Hot ham and cheese sliders have been a staple of family get-togethers my entire life. We make them for every holiday and occasion, and no one gets tired of them.
They’re the perfect party finger foods! Made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, deli ham, and melty Swiss cheese, they taste incredible.
They’re also small, portable, and convenient.
And don’t even get me started on the mouth-wateringly delicious butter sauce. Ham and cheese sliders are incredible. If you haven’t tried them, now’s the time!
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this recipe may seem long, but don’t let it scare you. They’re simple and budget-friendly. You need the following:
- Hawaiian rolls or buns – I prefer using Hawaiian sweet rolls for buns. They have the most amazing taste and are perfectly sized. However, you can pick up slider buns if you like.
- Ham – Use freshly sliced ham from your local deli for the best taste. The flavor is entirely up to you.
- Swiss cheese – You can never go wrong pairing ham with Swiss cheese. It’s one of those classic combos that always tastes great.
- Butter – Remember, you’re making a pourable sauce, so the butter must be melted. Melt it in the microwave before adding the other seasonings.
- Dijon mustard – It adds a dash of tanginess that pairs well with the savory ham and cheese. It also helps offset the sweetness of the honey and Hawaiian rolls.
- Honey – For sweetness.
- Poppy seeds – For a nice crunch on top.
- Worcestershire sauce – You won’t need much, just a teaspoon. But even a tiny amount is enough to give the butter sauce a phenomenal, rich flavor.
- Onion & garlic powders – Use both onion powder and garlic powder for a dash of umami yumminess. For more texture, you could substitute minced onion and garlic.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Follow these steps to make hot ham and cheese sliders:
1. Prepare. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease your baking dish with cooking spray or butter. You can also slice open the buns and melt the butter.
2. Assemble the sliders. Place the bottom bun in the greased casserole dish. Then, add a slice of each of ham and cheese before replacing the top bun.
3. Make and add the sauce. Combine the melted butter with all of the remaining ingredients. Mix it well, then pour it over the top of the sliders. Let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Bake. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders for 12 to 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake them for another 5 minutes. The buns should turn crisp and golden brown when they’re ready.
5. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
- Mix up your meats. While ham is traditional, you have other choices. Try making them with roast beef, turkey, or your other favorite deli meats.
- Vary the cheese. You can also swap out the Swiss cheese for your favorite variety. I often make these with Pepper Jack for a little extra kick.
- The hotter, the better! These guys taste best hot and fresh from the oven. If you need to make them in advance, simply assemble the sliders in the dish and mix the butter sauce in a bowl. Don’t combine the two, and don’t bake them! Wait to add the sauce and bake until immediately before serving.
- Fold the ham. Cutting the sliders apart can be challenging. To make it easier, fold the ham to fit the buns instead of laying it flat.
How to Store
Have leftover ham and cheese sliders? Don’t let them go to waste!
To store: Transfer the sliders to a lidded, air-tight container. Refrigerate them for 4 to 5 days.
To Reheat: Place 1 to 2 sliders on a microwave-safe plate and reheat them for 60 seconds on high power. If they aren’t warmed through, reheat them in 15-second increments.
I love your recipes, thank you!
Marilyn