There is something irresistibly comforting about Ham and Cheese Sliders, a dish that combines the soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with layers of savory ham and Swiss cheese, all perfectly topped with a buttery, flavorful glaze. These sliders deliver a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite, making them an ideal treat for casual get-togethers, family dinners, or anytime you want to indulge in a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves that simple components can create extraordinary results. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls or the punch of mustard in the glaze, crafting a perfectly balanced slider with every layer.

12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls give the sliders their signature tender and fluffy base that contrasts beautifully with savory fillings.

1/2 pound deli-sliced ham: Adds a salty, smoky richness that forms the heart of this sandwich.
1/2 pound Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, creamy pockets within the sliders.

1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional): Provides creaminess and a hint of tang that complements the ham perfectly when used.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (optional): Brings a sharp, zesty flavor that works well spread inside the rolls.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: The base for the savory glaze, enriching every bite with moisture and flavor.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a distinct, piquant note to the buttery topping to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add texture and a subtle nutty crunch on top.

1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile with warm, aromatic undertones.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors, adding a mild garlicky depth.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Rolls

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when you finish assembling the sliders. Then, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves together to maintain a perfect sandwich structure during baking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Place the bottom half of your rolls in a baking dish. If you enjoy a creamy touch, spread mayonnaise thinly across these rolls, which helps to keep the sandwich moist. Then layer your deli ham evenly, ensuring each bite has flavorful meat. Top the ham with Swiss cheese slices to guarantee that ooey-gooey cheese pull when served.

Step 3: Add the Top Layer

Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of the top half of the rolls if you’re including it in your recipe—this small step adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness. Gently place this top half over your cheese layer, completing your slider ‘slab’ before moving onto the delicious finishing touch.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder. This mixture is magical: it seeps into the rolls, infusing each bite with buttery, savory goodness and a slight crunch from the poppy seeds. Pour it evenly over the top, making sure to coat every roll thoroughly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Loosely cover your baking dish with foil to keep the sliders moist while baking. Bake for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese. Then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the tops to develop a golden, slightly crispy finish. Letting the sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking helps them set so you can slice them easily without everything falling apart.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders

Garnishes

Serving your Ham and Cheese Sliders with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives gives a pop of color and a fresh bite that livens up the rich flavors. You can also add some pickles on the side to introduce a delightful tangy crunch that balances the buttery sliders.

Side Dishes

Pairing these sliders with a crisp green salad or some crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and contrast in texture. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of hearty tomato soup also make lovely companions, turning this simple snack into a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party approach, arrange your Ham and Cheese Sliders vertically on a serving platter so guests can easily grab one. You can even add small cocktail picks topped with olives or cherry tomatoes for a touch of elegance and convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These sliders keep beautifully when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. To prevent soggy rolls, consider storing the ham and cheese assembled but wait to add the buttery glaze until reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Ham and Cheese Sliders, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to a month and make a super convenient ready-to-bake snack for later.

Reheating

Warm your sliders in a 350-degree oven, still wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture, for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the cheese melty and buttery goodness intact without drying out the rolls.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella all work nicely and give different flavor twists. Swiss cheese is classic, but feel free to experiment based on your taste.

Is it necessary to use poppy seeds in the butter glaze?

Poppy seeds provide a pleasant crunch and visual appeal, but if you don’t have them, you can simply omit them without sacrificing too much flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Swap the ham for sliced grilled vegetables or a tasty plant-based deli meat, and you’ll still enjoy delicious, melty sliders that everyone will love.

What is the best way to slice the sliders?

After letting them rest post-baking, use a sharp knife to cut straight down through the entire sandwich slab, creating individual slider portions. This keeps each piece neat and prevents spillage.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Yes, Ham and Cheese Sliders are very adaptable. Just scale the ingredients up or down depending on how many people you’re feeding, and adjust your baking time slightly if making larger quantities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that comes together quickly and impresses everyone at the table, give these Ham and Cheese Sliders a try—you’ll quickly understand why they’re a beloved crowd-pleaser. With their perfect balance of sweet rolls, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, plus that irresistible buttery topping, they’re sure to become a staple you reach for again and again.

Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x

Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These Ham and Cheese Sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring savory deli ham and melted Swiss cheese nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. The sliders are brushed with a flavorful buttery poppy seed glaze and baked to golden perfection, making them perfect for game day, parties, or easy family gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
Slice rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves, but keep the rolls together in a slab.
Arrange bottom half: Place the bottom half of the rolls into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the base for your sliders.

Spread mayonnaise (optional): If using, spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over the bottom half of the rolls for added moisture and flavor.
Layer ham: Arrange all of the deli-sliced ham evenly over the bottom rolls, ensuring full coverage for every slider.
Add Swiss cheese: Place a layer of sliced Swiss cheese over the ham, allowing it to melt nicely inside the sliders.

Spread Dijon mustard (optional): If using, spread the Dijon mustard evenly on the inside of the top half of the rolls to add tanginess.
Assemble sandwich slab: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, completing your sandwich slab.
Make butter glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.

Brush tops: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the sandwich slab, spreading gently with a brush or spoon to coat all the tops.
Cover and bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and buttery.

Rest sliders: Remove from oven and let the sandwich sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
Slice and serve: Carefully slice between each roll to create individual sliders and serve warm for the best taste experience.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter glaze.

You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
These sliders are best served fresh but can be reheated covered with foil to retain moisture.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Leftover sliders can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g

Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Ham and cheese sliders, party sliders, Hawaiian rolls, poppy seed butter glaze, easy appetizers, game day food