Sliders have become my go-to option for casual get-togethers. There’s something about these little sandwiches that just makes people smile. When my kids have friends over or we’re watching the game on Sunday afternoon, I love how easy it is to put together a big batch of ham and cheese sliders. They’re simple enough that I can prep them while making dinner the night before, and they always disappear faster than I expect.
I’ve tried different combinations over the years, but ham and colby jack cheese is the duo that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Maybe it’s because the flavors remind me of the sandwiches I had growing up, or maybe it’s just that melted cheese makes everything better. Either way, these sliders have earned their spot in my regular rotation of crowd-pleasing recipes.
Just grab some dinner rolls, layer in the ham and cheese, add a few simple ingredients for extra flavor, and you’re good to go. Trust me, once you see how quickly these disappear, you’ll want to make a double batch.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Perfect for gatherings – These sliders are ideal for game days, parties, or potlucks – they’re easy to transport and always disappear fast!
- Quick preparation – With just 30-45 minutes from start to finish and minimal prep work, these sliders are perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Great for leftovers – This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham, giving it new life in a completely different dish.
- Kid-friendly meal – The combination of sweet rolls, melty cheese, and ham makes these sliders a hit with kids and adults alike – no complaints at the dinner table!
- Simple ingredients – You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, and they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
These sliders are super flexible when it comes to the type of ham you choose to use. If you’ve got leftover holiday ham hanging out in your fridge, that’s perfect – just slice it thin and you’re good to go. For an everyday option, deli ham works great too – look for either honey ham or black forest ham, which both bring nice flavor to the sandwiches. When you’re at the deli counter, ask them to slice it medium-thin (not shaved) so you can get a good meaty bite in your sliders. Just make sure whatever ham you choose isn’t too wet – if it’s very moist, pat it down with paper towels before assembling your sliders to prevent them from getting soggy.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are super adaptable – here’s how you can switch things up:
- Sweet rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their classic taste, you can use any small dinner rolls or slider buns. Just keep in mind that regular rolls might be less sweet, which will change the flavor balance a bit.
- Ham: Don’t have ham? Turkey, roast beef, or even sliced chicken work great here. For a vegetarian option, try using grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack are all good options. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
- Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works in a pinch, or try whole grain mustard. If you’re not a mustard fan, mayo or a spread like pesto can work too.
- Parsley: This is mostly for looks, so you can skip it or use other herbs like chives or dried parsley if that’s what you have on hand.
- Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a pinch of brown sugar can replace honey to add that touch of sweetness.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making these sliders is not slicing the rolls as one complete unit – keep them connected and slice through horizontally with a serrated knife for even layers and easier assembly.
Another common error is overloading the sliders with too much filling, which can make them difficult to eat and cause the ingredients to spill out – aim for a single layer of ham and cheese that covers the bread without overstuffing.
To prevent soggy bottoms, avoid adding too much mustard mixture, and make sure to brush the butter mixture on top of the rolls just before baking, not too far in advance.
For the best texture and flavor, don’t overbake these sliders – they only need about 10-12 minutes in the oven until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown, as leaving them too long can make the rolls dry and tough.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These warm, cheesy sliders are perfect party food and pair really well with simple sides that balance out their richness. A crisp coleslaw or potato salad makes an excellent companion, giving you that classic deli sandwich combo right at home. For something lighter, try a mixed green salad or some crispy potato chips – both add a nice crunch factor that complements the soft, melty sliders. If you’re serving these at a party, put out some pickle spears and a veggie platter with ranch dip to round out your spread and give guests plenty of options to choose from.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty ham and cheese sliders will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or stored in an airtight container. The rolls might get a bit softer over time, but they’re still really good!
Make Ahead: You can prep these sliders up to 24 hours in advance – just assemble everything except the butter topping, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the butter mixture and pop them in the oven. Super handy for party planning!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese gets melty again. If you’re in a hurry, 30 seconds in the microwave works too, though the rolls won’t be as crispy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2500-2700
- Protein: 160-180 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 12 sweet rolls (similar to king’s hawaiian)
- 2 pounds of leftover ham or deli ham
- 5-6 slices of swiss and/or colby-jack cheese
- 1/4 cup stone-ground dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
This will ensure the rolls do not stick to the dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
In a small bowl, mix together some mustard and honey to create a sweet and tangy spread.
Use a spoon or knife to evenly spread this mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls.
Next, layer sliced ham and cheese on top of the mustard-honey mixture.
Feel free to add extra slices if you prefer a more meaty and cheesy sandwich.
Once layered, place the tops of the rolls on top, completing the sliders.
Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Butter Mixture
In another bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder.
Using a pastry brush, carefully brush this buttery garlic mixture over the tops of the sliders.
This will give them a flavorful, golden-brown finish.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
Cover the casserole dish with foil to trap in moisture and heat.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese inside the sliders has melted completely and is nice and gooey.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the foil and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbaceous garnish.
Serve the sliders hot and enjoy their melty, savory goodness!