There’s something about sliders that makes any gathering better. Whenever I’m hosting game day or need a quick lunch for unexpected guests, these ham and provolone sliders are my go-to solution. They’re simple enough that my kids can help assemble them, but good enough that grown-ups ask for seconds. I started making these years ago when I needed something quick for a playdate, and now they’ve become a regular in our rotation.
The best part? You can prep these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready. I often put them together during commercial breaks while watching TV, cover the pan with foil, and store them in the fridge until it’s time to bake. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps – just reliable, crowd-pleasing sandwiches that disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Quick and easy – These sliders come together in just 30-40 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Party-perfect portions – The slider size makes them ideal for feeding a crowd, and they’re easy to grab and eat while mingling at parties or game day events.
- Kid-friendly meal – With familiar ingredients like ham and cheese on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are always a hit with children.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of basic ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store, and the seasoned butter takes them from good to great.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before serving, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these sliders, you’ve got several good ham options that’ll work great. Deli-sliced ham is the most convenient choice, and you can go with either honey ham or black forest ham depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or more savory flavor. If you’re buying from the deli counter, ask for your ham to be sliced thin to medium thickness – this makes it easier to fold and layer on the small rolls without overwhelming them. Just avoid using super thick-cut ham as it can make the sliders harder to eat and might throw off the balance of ingredients. And while you can certainly use leftover holiday ham sliced thin, just make sure it’s not too heavily glazed or it might make your sliders too sweet.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are pretty adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge:
- King’s Hawaiian rolls: While these sweet rolls give the sliders their special taste, you can use other dinner rolls or slider buns. Just keep in mind that regular rolls might make the end result less sweet.
- Butter: You can swap regular butter with margarine or even olive oil, though butter really gives the best flavor. If using olive oil, add a tiny pinch of salt to make up for the unsalted switch.
- Italian herbs: Out of Italian herbs? Mix together some dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Or just use whatever dried herbs you have on hand – even just oregano works fine.
- Cheese combo: The cheddar and provolone mix is great, but feel free to use any melty cheese you like – mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack all work well. Just make sure to keep the same total amount of cheese.
- Ham: You can swap the ham with turkey, roast beef, or even sliced chicken. If using thicker-cut meat, you might need fewer slices to avoid overstuffing the rolls.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making these sliders is cutting the rolls individually instead of slicing the entire slab of connected rolls horizontally at once – this method ensures even layers and makes assembly much faster and easier. Another common error is overloading the sliders with too much meat and cheese, which can make them difficult to eat and cause the filling to slip out – stick to a single layer of each ingredient for the perfect balance. To prevent soggy bottoms, avoid adding too much butter to the base, and make sure to brush the tops evenly with the seasoned butter mixture for that golden-brown finish. For the best melty cheese experience, let the sliders rest for 3-5 minutes after baking before serving, and if you’re making them ahead, wait to add the butter mixture until just before baking to keep the bread from getting too soft.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?
These warm, cheesy sliders are perfect party food and pair wonderfully 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 everyone loves. For something lighter, try a mixed 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, fresh veggie sticks with ranch dip, or a bowl of your favorite potato salad – all these sides are easy to prep ahead and serve at room temperature.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty sliders will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or stored in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the rolls might soften a bit over time, but they’ll still be yummy!
Make Ahead: You can prep these sliders up to 24 hours in advance – just assemble them, cover with foil, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is super handy when you’re planning for game day or a party. Just remember to add the butter mixture right before baking for the best results.
Warm Up: To refresh leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can also use the microwave for 20-30 seconds, though the rolls won’t be as crispy. Either way works great for a quick lunch or snack!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2100-2300
- Protein: 120-140 g
- Fat: 120-130 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 12 king’s hawaiian rolls
- 1/4 cup melted butter (equivalent to 1/2 stick or 57g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon italian herbs
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 slices cooked ham
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Butter Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.
Mix well and set this butter mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Split your rolls in half, positioning the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
Proceed to layer them with slices of cheddar cheese.
Next, add a layer of ham slices, followed by a final layer of provolone cheese slices.
Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and ham layers.
Step 3: Add Butter Mixture
Using a brush, generously apply the prepared butter mixture over the top of the rolls.
Ensure each roll top is coated to enhance flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake with Foil
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which will help maintain moisture and even cooking.
Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until you see the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Finish Baking Without Foil
Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
This step will help the tops of the sliders turn a delightful golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the dish from the oven.
Allow the sliders to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve them warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in each bite!