Ham And Cheese Sliders Recipe
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These ham and cheese sliders are the easiest way to wow a crowd. Picture this: soft, pillowy rolls stuffed with layers of savory ham and melty cheese, all drenched in a buttery, flavor-packed glaze that crisps up in the oven to golden perfection. Make a batch in 30 minutes or less using simple, everyday ingredients – there’s no bad time of the day to enjoy one of these.
Bread makes the perfect starter – warm, comforting, and endlessly versatile. It sets the tone for a nice meal and gives everyone something satisfying to snack on while the main course is on its way. This is why I like serving cheese and bacon cob loaf or pull-apart bread as an appetizer. My newest discovery? These easy ham and cheese sliders!
They’re perfect for parties and game days. They’re a weeknight dinner hero, a lazy weekend lunch champion, and the answer to “What can I make that everyone will love?” With their pull-apart goodness, they disappear fast from any table. So get ready to bake, bite, and fall in love with the easiest, cheesiest, most crave-worthy sliders you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy appetizer: Make a batch in 30 minutes or less – just spread, layer, glaze, and bake!
- Comfort food goodness: These sliders are tender inside with a crispy, golden crust. The combination of warm, gooey cheese, savory ham, and buttery glaze creates the ultimate comfort food.
- Perfect for a crowd: A batch can serve up to 12 guests, making it perfect for entertaining at home, parties, or gatherings.
- Kid-approved: A wholesome snack that kids will love. The classic ham and cheese combo never fails to be a hit with guests of any age.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses, condiments, and add-ins. Make it as simple or as loaded as you like!
- Freezer-friendly: Make an extra batch, wrap them tightly, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you need a quick snack or meal, just reheat and enjoy!
How to Make Ham And Cheese Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders are your answer if you need a tasty appetizer quick. It’s a big batch party food that you can have prepped and in the oven in just 5 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or for last-minute entertaining. Simply prep the buns, add the filling, make the glaze and brush it on top of the sliders, and bake!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, the buns hold everything together while soaking up the buttery glaze without falling apart. I use Hawaiian rolls.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a creamy richness, making sure that the sliders don’t dry out. Hellman’s or Duke’s mayonnaise are my go-tos, but you can use any brand available. You can also opt for homemade mayonnaise – just blend egg yolks with a neutral-tasting oil.
- Swiss cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness.
- Ham: I use cooked, thinly-sliced ham slices from the deli counter, but feel free to use ham slices in packets or leftover ham.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a delicious tangy kick and cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Butter: Helps create that golden, crispy finish on the buns.
- Dried onion: Adds flavor and crunch to the buttery topping. Make sure to learn how to cut an onion the right way so you won’t tear up next time!
- Poppy seeds: For a subtle crunch in the glaze.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This superstar of an appetizer comes together in 30 minutes or less from start to finish. It’s super easy and stress-free – just prep and your oven will do the rest. Follow the simple instructions below to make perfectly-baked sliders!
Step 1: Prep the buns
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Cut each of the slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Step 2: Layer
Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom buns. Layer Swiss cheese, ham and more Swiss cheese on top. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
Step 3: Make the glaze
Mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each slider, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and crispy. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Slider buns: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns or dinner rolls are good substitutes.
- Mayonnaise: Ran out of mayo? Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar tang and texture.
- Swiss cheese: Use provolone for a milder flavor, cheddar for a sharper taste, or gouda for extra creaminess.
- Ham: Prefer to use another protein? Try turkey for a leaner option, shredded chicken for a different twist, or roast beef for something heartier. For a vegetarian option, use smoked tofu.
- Dried onion and poppy seeds: Replace with sesame seeds, or Everything Bagel seasoning for extra punch.
Expert Tips
- Toast the buns first: Lightly toasting the buns before assembling helps prevent sogginess, especially if you’re making them ahead of time.
- Add variety to the glaze: Add honey, Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs to the glaze for variety. You can also add a bit of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
- Make clean cuts: When slicing the sliders before serving, a serrated knife helps keep the layers intact without squishing the buns.
- Enjoy right away: Cool for a few minutes, but don’t cool completely before serving – the sliders are best enjoyed when the cheese is oozy, the ham is warm, and the bread is soft.
- Make them ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready for a quick, stress-free appetizer or meal.
How to Store This Recipe
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like laying a piece of paper towel underneath the bottom layer to get rid of excess moisture.
To reheat, transfer the sliders into a baking dish and bake, covered, in the oven at 375 F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. Thaw frozen sliders overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ham and cheese sliders are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of sides. For a classic combo, serve them with French fries, air fryer sweet potato wedges, or a simple side salad to balance the richness.
If you’re hosting a gathering, add a bowl of creamy coleslaw or carrot raisin salad for a refreshing contrast. Want to keep it cozy? Try pairing them with a warm bowl of soup or a serving of casserole. We love them with slow cooker potato and leek soup, broccoli casserole, or pumpkin pasta.
More Easy Appetizers To Try
Easy Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns like Hawaiian rolls
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ pound cooked ham thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon dried onion minced
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Cut each of the slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on the bottom buns. Layer Swiss cheese, ham and more Swiss cheese on top. Cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each slider, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and crispy. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Lightly toasting the buns before assembling helps prevent sogginess, especially if you’re making them ahead of time.
- Add honey, Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs to the glaze for variety. You can also add a bit of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick.
- When slicing the sliders before serving, a serrated knife helps keep the layers intact without squishing the buns.
- Cool for a few minutes, but don’t cool completely before serving – the sliders are best enjoyed when the cheese is oozy, the ham is warm, and the bread is soft.
- Make ahead by assembling the sliders, cover, and refrigerating overnight. Bake when ready for a quick, stress-free appetizer or meal.
