Gooey Ham And Cheese Sliders Recipe

Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe: Party Favorites!

Sliding into deliciousness, these ham and cheese sliders have been the talk of every potluck and game day gathering.

Packed with savory ham and melted cheese, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together in mere minutes.

The buttery, toasted rolls create a perfect golden crunch that makes each bite irresistible.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your plate.

Layers of flavor meld together, turning ordinary sliders into an extraordinary experience.

Let’s make this easy recipe and watch as your guests devour every last morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 11

All You Need For Ham And Cheese Sliders

For The Bread Base:
  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, pillowy rolls that provide the perfect tender foundation for these sliders, offering a subtle sweetness that complements the savory fillings.
For The Protein And Cheese Layer:
  • Black Forest Ham, Honey Ham: Thinly sliced premium ham that brings rich, smoky flavor and protein to the sandwich, choose high-quality deli-cut meat for best texture.
  • Swiss Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds a silky, luxurious layer to the sliders, look for fresh, smooth slices.
For The Flavor-Boosting Topping:
  • Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor, opt for a smooth, high-quality variety.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Complex, umami-rich liquid that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
  • Poppy Seeds: Tiny seeds that provide a subtle crunch and nutty undertone, adding visual and textural interest.
  • Butter: Rich, golden spread that helps create a golden, crispy top and adds incredible richness to the sliders.
  • Dried Onion Flakes: Dehydrated onion pieces that infuse a robust, aromatic flavor without adding moisture.

Best Tools For Ham And Cheese Sliders

  • Large Baking Dish: 9×13-inch pan for preparing and baking sliders.
  • Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Pastry Brush: For evenly spreading melted butter or glaze on top of rolls.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to slice rolls and cut ingredients precisely.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients like sauce or spreads.
  • Cutting Board: To safely prepare and slice ingredients.

Steps To Prep Ham And Cheese Sliders

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a cozy temperature, creating the perfect environment for golden, melty sliders. Grab a baking dish and line it with foil or parchment for hassle-free cleanup later.

  • Bread Foundation

Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a soft, pillowy base for your delicious mini sandwiches. Gently separate the top and bottom halves to create a canvas for your tasty ingredients.

  • Layering Magic

Spread a generous layer of creamy mayonnaise on the bottom half of the rolls. Arrange slices of savory ham and sharp cheddar cheese to create a mouthwatering foundation.

  • Flavor Boost

Drizzle a zesty mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of dried onion flakes over the top. This secret sauce will elevate your sliders from good to absolutely irresistible.

  • Covering and Baking

Place the top half of the rolls back on, creating adorable little sandwiches. Slide the baking dish into the warm oven and let the magic happen for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

  • Serving

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few moments. Slice into individual portions and serve while they’re warm and incredibly inviting.

Tips To Change Up Ham And Cheese Sliders

  • Perfect Slider Prep: Slice hawaiian rolls horizontally in one piece to keep them connected, making assembly quick and uniform.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered with foil. Bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace ham with turkey or plant-based deli slices for lower-fat or vegetarian options. Use gluten-free rolls for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar to transform the classic slider profile. Add crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions for extra depth and crunch.
  • Leftovers Love: Reheat sliders in a toaster oven or air fryer to maintain crispy edges. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Ways To Serve Ham And Cheese Sliders

  • Cheesy Party Platter: Arrange these delightful sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh parsley sprigs for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these sliders in a cooler with crisp lettuce, pickle spears, and some tangy mustard for an epic outdoor lunch that everyone will love.
  • Game Day Touchdown Tray: Serve these mini sandwiches on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli to keep game watchers happy and munching.
  • Brunch Brilliant Sidekick: Complement these sliders with a light mixed green salad and fresh fruit to create a balanced and satisfying weekend morning meal that feels both casual and elegant.

Save Ham And Cheese Sliders For Later

  • Smart Portioning: Cut sliders into individual servings or bite-sized pieces for easy party sharing or quick grab-and-go lunches during the week.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious flavor profile by preventing moisture loss.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers to enjoy up to 2 months later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm sliders in a preheated oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy edges and melt cheese perfectly, avoiding microwave sogginess that can compromise texture and taste.
Print
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Gooey Ham And Cheese Sliders Recipe

Gooey Ham And Cheese Sliders Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Mini ham and cheese sliders blend Southern comfort with party-perfect appetizer charm. Buttery rolls cradle savory ham and melted cheese, promising irresistible bites you cannot stop eating.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Hawaiian rolls (or any soft dinner rolls)
  • 12 slices deli ham (or more to taste)
  • 12 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • ¼ cup (60 grams/2 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ cup (60 grams/2 oz) mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil for easy cleanup, ensuring minimal post-cooking mess.
  2. Layering Foundation: Keeping dinner rolls connected, create a base layer in the prepared dish, gently separating without fully dismantling the package.
  3. Protein and Cheese Assembly: Meticulously arrange ham slices across rolls, then strategically position swiss cheese atop the meat, allowing slight overlapping for comprehensive flavor distribution.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Whisk together melted butter, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and dried onion flakes into a harmonious butter mixture, then evenly drizzle across the assembled rolls to infuse depth and richness.
  5. Seasoning and Baking Preparation: Sprinkle poppy seeds over the rolls for textural complexity, then securely cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and promote even heating.
  6. Cooking Process: Bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncover for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp exterior while allowing cheese to melt thoroughly.
  7. Serving: Remove from oven and permit sliders to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld and cheese to set before serving warm.

Notes

  • Optimize Butter Blend: Mix butter ingredients at room temperature for smoother, more even distribution across sliders, preventing clumpy sauce application.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Choose swiss cheese with higher moisture content to ensure creamy, perfectly melted texture without drying out during baking.
  • Ham Selection Matters: Opt for thin-sliced, high-quality deli ham to prevent excess moisture and maintain slider structural integrity during cooking.
  • Customization Options: Swap ham with turkey or vegetarian protein alternatives, adjust seasonings for dietary preferences while maintaining core recipe technique.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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