Okay, let’s talk about these ham and cheese sliders—they’re warm, melty, buttery, and honestly just hit every time.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a quick dinner, or just want something cozy and satisfying, this recipe is a total win.
They come together super fast, and they’re always the first to go at any party. Just stack, bake, and boom—you’re the hero.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I had these sliders was at a family game night. My cousin brought them in a foil tray and they disappeared in minutes. Since then, I’ve made them for everything—holidays, lazy weekends, and even packed a few cold for a road trip.
- You can prep them ahead and just pop them in the oven.
- They work with whatever ham or cheese you’ve got in the fridge.
- You don’t need a bunch of dishes—just one baking dish and a butter knife.
- They’re ridiculously comforting and always crowd-pleasers.
Makes: 12 sliders
Total Time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, left attached and sliced in half horizontally
- 3/4 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss), halved
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing)
Pro Tips
- Don’t pull the rolls apart before slicing; cut them as one big block to keep it even.
- Make sure the butter topping is fully mixed so you get every flavor in every bite.
- Cover with foil while baking so the tops don’t brown too fast.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking—it helps the cheese settle.
- You can serve them hot or warm—they’re great either way.
Tools Needed
- 9×13 baking dish
- Bread knife
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Foil
- Oven mitts
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cheddar for Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella.
- Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham.
- Add caramelized onions or a smear of mayo for a little twist.
- Use everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds.
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the sliders (everything but the butter sauce) and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours.
- Mix the butter sauce and store it in a small container in the fridge, then brush it on just before baking.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep the rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Slice the rolls in half horizontally as a slab—don’t separate them.
Step 2: Layer the ham
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the greased dish. Layer 3/4 lb thinly sliced deli ham evenly over the bottom layer.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Lay 6 halved slices of cheddar cheese over the ham so they cover evenly.
Step 4: Put the tops on
Place the top half of the rolls back on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Make the butter sauce
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Brush the butter sauce
Use a pastry brush to spread the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Step 7: Cover and bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Uncover and bake more
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Cool and slice
Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut between them and serve.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds wrapped in a paper towel.
- Great cold, too—just wrap and pack.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Steam from the butter + foil helps melt the cheese perfectly and keeps the rolls soft.
- Dijon mustard and Worcestershire add tang and umami, giving the sliders a balanced, rich flavor.
- Baking uncovered at the end crisps the tops without drying out the bread.
Common Mistakes
- Slicing rolls unevenly – can lead to uneven baking and tipping.
- Not covering with foil – the tops can burn before the cheese melts.
- Using cold butter – it won’t blend well with the other sauce ingredients.
- Overfilling – makes it hard to slice and eat.
What to Serve With
- Pickles or a pickle tray
- Potato chips or sweet potato fries
- Macaroni salad or coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Fruit salad
FAQ
Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack all work great.
Do they freeze well?
Yes. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil.
Can I use mini buns instead of the whole slab?
Sure, but you’ll have to build each one separately, which takes longer.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Skip the ham and try roasted veggies or sautéed mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
These ham and cheese sliders are a go-to for good reason—quick to make, full of flavor, and just plain satisfying. Whether you’re feeding friends or just want something comforting at home, give these a try. Let me know how yours turn out in the comments—I’d love to hear what you did or if you added your own twist!