Here’s my go-to recipe for crockpot ham and cheese sliders – soft, warm rolls filled with layers of ham and melted cheese, all cooked together with a buttery sauce that soaks into every bite.
These sliders have become our family’s favorite for game days and casual get-togethers. I often make a double batch because they disappear so quickly, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make perfect lunch box sandwiches the next day.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep these sliders hours before your event and just pop them in the crockpot when you’re ready – perfect for parties or busy weekends.
- No-fuss preparation – With just a few minutes of assembly and simple ingredients from your local grocery store, you’ll have these sliders ready to cook.
- Perfect party food – These sliders are ideal for feeding a crowd, whether it’s game day, potlucks, or family gatherings – they’re always a hit!
- Kid-approved meal – The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and ham makes these sliders a favorite among both kids and adults.
- Customizable recipe – You can easily swap the ham for turkey, try different cheeses, or adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these sliders, you’ll want to stick with thinly sliced deli ham rather than thick-cut ham steaks or leftover holiday ham. Black Forest ham works great here, but honey ham or Virginia ham are also solid choices – just make sure whatever you pick is sliced thin enough to layer easily. If you’re at the deli counter, ask them to slice it on the thinner side (around a #1 or #2 setting). While premium brands might cost a bit more, they typically have better flavor and less water content, which helps prevent your sliders from getting soggy during cooking.
Options for Substitutions
This slider recipe is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can try:
- Hawaiian buns: While Hawaiian buns give these sliders their signature sweet taste, you can use regular dinner rolls or slider buns. Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit different.
- Swiss cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or even mozzarella. Any good melting cheese will work great here.
- Deli ham: You can switch things up with turkey, roast beef, or even sliced chicken. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced.
- Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works in a pinch, or try honey mustard for extra sweetness. Stone ground mustard is another good option.
- Dried parsley: Out of dried parsley? Use Italian seasoning, or skip it altogether – it mainly adds color and a mild herb flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: You can substitute with soy sauce mixed with a tiny splash of vinegar, or just leave it out if you don’t have it.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making crockpot ham and cheese sliders is overcooking them, which can lead to dry, tough bread and rubbery cheese – aim for 2-3 hours on low or until the cheese just melts.
Another common error is not keeping the Hawaiian roll slab intact while slicing it horizontally – use a long, serrated knife and keep your hand flat on top of the rolls to ensure an even cut that will hold together in the crockpot.
To prevent the bottom of your sliders from getting soggy, consider placing a layer of parchment paper between the bottom of the crockpot and the rolls, and make sure to evenly distribute the butter mixture across the top of the buns for consistent flavor.
For the best results, let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after cooking before cutting them apart, and if you notice the tops browning too quickly, cover them with foil to protect them from direct heat.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These warm, cheesy sliders are perfect party food, and they 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 experience right at home. For something lighter, try a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy pickle spears on the side. If you’re serving these at a party, put out some potato chips or french fries – they’re always crowd-pleasers and make the meal feel like you’re at your favorite sandwich shop!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These ham and cheese sliders are best enjoyed right after making, but if you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil and pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The Hawaiian rolls might get a bit softer, 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 sauce, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, add the butter sauce and pop them in the crockpot.
Warm Up: To refresh leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese gets melty again. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they might not be as crispy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 90-120 minutes |
| Total Time | 100-135 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2400
- Protein: 90-100 g
- Fat: 130-150 g
- Carbohydrates: 210-230 g
Ingredients
- 12 hawaiian buns (kept intact and not separated)
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
- 20 slices of swiss cheese (two packs of 10 slices each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Start by carefully slicing all the rolls in half simultaneously, ensuring they remain attached to each other.
Gently remove the top half and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Build the Slider Layers
Place the bottom half of the rolls inside the slow cooker.
Layer half of the ham evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
Next, add a layer of cheese on top of the ham, then finish by layering the remaining ham over the cheese.
Finally, cover with the top half of the rolls that you set aside earlier.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
Once melted, add dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to the butter.
Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Step 4: Apply the Butter Mixture
Using a basting brush, liberally brush the tops of the rolls with the prepared butter mixture.
Make sure to cover them thoroughly to enhance the flavor and help create a beautiful glaze as they cook.
Step 5: Cook the Sliders
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 1½-2 hours.
This will allow the cheese to melt, the flavors to meld, and the rolls to soak up the buttery topping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooking time is complete, remove the lid and slice the sliders apart while hot.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, cheesy ham sliders!