Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a warm, crowd-pleasing sandwich option featuring soft rolls layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all brushed with a flavorful butter glaze. Baked until golden and slightly crisp on top, these sliders deliver the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and richness. They’re quick to assemble and ideal for feeding a group with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd – Makes 12 sliders at once with minimal prep work.
Buttery, Flavorful Topping – The seasoned butter glaze adds depth and enhances browning.
Soft Yet Toasted Texture – Rolls remain fluffy inside while the tops turn golden and slightly crisp.
Customizable Ingredients – Easily swap cheeses, meats, or seasonings to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders

12 Hawaiian rolls (or soft dinner rolls) – Provide a slightly sweet, pillowy base that contrasts with the savory filling.
12 slices deli ham – Adds salty, smoky flavor; thinly sliced for even layering.
12 slices Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese) – Melts smoothly and complements the ham’s richness.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Forms the base of the flavorful glaze and promotes browning.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth and balances sweetness.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional) – Contributes subtle crunch and classic deli-style presentation.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances savory notes in the butter mixture.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Balances and sharpens overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Rolls

Slice the rolls horizontally as a single connected slab, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.

Layer the Ham and Cheese

Evenly distribute the deli ham over the bottom layer, slightly folding slices for texture. Place Swiss cheese slices evenly over the ham, then position the top half of the rolls back in place.

Mix the Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Brush and Coat

Pour or brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, allowing it to seep into the seams for maximum flavor.

Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Rest and Serve

Allow the sliders to rest for 5 minutes before slicing along the roll seams. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use Soft, Fresh Rolls – Stale bread can dry out during baking.
Don’t Skip the Foil Step – Covering initially ensures the cheese melts evenly without over-browning the tops.
Let the Butter Soak In – Allow 5–10 minutes before baking if time permits for deeper flavor absorption.
Layer Evenly – Distribute ham and cheese consistently for uniform melting.
Upgrade the Cheese – Gruyère, provolone, or cheddar work well for variation.
Slice After Resting – Prevents cheese from sliding out while cutting.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
Calories: Approximately 220–260 calories per slider (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Classic potato chips – Add crunch alongside the soft sliders.
Creamy coleslaw – Balances richness with freshness and acidity.
Tomato soup – A comforting, warm pairing.
Pickles or pickled vegetables – Provide tangy contrast.

Ideal Occasions

Game day gatherings – Easy to serve and universally loved.
Holiday appetizer spreads – Simple addition to buffet tables.
Potlucks and parties – Transportable and reheats well.
Weeknight dinners – Quick family-friendly meal option.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in Oven – Warm at 325°F to maintain texture; avoid microwaving if possible.
Prepare Ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Serve Warm – Best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is fully melted.

Creative Variations to Try

Add Honey Glaze – Mix 1 tablespoon honey into the butter for sweet-savory balance.
Spicy Kick – Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Turkey Swap – Substitute ham with roasted turkey for a lighter option.
Everything Bagel Topping – Replace poppy seeds with everything seasoning for added flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sliders Too Dry – Ensure adequate butter glaze and avoid overbaking.
Cheese Not Fully Melted – Keep covered slightly longer during baking.
Bottoms Soggy – Use a metal baking dish and avoid excess glaze pooling underneath.
Tops Browning Too Quickly – Tent loosely with foil during the final baking stage.

Why This Recipe Works

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders succeed because they combine balanced flavors and controlled heat application. The initial covered bake creates a moist environment that melts the cheese thoroughly without drying the bread. Removing the foil allows surface evaporation, promoting browning through the Maillard reaction in the butter-glazed tops. The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls contrasts with salty ham and nutty Swiss, while Dijon mustard provides acidity to prevent the dish from tasting overly rich. At approximately 220–260 calories per slider, they offer a satisfying yet portion-controlled option suitable for entertaining or casual meals.

Final Thoughts

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Their soft, buttery texture and savory filling make them perfect for gatherings, quick dinners, or meal prep. While indulgent, they can be lightened with leaner meats, reduced butter, or whole-grain rolls. Simple, versatile, and consistently delicious, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.