Looking for a crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s perfect for game day, lunch, or really any time? These ham and cheese sliders have become my go-to when I need to feed a bunch of hungry people without spending hours in the kitchen. I started making these when my kids had friends over, and now they’re the first thing anyone requests when we’re hosting.
The best part about these sliders is how simple they are to put together. Just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your fridge, and you’re good to go. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps – just good old-fashioned sandwiches that somehow taste even better when they’re made slider-style and baked until they’re warm and melty.
And if you’re wondering about the “no poppy seeds” part – well, sometimes simpler is better. These sliders are just as tasty without them, and you won’t have to make an extra trip to the store or deal with those tiny seeds getting stuck in your teeth!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Quick preparation – These sliders come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Basic ingredients – You’ll only need a handful of common ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store – nothing fancy or hard to source.
- Perfect party food – These sliders are ideal for feeding a crowd, whether it’s game day, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Plus, they’re easy to transport and always disappear fast!
- Customizable recipe – You can switch up the cheese, adjust the amount of ham, or try different rolls to make these sliders exactly how you like them.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these sliders, you’ll want to use thinly sliced deli ham that’s good quality – this makes a big difference in the final taste of your sandwiches. Black Forest ham is a great choice because it has a nice smoky flavor, but honey ham or Virginia ham work really well too. When you’re at the deli counter, ask them to slice it medium-thin – too thick and it’ll be harder to bite through, too thin and it might fall apart when heated. If you’re buying pre-packaged ham, look for brands that don’t have a lot of water added, as this can make your sliders soggy during baking.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are pretty adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Slider rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their classic taste, you can use any small dinner rolls or even cut regular-sized burger buns in half. Just make sure they’re fresh and slightly sweet for the best results.
- Cheese: Swiss and cheddar are great choices, but feel free to experiment with provolone, Havarti, or American cheese. You could even mix two different types for extra flavor.
- Ham: Any good quality deli ham works here. You can also use leftover holiday ham, turkey, or even roast beef if you’re looking to change things up.
- Dijon mustard: Regular yellow mustard works in a pinch, or try honey mustard for a sweeter touch. If you’re not a mustard fan, you can leave it out completely.
- Dried minced onion: If you don’t have dried minced onion, you can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder or very finely minced fresh onion (just pat it dry first).
- Worcestershire sauce: You can swap this with soy sauce mixed with a tiny splash of vinegar, or just leave it out – your butter sauce will still be tasty!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making ham and cheese sliders is overcrowding the pan, so make sure to use a baking dish large enough to let the rolls sit without being squished – this ensures even heating and that perfect golden top.
Another common error is rushing the butter mixture application – take your time to ensure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies of the rolls, and don’t forget to get some between the layers of ham and cheese for maximum flavor distribution.
The cheese placement is crucial too – laying it directly against the bread can make the bottom soggy, so try sandwiching the cheese between layers of ham to create a moisture barrier.
For the best texture, avoid overbaking these sliders – they only need about 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly golden, as leaving them too long can make the rolls tough and dry.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These warm, cheesy sliders are perfect party food and pair really well with simple sides that won’t steal the show. A classic potato salad or crispy potato chips make great companions since they add a nice contrast to the soft, melty sliders. For something fresher, try a crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad dressed with ranch or vinaigrette – the cool, crisp vegetables balance out the rich, buttery sandwiches. If you’re serving these at a party, put out some pickle spears or mixed raw veggies with dip for easy snacking options that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These ham and cheese sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the bread might get a bit softer over time.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these ahead? You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance – just cover with plastic wrap and keep the butter mixture separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pour the butter mixture over the top and pop them in the oven.
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese gets melty again. You can also use the microwave for 20-30 seconds, though the bread might not be 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: 2500-2800
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 180-210 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls (like hawaiian or any variety)
- 8 ounces of cheese (swiss or cheddar suggested)
- 12 slices of quality ham (or more if preferred)
- 1/2 cup melted salted butter
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to ensure the sandwiches do not stick while baking.
Once prepared, set the dish aside to use shortly.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice the rolls in half horizontally.
Place the bottom halves evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
On each roll, layer 1-2 slices of ham and cheese, ensuring each roll is generously filled.
Place the top halves of the rolls over the ham and cheese layers to close the sandwiches.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, mustard, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
Use a spoon to evenly distribute the sauce over the tops of the sandwiches.
Allow the rolls to rest for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Alternatively, you may cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Once preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the sandwiches are warmed through and the cheese has melted.
Enjoy these delicious sandwiches hot out of the oven!