You know those days when you need a quick crowd-pleasing lunch or dinner? These everything bagel ham and cheese sliders have become my go-to solution. There’s something about warm, melty cheese and ham tucked inside soft rolls that makes everyone happy. I started making these when my kids had friends over, and now they’re requested at every gathering.
I love that I can prep these sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when we’re ready to eat. The everything bagel seasoning adds that perfect mix of flavors that reminds me of my favorite morning bagels, but in an easy-to-share format. Plus, they’re simple enough that I can throw them together while I’m doing other things in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting game day, need a quick dinner, or bringing something to a potluck, these sliders hit the spot every time. And the best part? They’re just as good reheated the next day – if they last that long!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Perfect party food – These sliders are ideal for game days, potlucks, or any gathering – they’re easy to serve and always disappear fast!
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble these sliders earlier in the day and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Simple ingredients – With basic ingredients like ham, cheese, and rolls, plus that magic everything bagel seasoning, you can create something really special without any fancy ingredients.
- Kid-approved – The combination of sweet rolls, melty cheese, and ham makes these sliders a hit with both kids and adults – no complaints at the dinner table!
- Quick preparation – These come together in just minutes of prep time, and the oven does most of the work for you.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these sliders, you’ve got two great options: honey ham or black forest ham, and both will give you excellent results. Honey ham brings a subtle sweetness that pairs really nicely with the everything bagel seasoning, while black forest ham offers a slightly smokier, more savory flavor profile. When you’re at the deli counter, ask for your ham to be sliced medium-thick – too thin and it might get lost in the sandwich, too thick and it’ll be harder to bite through. If you’re buying pre-packaged ham, look for pieces that aren’t too wet or slimy, as this can make your sliders soggy. Just make sure the slices are fresh and not dried out at the edges.
Options for Substitutions
These sliders are pretty adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Ham: While ham gives these sliders their classic taste, you can use turkey, roast beef, or even sliced chicken. Just make sure the meat is thinly sliced for the best results.
- Mozzarella cheese: Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese. Any good melting cheese will work great here!
- Hawaiian rolls: Regular dinner rolls work just fine if you can’t find Hawaiian rolls. Just keep in mind you’ll lose a bit of that sweet contrast, but the sliders will still be tasty.
- Everything bagel seasoning: No everything bagel seasoning? Make your own by mixing equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt. Or try Italian seasoning for a different but equally good flavor.
- Mayo and Dijon: You can use regular yellow mustard instead of Dijon, or try honey mustard for extra sweetness. Greek yogurt can stand in for mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making these sliders is separating the rolls individually – instead, slice the entire slab of connected rolls horizontally as one unit, which keeps them perfectly aligned and makes assembly much faster and neater. Another common error is overloading the sliders with too much filling, which can lead to messy spillage during baking and eating – stick to a single layer of ham and cheese for the best results. To prevent your bottom bun from getting soggy, spread a thin layer of mayo on both the top and bottom buns, creating a moisture barrier that keeps everything perfectly balanced. For the most flavorful finish, don’t skip brushing the butter mixture on top, but be careful not to oversaturate the buns – you want them golden and crispy, not greasy and wet.
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 a great traditional picnic-style pairing, while a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the buttery, savory flavors of the sandwiches. For casual get-togethers, I like to serve these alongside some crunchy potato chips or a bowl of dill pickle spears – the tangy crunch is just right with the melty cheese and sweet rolls. If you’re serving these at game day or a party, add some fresh veggie sticks with ranch dip to round out the spread.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty sliders can hang out in your fridge for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container. The rolls might get a bit softer over time, but they’re still super yummy! Just keep in mind that they’re best enjoyed within the first two days.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these in advance? You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours before baking – just cover them tightly with foil and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready, add the butter mixture and everything bagel seasoning right before popping them in the oven.
Warm Up: To bring leftover sliders back to life, wrap them in foil and pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, 30 seconds in the microwave works too, though the rolls won’t be as crispy. Just watch out – the cheese can get pretty hot!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2400-2600
- Protein: 120-140 g
- Fat: 180-200 g
- Carbohydrates: 220-240 g
Ingredients
- 12 slices of ham, honey or black forest variety
- 8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 12 hawaiian or sweet dinner rolls, split
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Rolls
Begin by greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for perfectly baked rolls.
Place the bottom half of your rolls into the prepared baking pan, arranging them closely together.
Step 2: Layer with Ham and Cheese
Once the rolls are in the pan, layer them evenly with slices of ham.
Generously sprinkle your choice of cheese over the ham to ensure every bite is overflowing with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Top Half of Rolls
Spread mayonnaise on the inside of the top half of your rolls.
Carefully place these on the layered ham and cheese, completing your sandwich stack.
Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard and melted butter until well combined.
Drizzle this mixture over the top of the rolls and use a pastry brush to ensure the butter mixture covers every surface of the rolls.
Step 5: Add Seasoning and Bake
Sprinkle everything seasoning generously over the prepared rolls for an extra punch of flavor.
Cover the entire pan with foil to keep the moisture and flavor locked in.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 6: Final Baking and Serving
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the tops of the rolls to turn golden and slightly crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve warm and enjoy these scrumptious rolls with family and friends!