Here’s my go-to recipe for ham and pepper jack cheese sliders, with soft, warm dinner rolls, layers of thinly sliced ham, melted cheese, and a simple butter sauce that makes everything extra tasty.
These sliders are always a hit at my house, especially during game days or when we have friends over. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly – and let’s be honest, cold sliders make a pretty great lunch the next day too!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Quick preparation – These sliders come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Party-ready portions – The slider format is ideal for feeding a crowd, and you can easily double the recipe for larger groups.
- Kid-friendly meal – The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, ham, and melty cheese makes these sliders a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple ingredients – You’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients that you can find at any grocery store, and there’s no complicated prep work involved.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve, perfect for stress-free entertaining.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these sliders, you’ll want to stick with thinly sliced deli ham that’s not too heavily smoked or seasoned. Black Forest ham works really well here, but honey ham or Virginia ham are also great choices that won’t overpower the pepper jack cheese. When you’re at the deli counter, ask them to slice it on the thinner side – about the thickness of a standard piece of deli meat – since you’ll be layering multiple pieces on each slider. If you’re buying pre-packaged ham, look for one that’s not too wet or watery, as this can make your sliders soggy. A good quality ham should look moist but not swimming in liquid.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are pretty adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their signature sweetness, you can use regular dinner rolls or slider buns. Just know the final taste will be less sweet.
- Pepper jack cheese: Not a fan of spicy? Regular monterey jack, cheddar, or provolone work great here. For extra kick, you could even use habanero jack cheese.
- Deli ham: Any sliced deli meat works well – try turkey, roast beef, or even a combo. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced.
- Mayonnaise: You can swap mayo with miracle whip for a tangier taste, or use ranch dressing for extra flavor. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of mustard.
- Poppy seeds: These are mostly for looks – feel free to skip them or use sesame seeds instead.
- Dried parsley: Fresh parsley works too (use 3 tablespoons), or you can skip it or use dried Italian seasoning instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making these sliders is separating the rolls individually – instead, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally as one unit, keeping the tops and bottoms connected, which makes assembly much faster and ensures even baking. When layering ingredients, spreading too much mayonnaise can make your sliders soggy, so use a light hand and spread it evenly on both cut sides of the bread. Another common error is rushing the melting butter step – take time to fully melt and mix the butter with seasonings until well combined, as this ensures the flavors distribute evenly across the top of your sliders. For the best results, avoid overbaking – 15-20 minutes at 350°F is usually perfect, just until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly golden, as baking too long can dry out the ham and make the rolls too crispy.
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 experience at home. For something lighter, try a fresh green salad or some crunchy pickle spears on the side – the tanginess helps cut through the richness of the cheese and mayo. When I’m serving these at game day parties, I like to put out some kettle-cooked potato chips or a bowl of your favorite potato chips for extra crunch factor.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty sliders will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend wrapping them in foil first, then placing them in the container to keep them from drying out. The flavors actually get even better after a day as everything melds together!
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 seasoned butter mixture and pop them in the oven. Perfect for party planning!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The foil helps keep them from drying out. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they might not be quite as crispy on top.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2400-2600
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 180-200 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-170 g
Ingredients
- 1 package sliced hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3/4 pound sliced deli ham
- 8 oz. grated pepper jack cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Rolls
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is heating, take a pack of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the entire pack intact for easier layering.
Step 2: Make Cheese Spread
In a bowl, mix together your desired amount of mayonnaise with grated pepper jack cheese.
Stir until well combined, then spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of the sliced rolls.
This will be the base layer for your sandwich filling.
Step 3: Layer Ham and Top Rolls
Evenly layer slices of ham over the cheese-spread-covered rolls.
Once the bottom half is covered with ham, place the top half of the rolls back over the layers, ensuring the sandwich is reassembled correctly.
Step 4: Prepare Butter Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt some butter.
Once melted, add dried parsley, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix the ingredients well to create a seasoned butter spread.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon or brush the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
Cover the assembled rolls with foil to avoid burning and maintain moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
Slice the rolls at desired portions and serve warm.
Enjoy your deliciously gooey and flavorful slider sandwiches!