula, or thinly sliced tomatoes for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic party spread, pair these Ham and Cheese Sliders with a tangy coleslaw and a big bowl of potato chips.
Turn them into a comforting weeknight meal by serving alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a simple garden salad.
Perfect for game day, arrange them on a platter with other easy finger foods like buffalo wings and veggie sticks with dip.
For a brunch or shower, serve these sliders with fresh fruit salad, mini quiches, and a pitcher of mimosas.
Elevate your plating by stacking the sliders on a wooden board, garnished with cornichons and whole-grain mustard for dipping.
Make them a hearty picnic item by packing them with pasta salad, pickles, and individual bags of pretzels.

These versatile Ham and Cheese Sliders are a crowd-pleaser for any casual gathering, from family dinners to festive potlucks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using cold, hard butter for the sauce. Fix: Melt the butter first so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients for even coverage.
Mistake: Choosing a single type of cheese. Fix: Use a blend like Swiss and cheddar for a more complex flavor and better melt.
Mistake: Over-toasting the buns before assembly. Fix: Lightly toast them just to create a moisture barrier, preventing sogginess.
Mistake: Skipping the resting time after baking. Fix: Let the pan sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner cuts.
Mistake: Applying the butter sauce only on top. Fix: Brush some sauce on the bottom bun halves too, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Mistake: Using overly thick ham slices. Fix: Opt for thin-sliced deli ham, which layers easily and heats through quickly.
Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for the first half of baking to steam and melt, then uncover to crisp the tops.
Mistake: Neglecting to season the sauce. Fix: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Dijon mustard to the butter for a flavor boost.
Mistake: Cutting the sliders immediately with a dull knife. Fix: Use a sharp serrated knife after resting to get clean, defined edges without squishing.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store assembled, unbaked Ham and Cheese Sliders in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil for up to 24 hours before baking. Baked sliders can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the entire pan of unbaked sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheat: Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or the entire pan, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best texture, serve these Ham and Cheese Sliders fresh from the oven. The buttery poppy seed topping helps keep them moist during reheating.

Conclusion

These easy Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. For more delicious party food, try our Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe or Italian Grinder Sliders Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!