If you’re looking for a recipe that effortlessly combines comfort, flavor, and ease, these baked ham and cheese sliders are an absolute winner. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a satisfying snack, or searching for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will devour, this recipe delivers every time. These little sandwiches are packed with layers of tender ham, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery, slightly tangy glaze that brings everything together perfectly. Every bite is a warm, satisfying delight!
I first came across this recipe during a family gathering a few years ago. My aunt, known for her ability to whip up crowd-pleasing dishes, brought a batch of these sliders to a picnic. They were gone within minutes, and everyone kept asking her for the recipe. Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original, and they’ve since become a family favorite in my own home. My kids love them, and they’re perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend treat.
What is Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders?
Baked ham and cheese sliders are mini sandwiches made by layering sliced ham and melted cheese between soft slider buns. They’re then baked to perfection, with the buns soaking up a savory, buttery glaze that adds incredible flavor and richness. The magic happens when the cheese melts, the ham warms up, and the sliders become tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food that everyone—kids and adults alike—will love.
Though these sliders are often made with simple ingredients, like ham, cheese, and dinner rolls, you can easily customize them by adding extra toppings or adjusting the flavors. The result is always a savory, crowd-pleasing treat that’s quick to make and hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This
There are so many reasons to love these baked ham and cheese sliders. First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a warm, cheesy snack or meal ready in under 30 minutes. They’re also versatile—whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or a cozy dinner at home, these sliders are always a hit.
What makes them extra special is the buttery glaze that’s poured over the sandwiches before baking. It adds a depth of flavor that transforms these sliders from simple to sensational. They’re kid-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and also make great leftovers. If you’re looking for a dish that pleases both picky eaters and gourmet palates, look no further.
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)
- 1 lb sliced ham
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slider buns on a cutting board and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom of each bun connected (you’ll have one large sandwich of 12 buns).
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the bottom half of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the sliced ham evenly over the buns, followed by the slices of cheese. Top with the other half of the buns, creating a sandwich stack.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled buns, ensuring that the tops of the buns are well-coated.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the oven, cut along the bun lines, and serve hot. Enjoy the melted cheese, savory ham, and buttery glaze with every bite.
What to Serve With
These baked ham and cheese sliders are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with a variety of sides. For a well-rounded meal, try serving them with:
- A crisp, refreshing salad (think Caesar or coleslaw)
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
- Fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices
- A tangy pickle or chips for added crunch
- A warm bowl of soup, like tomato or creamy potato
These sides will elevate your slider meal and make it feel like a complete dinner or party spread!
Top Tips
- Use soft, sweet rolls: The best buns for sliders are soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls, such as Hawaiian rolls. They absorb the glaze wonderfully and add that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add extra flavors: Feel free to experiment with the fillings. You can add sautéed onions, spinach, or even a dollop of honey mustard for extra zing.
- Customize the cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack can offer a fun twist. Choose what your family loves best.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sliders a day before you bake them. Simply assemble the sandwiches, pour the glaze, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap the sliders in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual sliders for a quick reheating option.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can swap the ham for turkey, chicken, or roast beef. For a vegetarian version, try using a veggie-based deli meat or just load up on extra cheese and veggies.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Can I make these sliders spicy?
Absolutely! Add a little heat by using spicy mustard, hot sauce, or even pepper jack cheese. A few jalapeño slices can add a nice spicy kick.
How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
You can make these vegetarian by using a combination of cheeses and adding extra vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Definitely! These sliders are perfect for kids. They’re easy to eat, flavorful, and customizable to your child’s tastes.
Conclusion
Baked ham and cheese sliders are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, looking for a simple weeknight dinner, or preparing a dish for a special occasion, these sliders will always impress. They’re warm, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness—what’s not to love? Plus, they’re so easy to make that even the busiest home cook can get them on the table in no time.
So go ahead and whip up a batch for your next meal. I promise they’ll quickly become a household favorite!
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Kochutensilien
- Oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small bowl for mixing the glaze
Zutaten
- 12 slider buns preferably Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls
- 1 lb sliced ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese or a mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anleitungen
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally in half, keeping the top and bottom of each bun connected. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish.
- Layer the fillings: Evenly layer the sliced ham over the buns, then place the slices of cheese on top of the ham. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the assembled buns, making sure the tops are well-coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops of the buns are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cut along the bun lines, and serve hot. Enjoy!