Here’s my go-to recipe for ham, egg and cheese breakfast sliders, with soft, warm dinner rolls, melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and thin slices of ham all baked together until golden brown.
These sliders have become our weekend breakfast tradition, and I always make a double batch when we have overnight guests. There’s something special about pulling apart these warm, cheesy sandwiches on a lazy Sunday morning, don’t you think?
Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Sliders
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep these sliders the night before and pop them in the oven in the morning – perfect for busy families or when hosting breakfast guests.
- Kid-approved breakfast – The combination of soft buns, melty cheese, and ham makes these sliders a hit with kids and adults alike – no complaints at the breakfast table!
- Quick preparation – With just 25-35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a warm, filling breakfast ready faster than a trip to the local cafe.
- Great for crowds – This recipe makes 12 sliders at once, making it perfect for feeding a group at brunch, holiday mornings, or game day gatherings.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For breakfast sliders, you’ve got several good ham options that’ll work great. Deli-sliced ham is the most convenient choice, and you can go with either honey ham or black forest ham depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or more savory flavor. If you’re buying from the deli counter, ask them to slice it medium-thick – too thin and it might get lost in the slider, too thick and it’ll be harder to bite through. You can also use leftover baked ham if you’ve got some on hand, just slice it thin enough to fold easily onto the small buns. Just make sure whatever ham you choose isn’t too wet, as excess moisture can make your sliders soggy.
Options for Substitutions
These breakfast sliders are super adaptable and you can easily switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Mini buns: Any small rolls work great here – try Hawaiian rolls, dinner rolls, or even split regular-sized hamburger buns into quarters. Just make sure they’re fresh and sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
- Ham: While ham is classic, you can use other breakfast meats like turkey, Canadian bacon, or even regular bacon (just cook it first). Vegetarian? Try using meat-free breakfast patties.
- Cheddar cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar with Swiss, American, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. You can even mix different cheeses!
- Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works fine, or try honey mustard for a touch of sweetness. Not a mustard fan? Leave it out completely.
- Poppy seeds: These are mostly for looks – you can skip them or use sesame seeds instead. Everything bagel seasoning is another tasty option.
- Dried onion flakes: Onion powder works too (use 1 teaspoon), or you can skip this ingredient if you’re not big on onion flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making breakfast sliders is preventing them from becoming too dry – using both butter and cheese helps keep everything moist, but be sure to watch your baking time closely as even a few extra minutes can lead to dried-out buns.
Another common mistake is overcrowding the eggs when cooking them – it’s better to cook them in batches or use a large griddle to ensure they’re evenly cooked and maintain their fluffy texture.
When assembling the sliders, avoid the temptation to skip the resting time after adding the butter mixture – those 5-10 minutes allow the seasoned butter to soak into the buns, creating that perfect flavor-packed exterior.
For the best results, cover your baking dish with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking to prevent the tops from browning too quickly, then uncover for the final few minutes to achieve that golden finish.
What to Serve With Breakfast Sliders?
These hearty breakfast sliders are filling on their own, but they pair perfectly with some classic morning sides! Fresh fruit like berries or melon chunks add a nice sweet balance to the savory sliders. If you’re hosting brunch, set out a simple hash brown casserole or crispy breakfast potatoes on the side – the combo of sliders and potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser. For a lighter option, a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the ham and cheese.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These breakfast sliders are perfect for meal prep! Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together, making them even more tasty the next day.
Freeze: Good news – these sliders freeze really well! Just wrap them individually in foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. This is super handy when you need a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Warm Up: When you’re ready to eat, wrap the sliders in foil and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. If they’re frozen, add an extra 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, though they might not be quite as crispy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3200-3600
- Protein: 160-180 g
- Fat: 220-240 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-170 g
Ingredients
- 12 mini buns
- 12 eggs
- 1 pound sliced ham
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the sliders.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until well mixed.
Pour the whisked eggs into a greased skillet and scramble over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Once cooked, set the scrambled eggs aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Base
Take the slider rolls and cut them in half, separating the top half from the bottom half.
Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a greased casserole dish or on a baking sheet.
This will be the base for your sliders.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Add a small amount of scrambled eggs on each of the bottom buns.
Next, layer sliced ham over the eggs on each slider bun.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure each slider is evenly covered.
Place the top buns on the cheese layer to complete the sliders.
Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, dijon mustard, dried minced onions, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds to create a flavorful spread.
Use a brush or spoon to spread the butter mixture generously over the top of the assembled sliders.
Step 5: Bake the Sliders
Cover the casserole dish or baking sheet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This creates a delicious, warm finish for your breakfast sliders.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sliders are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve them warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Enjoy your delightful, cheesy breakfast sliders with family and friends!