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Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders – The Ultimate Party Favorite

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect appetizer, party snack, or quick family meal. These mini sandwiches are warm, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, all wrapped in soft, buttery rolls. Baked to perfection with a golden, slightly crispy top, they are ideal for game days, gatherings, and even weeknight dinners.

What makes them so popular? The combination of melty cheese, smoky ham, and a buttery sauce that soaks into the rolls, making every bite absolutely delicious. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and can be customized in so many ways.

This article will guide you through the ingredients, preparation steps, expert tips, creative variations, presentation ideas, and FAQs so you can make the best Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders every time.

Why You Will Love Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and quick baking time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, game nights, holidays, or even a casual lunch.
Customizable: Swap the cheese, add extra toppings, or make it spicy.
Irresistibly Delicious: The buttery, slightly crispy top with gooey cheese and savory ham makes these sliders a crowd favorite.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

1. Hawaiian Rolls or Slider Buns

Soft, slightly sweet rolls are the base of the sliders. Hawaiian rolls work best because their light sweetness complements the savory ham and cheese.

2. Sliced Ham

The star ingredient! Thinly sliced ham is easy to layer and absorbs the flavors from the sauce. You can use honey ham, smoked ham, or black forest ham for different flavors.

3. Cheese (Swiss or Cheddar)

Swiss cheese is the classic choice for its mild, nutty flavor and perfect melting ability. Cheddar adds a stronger, sharper taste. You can mix both for a rich, cheesy combination.

4. Butter

Melted butter helps crisp up the top of the sliders while adding rich flavor. It also carries the seasonings into the bread.

5. Dijon Mustard

A touch of Dijon mustard adds a slight tangy contrast to the rich ham and cheese. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use honey mustard.

6. Worcestershire Sauce

This gives the sliders a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the ham and cheese.

7. Brown Sugar

A little brown sugar in the sauce balances the tangy mustard and salty ham, adding a hint of sweetness.

8. Poppy Seeds

Sprinkled on top, they add a subtle crunch and visual appeal. If you don’t have poppy seeds, sesame seeds work too.

9. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

These add extra flavor to the buttery sauce, making the sliders more delicious.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

12 Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
1/2 pound sliced ham
6-8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar)

For the Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Keeping the rolls connected, slice them horizontally in half.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Evenly layer the sliced ham over the bottom half of the rolls.
Add a layer of Swiss or cheddar cheese on top of the ham.
Place the top half of the rolls back on top.

Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
Whisk well until combined.

Step 5: Brush the Sliders

Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly spread the butter sauce over the tops of the rolls.
Let the sauce soak in for a few minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a minute.
Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sliders

Don’t skip the butter sauce – it keeps the rolls moist and adds rich flavor.
Use quality ham and cheese for the best taste. Thinly sliced deli ham works best.
Bake covered first to keep the sliders soft, then uncovered for a crispy top.
Let them rest for a few minutes after baking – this helps the flavors settle.

Presentation Tips

Serve with a side of honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping.
Arrange on a platter with fresh parsley garnish for a pop of color.
For parties, use toothpicks to keep the sliders easy to grab.

Creative Twists

1. Spicy Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Add sliced jalapeños or spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick.

2. BBQ Ham and Cheese Sliders

Replace the Dijon mustard with BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.

3. Hawaiian Style Sliders

Add a slice of pineapple for a tropical, sweet-salty balance.

Pro Tip for Customization

Want extra crispy sliders? Brush the bottom of the rolls with a little melted butter before adding the ham and cheese. This helps crisp up the base for added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

3. Can I freeze Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders?

Yes! Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.

4. Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack all work well.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With melty cheese, savory ham, and a buttery glaze, they are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, gatherings, or family dinners.

Try this easy Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe today and watch them disappear!