These tasty ham and cheese sliders are perfect for snacks or parties. Soft buns are filled with savory ham and gooey cheese, making each bite a little piece of happiness!
I love how easy they are to make! Just assemble, bake, and watch them disappear. Perfect for movie nights or a quick lunch. Who can resist a cheesy bite? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls add a sweet touch, but you can use any type of slider bun or dinner roll you like. If you’re going for a bit more crunch, consider using crusty white rolls instead.
Sliced Ham: I prefer honey or smoked ham for a burst of flavor, but turkey or even roast beef are great substitutes if you’re looking for something different. You can also opt for a vegetarian option using grilled veggies or a plant-based ham.
Sliced Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to swap in provolone or even cheddar for a stronger taste. If dairy-free, look for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you need a healthier option, you could use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Poppy Seeds: These seeds add a nice texture and flavor, but you can skip them if you don’t have any at home. Sesame seeds can also be a fun substitute to change things up.
What’s the Best Way to Assemble and Bake the Sliders?
Assembling sliders can be easy, but ensuring that each layer is even makes a big difference in taste. Start with the bottom bun and place it securely in the dish. A tip is to cover the entire base with ham and cheese, not leaving gaps.
- After layering the ham, add the Swiss cheese uniformly.
- Before pouring the butter mixture, make sure it’s well whisked to distribute the flavors evenly.
- When baking, covering with foil traps steam to make buns soft initially; removing it lets them crisp up.
Letting the sliders cool slightly post-baking will keep them from being too gooey when you slice them. Enjoy your sliders warm for the best experience!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian or dinner rolls)
- 1 pound sliced ham
- 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
For the Butter Mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. In no time, you’ll have warm, cheesy sliders ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a great temperature for baking those sliders to perfection!
2. Prepare the Buns:
Carefully slice the entire batch of slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom halves still attached. Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be the base for your delicious layers.
3. Layer the Ham and Cheese:
Now, evenly layer the sliced ham over the bottom half of the buns. Next, place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham. There’s something so satisfying about cheesy goodness, right?
4. Add the Top Buns:
Once the ham and cheese are in place, gently place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. It’s looking good already!
5. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is nicely blended. This mixture is going to give your sliders so much flavor!
6. Coating the Sliders:
Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns. Make sure to coat them well to soak in that delicious flavor.
7. Baking Time:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps to keep the sliders nice and moist. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sliders are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly golden!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice them into sections and enjoy the melty, savory goodness of your tasty ham and cheese sliders!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to substitute with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well for that gooey texture!
How Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sliders a day ahead! Assemble them completely, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if they go in the oven cold.
What Can I Use Instead of Poppy Seeds?
If you’re out of poppy seeds or prefer not to use them, you can leave them out—no problem! Alternatively, try sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a nice crunch and flavor without the poppy seeds.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the buns from getting soggy!
