Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders – Buttery, Melty & Perfect for Sharing
Warm Hawaiian rolls layered with savory ham and gooey cheese, brushed with a flavorful butter glaze
Introduction: The Ultimate Party Sandwich
When it comes to easy, satisfying crowd-pleasers, these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are hard to beat. They’re warm, buttery, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for game days, potlucks, brunches, or cozy family dinners. Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, deli ham, and Swiss or cheddar cheese, these sliders are baked until golden and melty, then sliced into irresistible portions.
The secret? A savory butter glaze infused with Dijon mustard, garlic, onion powder, and poppy seeds. It seeps into the rolls as they bake, creating a golden crust and flavor-packed bite in every slider.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these sliders so delicious:
Bread Base:
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls (12)
Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for baking.
Tip: Keep the rolls connected for easier assembly and slicing.
Filling:
- Deli ham (12 slices)
Savory and tender—folded or layered for texture. - Swiss or cheddar cheese (6 slices, halved)
Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness. - Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
Adds moisture and tang to the base layer.
Optional: Use spicy mustard or cream cheese for a flavor twist.
Butter Glaze:
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted)
Rich and golden—helps crisp the tops. - Dijon mustard (1 tbsp)
Adds tang and depth. - Onion powder (1 tsp)
Boosts savory flavor. - Garlic powder (½ tsp)
Adds warmth and aroma. - Poppy seeds (1 tsp, optional)
Adds texture and visual appeal.
Optional: Add a pinch of dried parsley or smoked paprika.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil
- Oven
Optional: Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Slice 12 slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Spread ¼ cup mayonnaise evenly over the bottom buns.
Layer with:
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 6 halved slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese
Place the top buns over the cheese to close the sliders.
Step 3: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Brush & Bake
Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until:
- Tops are golden
- Cheese is melted
Let cool slightly before slicing.
Yields:
- 12 sliders
Presentation Tip: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Brunch buffets
- Holiday parties
- Quick weeknight dinners
Pair with:
- Pickles or coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Potato chips or salad
- Iced tea or lemonade
Tip: Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:
Ham & Bacon Sliders
Add crispy bacon for extra crunch.
Spicy Kick
Use pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños.
Veggie Boost
Add spinach or caramelized onions.
Vegetarian Version
Use roasted veggies and plant-based cheese.
Mini Slider Cups
Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave briefly.
Tip: Wrap leftovers in foil to keep them moist when reheating.
Nutrition Notes (Per Slider, ~1 of 12)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fiber: ~1g
These sliders are:
- Warm and melty
- Savory and satisfying
- Perfectly portioned
- Great for sharing
Final Thoughts
These Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are more than just a snack—they’re a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and togetherness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy.