Here’s my go-to recipe for ham and cheese sliders that kids absolutely love. With soft, buttery rolls, layers of ham, melted cheese, and a simple seasoned topping, these little sandwiches are perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners.
These sliders have become my children’s most-requested meal for weeknight dinners and birthday parties. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly, and they’re just as good warmed up the next day. Perfect for those busy school nights, right?
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Kid-approved favorite – These sliders are a guaranteed hit with children – the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and melty cheese makes them irresistible for little ones.
- Quick preparation – With just 20-30 minutes from start to finish, these sliders are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch solutions.
- Basic ingredients – You’ll only need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, and they’re likely already in your kitchen.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve, making them perfect for parties or meal prep.
- Great for crowds – This recipe is easy to double or triple for larger groups, and they’re just as good at room temperature as they are warm.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these kid-friendly sliders, you’ll want to stick with a mild, not-too-salty deli ham that won’t overwhelm young taste buds. Black Forest ham is a great choice since it has a subtle smoky flavor that most kids enjoy, but honey ham works really well too if you want a slightly sweeter option. When you’re at the deli counter, ask for the ham to be sliced thin to medium thickness – about the thickness of a standard piece of sandwich meat. If you’re buying pre-packaged ham, look for one that’s not too wet or slimy, as this can make your sliders soggy. Just make sure whatever type you choose isn’t too heavily seasoned or spiced, since you’ll be adding other flavors with the sauce.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are super adaptable and easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge:
- Hawaiian rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their signature sweetness, you can use regular dinner rolls or slider buns. Just know the taste will be a bit different, but still good!
- Provolone cheese: Any melty cheese works great here – try cheddar, Swiss, American, or mozzarella. Pick what your kids like best!
- Deli ham: Turkey, chicken, or roast beef can replace ham. You could even use leftover holiday ham, just slice it thin.
- Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works fine, or honey mustard for a sweeter touch. If your kids don’t like mustard, you can skip it.
- Poppy seeds: These are mostly for looks – feel free to skip them or swap with sesame seeds. They won’t change the taste much.
- Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup can work instead of brown sugar. Just use about 2 teaspoons since they’re more liquid.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making ham and cheese sliders is separating the rolls individually – instead, slice the entire block of rolls horizontally while keeping them connected, which makes assembly much faster and helps keep the sandwiches from falling apart. Layering is another common pitfall: placing the cheese directly against the bread can make the bottom soggy, so try putting the ham first, then the cheese, which creates a moisture barrier and keeps your rolls crispy. When it comes to the butter sauce, avoid rushing to pour it on – let the melted butter cool slightly and whisk thoroughly with other ingredients, or the sauce might separate and pool unevenly on your sliders. For the best results, don’t skip the 10-minute resting time after baking, as this allows the cheese to set slightly and makes the sliders easier to pull apart without losing their filling.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These little sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings, and they pair really well with simple, kid-friendly sides. A bowl of crunchy potato chips or crispy french fries is always a hit with the little ones, while grown-ups might appreciate a fresh coleslaw or pasta salad on the side. For a healthier option, try serving these sliders with some raw veggie sticks and ranch dip – carrots, celery, and cucumber work great. You can also put out some fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices to round out the meal and keep everyone happy!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These yummy sliders will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to wrap them individually in foil first – this keeps them from drying out and makes them super easy to grab for lunch boxes or quick snacks.
Make Ahead: You can prep these sliders a day in advance! Just assemble them with the ham and cheese, cover with plastic wrap, and keep the butter mixture separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the butter mixture over the top and pop them in the oven.
Warm Up: To warm up leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through. If you’re in a hurry, 20-30 seconds in the microwave works too, though the rolls might not be as crispy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 100-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-160 g
Ingredients
- 12 hawaiian rolls, split
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 6 slices of provolone cheese, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
In the meantime, line a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick foil to prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Begin assembling the sandwiches by placing a slice of ham and a half slice of cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
Top with the top half of each roll, creating a stack.
Once assembled, place the sandwiches close together on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat until the butter is just melted, about 30-60 seconds.
After microwaving, add the poppy seeds to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Drizzle the prepared butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled sandwiches, ensuring each one is covered.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and the butter mixture starts to caramelize, approximately 10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwiches are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven.
Serve the sandwiches warm for the best taste, and enjoy the savory blend of flavors and textures.