Tasty Brown Sugar Ham and Cheese Sliders

Here’s my go-to recipe for brown sugar ham and cheese sliders, made with soft Hawaiian rolls, layers of deli ham, melty cheese, and a simple brown sugar butter sauce that gets brushed on top.

These sliders are always the first thing to disappear at our family gatherings. I usually make a double batch because everyone wants to take some home. And let’s be honest – they make pretty great leftovers for lunch the next day too!

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

For these sliders, you’ll want to stick with thinly sliced deli ham, which layers beautifully and ensures each bite is easy to eat. Black Forest ham is a popular choice that brings a subtle smoky flavor, while honey ham adds a touch of sweetness that pairs really well with the brown sugar in this recipe. When you’re at the deli counter, ask them to slice the ham on the thinner side – about a 1 or 2 setting on the slicer. If you’re buying pre-packaged ham, look for ones labeled “thin-sliced” rather than “shaved” (which can be too delicate) or “thick-cut” (which might make your sliders too bulky).

Options for Substitutions

These sliders are pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Hawaiian rolls: While Hawaiian rolls give these sliders their signature sweetness, you can use regular dinner rolls, slider buns, or even mini brioche rolls. Just keep in mind that regular rolls might make the sliders slightly less sweet.
• Swiss cheese: Not a fan of Swiss? Try provolone, Havarti, or even cheddar. Each cheese will give these sliders its own tasty twist.
• Deli ham: Any kind of sliced ham works here – honey ham, black forest, or even turkey ham if you prefer. You could even use sliced turkey or roast beef for a different take.
• Brown sugar: Regular white sugar mixed with a tiny drop of molasses works in place of brown sugar. Honey can also work, but use about 1 1/2 tablespoons since it’s sweeter.
• Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can step in for Dijon. If using regular yellow mustard, add just a tiny pinch more to match Dijon’s kick.
• Poppy seeds: These are mostly for looks and texture – you can skip them or swap with sesame seeds if you prefer.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when making these sliders is rushing the butter mixture – taking time to properly combine the melted butter with brown sugar ensures it doesn’t separate or crystallize, giving you that perfect sweet-savory glaze that makes these sandwiches irresistible. Another common error is overloading the rolls with too much ham and cheese, which can make them difficult to eat and prevent the tops from staying secured – aim for even, moderate layers that allow the rolls to stay together. To prevent soggy bottoms, avoid letting the assembled sliders sit too long before baking, and make sure to cover them with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the tops from burning while the cheese melts. For the best texture, let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking – this helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to separate and serve.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders?

These sweet and savory sliders are perfect for parties and game days, and they pair really well with simple side dishes that won’t steal the show. A crispy potato salad or some crunchy kettle chips make great companions, giving you that satisfying crunch alongside the soft, melty sliders. For something lighter, try a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad with ranch dressing – the cool, crisp vegetables balance out the rich, warm sandwiches nicely. If you’re serving these at a party, put out some pickle spears and a bowl of potato chips for easy snacking that everyone will love.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty 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. Just keep in mind that the rolls might soften a bit over time due to the butter sauce.

Make Ahead: You can prep these sliders up to 24 hours in advance! Just assemble everything, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, add the butter mixture and bake according to the recipe. It’s perfect for busy days or when you’re planning a party.

Warm Up: To enjoy leftover sliders, wrap them in foil and pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, though the rolls won’t be as crispy as when using the oven.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	25-30 minutes
Total Time	35-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2800-3200
• Protein: 120-140 g
• Fat: 180-200 g
• Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

For the butter mixture:

• 1 tbsp dried minced onion (adds a subtle savory depth)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted, for better flavor control)
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon)
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the sliders:

• 1 lb Swiss cheese
• 1 lb Hawaiian rolls (King’s Hawaiian are great for this recipe)
• 1 lb thinly sliced deli ham

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the oven is heating, spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Set the prepared dish aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and finely chopped onion.

Stir until the ingredients are well blended to form a smooth, flavorful mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Slice the rolls in half horizontally and place the bottoms in the prepared baking dish.

Layer half of the ham over the bottom halves of the rolls.

Add a layer of cheese, then top with the remaining ham.

Place the tops of the rolls back on top of the ham and cheese layers.

Step 4: Add Butter Mixture and Initial Bake

Pour the prepared butter mixture evenly over the assembled rolls, making sure the tops are covered well.

Cover the baking dish with foil to keep in moisture.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Final Bake and Serve

After the initial bake, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.

Place the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops of the rolls to brown slightly.

Once done, remove the dish from the oven, cut the sandwiches into individual portions, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.