How to Make the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to for quick family dinners, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings? Today, I’m super excited to share with you how to make the best baked ham and cheese sliders that everyone will absolutely love. These sliders are not just delicious—they’re also incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s ready in no time. Plus, they’re a great addition to your collection of easy pasta recipes and 30-minute meals. So, let’s dive in and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or last-minute gatherings.
• Packed with flavorful layers of ham, cheese, and a tangy Dijon-mayo spread.
• Uses King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls for that perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
• Can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep or party planning.
• Feeds a crowd—great for football food or party appetizers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering baked ham and cheese sliders:

• 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (12-count)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 pound thinly-sliced deli ham (such as Black Forest)
• 1/4 pound deli-sliced sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 pound deli-sliced Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• A pinch of kosher salt (optional)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s break this down step by step so you can create these sliders like a pro!

Step 1: Prepare the Slider Spread

To make the slider spread, stir together mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Set aside. This spread adds a tangy, creamy layer that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.

Step 2: Toast the Slider Buns

Using a serrated bread knife, slice the slider buns in half to separate the tops from the bottoms. Place them, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high with the rack in the second position down from the top (this should be about 6 inches from the broiler element). Broil the rolls on the cut-sides only for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Watch them closely and do not walk away from the oven, as they can burn quickly! Broiling times may vary by oven.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F with the rack in the middle position. Lightly spray a glass or light-colored ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. (If using a pan with a darker interior, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.)

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom half of the toasted rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread a little more than half of the Dijon-mayo mixture onto the rolls in the baking dish. Assemble the sliders by layering the cheeses and meat in the following order: cheddar cheese, ham, Swiss cheese. Spread the remaining Dijon-mayo onto the toasted side of the top half of the rolls and place them over the Swiss cheese layer.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion powder, and a pinch of salt (if using). Pour over the sliders, using a basting brush or pastry brush to distribute the butter and poppy seeds evenly over the tops and sides. It’s okay if some of the butter pools around the sliders in the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and let stand for 5 minutes. Bake for 20 minutes, until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes, until the tops of the rolls are golden and crispy. Watch them carefully during the last stage of baking so they don’t get too dark.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the sliders stand for a few minutes and cut the rolls into individual servings. Serve hot with potato chips, fries, or your favorite sandwich sides. These sliders are perfect for a quick family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time:

• Use high-quality deli meats and cheeses—it makes a big difference in flavor. Black Forest ham and sharp cheddar are great choices for this recipe.
• Don’t skip toasting the buns before assembling the sliders. This step adds a nice texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
• If you’re making these for a party, consider making them ahead of time and refrigerating until you’re ready to bake. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
• For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the butter mixture. It pairs beautifully with the ham and cheese. (If you love garlic, you might also want to check out my recipe for the best garlic butter baked chicken breast.)

How to Serve

These baked ham and cheese sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve them as the main course for a quick family dinner, paired with a side of chips or a fresh salad.
• Offer them as an appetizer or snack at your next football party. They’re perfect football food!
• Pair them with a bowl of soup for a comforting meal. (If you’re a fan of creamy soups, you might enjoy my air fryer grilled cheese recipe for a quick and easy pairing.)
• Include them in your lineup of party food appetizers for your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These sliders are a great option for meal prep or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store them:

• Make ahead: Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Let them come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

There you have it—a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe for baked ham and cheese sliders that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy appetizer recipes, or party food ideas, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to check out some of my other quick and tasty recipes, like chicken bacon ranch pasta, for more 30-minute meal inspiration. Happy cooking, and I’ll see you in the kitchen!