Ham and Cheese Sliders
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Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about! These bite-sized sandwiches are layered with savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery topping that’s baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, holiday gathering, or just need an easy weeknight dinner idea, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!
Want to make it a meal? Serve these easy sliders with crispy potatoes, a side salad, or even tater tots!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: They’re bite-sized, easy to grab, and ideal for feeding a crowd without the fuss.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make them a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters love the familiar flavors of ham and melty cheese on soft rolls.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like mustard, pickles, or honey glaze to make them your own.
This ham sliders recipe is the MVP of quick and easy eats—perfect for the Super Bowl or any night you need dinner in a flash. You’ve seen versions of this classic, but this one has a few fun twists, like an extra drizzle of Dijon and a buttery glaze that’ll make you rethink game-day wings. Layers of savory ham, gooey cheese, and pillowy rolls come together in the easiest, most delicious way.
We whip these up anytime dinner feels like a chore, and they never disappoint. They’re endlessly customizable—leftover ham, your favorite cheese, even a sprinkle of seasoning magic—and always a crowd-pleaser. Fair warning: they vanish fast, so grab one (or three) before they’re gone!
Ingredient You’ll Need
These hot ham and cheese sandwiches keep it simple but pack big flavor thanks to this powerhouse lineup of ingredients. Here’s why each one matters (and how to make them shine):
- Butter: Butter isn’t just for flavor—it’s the magic that gives these sliders their golden, caramelized finish. Melt it down for the glaze, and don’t skimp. Using unsalted butter lets you balance the salt from the ham and seasoning perfectly.
- Dijon Mustard: Tangy and bold, Dijon mustard adds just enough zing to keep things interesting. If you’re not a fan of Dijon’s sharpness, honey mustard is a great swap to add a touch of sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This unassuming ingredient adds a savory depth to the glaze that ties everything together. If you don’t have Worcestershire on hand, soy sauce can pinch-hit in a similar role.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: The crunchy, salty topping you didn’t know your sliders needed. It adds a pop of flavor with zero effort. If you’re out, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and garlic powder will do the trick.
- Sandwich Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls, like Hawaiian rolls, are the perfect base. Want to avoid soggy sliders? Lightly toast the bottoms before layering on the fillings if you’re making these ahead.
- Ham: Thinly sliced ham is the star of the show, giving every bite that perfect salty savoriness. Leftover holiday ham works beautifully, but deli slices keep things easy.
- Cheese: Melty cheese is the glue holding it all together. Swiss is a classic, but cheddar or provolone are delicious swaps depending on your mood (or fridge contents).
With this simple but versatile list, you’ll have sliders everyone will rave about. And the best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls is how flexible they are. Whether you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up, here are some easy ways to make this recipe your own:
- Ham Swap: No ham? No problem. Turkey, roast beef, or even shredded chicken make excellent stand-ins. For a vegetarian twist, layer sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies instead.
- Cheese Options: While Swiss is the classic choice, don’t let that limit you. Cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can bring a whole new vibe to your sliders. Mix and match for fun!
- Roll Alternatives: Hawaiian rolls are traditional, but brioche, dinner rolls, or even small ciabatta buns work perfectly. Looking to keep it low-carb? Try using halved sweet potatoes or portobello mushrooms as the base.
- Seasoning Switch: If you’re out of everything bagel seasoning, don’t sweat it. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or just a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion flakes can fill the gap.
- Glaze Upgrade: Want a sweeter kick? Add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup to the butter glaze. Prefer it zesty? Stir in some hot sauce or a dash of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the layers for a fiery twist that spice lovers will adore.
These sliders are so versatile that they’re practically a blank canvas. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to your heart’s content, you can’t go wrong!
Easy Ham and Cheese Siders on Hawaiian Rolls
These ham and cheese sliders are your go-to for any gathering or weeknight dinner. They’re buttery, cheesy, and layered with flavor—plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Here’s how you can whip them up in no time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the glaze by combining melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Layer the rolls: Place the bottoms in the dish, then layer with ham, cheese, and part of the glaze. Top with more ham and the roll tops.
- Pour the glaze over the assembled sliders and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden. Slice and serve warm!
These sliders are a crowd-pleaser every time. They’re easy to customize and perfect for everything from game day to lazy dinners. Pro tip: Make a double batch because they disappear fast!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage:
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence with these sliders!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, but the oven keeps the rolls nice and crispy.
Make Ahead:
Ham and cheese sliders are perfect for prepping in advance! Assemble the sliders as instructed, but stop before adding the butter glaze and seasoning. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pour the glaze over the sliders, sprinkle with seasoning, and bake as directed.
Freezing Tips:
You can also freeze these sliders before baking. Wrap the assembled sliders, before adding the glaze, tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the glaze, and bake as usual.
With these simple storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy these sliders fresh, whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers for later!
Tips for Success:
Brush the Glaze Evenly: Use a pastry brush to distribute the butter mixture over the rolls evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and prevents soggy spots.
Thinly Slice the Ham: Thin slices of ham layer more easily and allow the cheese to melt evenly throughout. If using thick leftover ham, consider slicing it thinner.
Cheese Coverage Matters: Make sure each roll has full cheese coverage. Overlap slices if needed to create a gooey, melty layer in every bite.
Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: After baking, use a sharp serrated knife to cut the sliders into individual portions. This prevents the cheese and ham from pulling apart.
Customize the Seasoning: While everything bagel seasoning adds a great crunch, feel free to switch it up with sesame seeds, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Serve Warm: These sliders are best enjoyed straight out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melty and the rolls are golden and warm.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are the classic choice for their slight sweetness, any soft sandwich roll, dinner roll, or even brioche buns will work. Just make sure they’re soft enough to soak up the glaze without falling apart.
If you’re not a Swiss fan, try cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella. For a bit of spice, pepper jack is a fun option. Any melty cheese will do!
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance without adding the glaze. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, pour the glaze over the top and sprinkle with seasoning.
Toast the roll bottoms before assembling to create a barrier against the butter glaze. This is especially helpful if you’re making them ahead.
Reheat the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the rolls crispy. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but the oven yields better texture.
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound thinly sliced cooked deli ham
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Carefully separate the tops from the bottoms of the rolls.
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the ham slices evenly over the roll bottoms. Spread about one-third of the butter mixture over the ham. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each ham layer. Add the remaining ham slices over the cheese.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the ham and cheese layers.
- Pour the remaining butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Use a brush to ensure even coverage. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice between the rolls to separate the sliders. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Layering: Don’t worry if the layers seem thick—the ham and cheese will melt together beautifully.
- Even Glaze: Use a pastry brush to spread the butter mixture evenly over the tops to avoid soggy spots.
- Serving: These sliders are best served warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature for parties.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
