If you ask me, sliders are one of the best party foods ever created.
These ham and cheese sliders are the kind of crowd-pleasing sandwich that disappears minutes after hitting the table. Layers of tender ham and melty American cheese are tucked into soft, buttery rolls that get slightly crispy on top.
I love how simple these are to put together – just stack, brush with butter, and pop them in the oven. The cheese gets perfectly gooey while the tops turn golden brown, making them impossible to resist.
They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or any time you need an easy meal that’ll make everyone happy.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Quick and easy preparation – These sliders come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect party food – They’re ideal for feeding a crowd, whether it’s game day, potlucks, or birthday parties – and you can easily double the recipe if needed.
- Kid-friendly meal – The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and ham makes these sliders a hit with children and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve, making entertaining stress-free.
- Simple ingredients – Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store, and most items are probably already in your pantry.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For sliders, you’ll want to stick with thinly sliced deli ham that’s not too thick or chunky. Black Forest ham is a popular choice because it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works really well in these sandwiches, but Virginia ham or honey ham are also great options. If you’re getting it from the deli counter, ask them to slice it on the thinner side – about the thickness of a standard piece of deli meat. Just avoid using thick-cut ham steaks or leftover holiday ham, as these can be too bulky and make your sliders harder to eat. A good rule of thumb is to look for ham that’s easy to fold and layer without being so thin that it falls apart.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Hawaiian slider buns: While Hawaiian buns give these sliders their signature sweet taste, you can use regular dinner rolls or mini burger buns. Just keep in mind you’ll lose some of that sweet-savory combo that makes these special.
- American cheese: Feel free to swap in other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese. Each will give your sliders a different but equally tasty flavor.
- Deli ham: Any type of deli meat works here – turkey, roast beef, or even a combo. Just make sure it’s sliced thin so it heats through properly.
- Dried herbs: Out of the specific herbs listed? You can use Italian seasoning blend instead – about 1½ teaspoons will do the trick. Fresh herbs work too – just triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Mayonnaise and mustard: Mix it up with different types of mustard (honey, Dijon, or whole grain) or swap mayo for ranch dressing. You could even use butter on both sides of the buns instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making ham and cheese sliders is overloading the buns with too much filling, which can make them difficult to eat and cause the ingredients to slip out – stick to a moderate amount of ham and one slice of cheese per slider for the perfect ratio. Getting the temperature right is crucial too: baking at too high a heat can burn the tops of your rolls while leaving the inside cold, so maintain a steady 350°F and watch them closely during the last few minutes. To prevent soggy bottoms, avoid adding too much of the butter mixture at once; instead, brush it on gradually, and consider placing the sliders on a wire rack inside your baking pan to promote better air circulation. For the best melty cheese experience, let your American cheese slices come to room temperature before assembling, and allow the sliders to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking so the cheese can set slightly.
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 right at home. For something lighter, try a fresh green salad or some crunchy pickle spears on the side – the tanginess cuts through the rich cheese and ham perfectly. Since these sliders are on the heavier side, I like to add some raw veggie sticks with ranch dip to round out the meal and add some fresh crunch to the plate.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These ham and cheese sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap them individually in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the buns might get a bit softer over time.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these sliders in advance? You can assemble them up to 24 hours before baking – just cover the pan tightly with foil and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, add the butter-herb mixture and pop them in the oven. They’ll taste just as good as if you made them right away!
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 buns might not be as crispy this way.
| 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: 1800-2000
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 130-150 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
- 12 slices of american cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise, separated
- ½ cup mustard, separated
- 12 hawaiian slider buns
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Hawaiian Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise and place the bottom buns on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Layer the Condiments and Cheese
Spread a layer of mayonnaise over the bottom buns, followed by a couple of tablespoons of mustard.
Place 6 slices of American cheese over the mayonnaise and mustard mixture.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Top with More Cheese
Roll up the ham slices and place them over the American cheese, using all of the meat.
Top the ham with the remaining slices of American cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Top Buns
Spread more mayonnaise over the top buns along with a layer of mustard, then place the top buns over the cheese to create the sandwich structure.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Butter Mixture
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
Add all of the chosen seasonings to the melted butter and stir to combine well.
Brush the butter mixture over the top buns, making sure to cover evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the assembled sandwiches in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the top buns are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush any remaining butter mixture over the top for extra flavor.
Serve hot, cut the sandwiches into individual servings, and enjoy!