Fresh, buttery, and impossibly easy, these ham and cheese sliders are the kind of recipe you build your week around when you need something fast, crowd-pleasing, and low-effort. Soft Hawaiian rolls cradle slices of ham and melty Swiss (or cheddar), and a savory butter-mustard glaze takes them from ordinary to unforgettable in under 30 minutes. If you’re hosting a game night or want a no-fuss family dinner, these sliders deliver every time — and if you like make-ahead party food, try pairing the vibe with a slow-cooker favorite like crock pot cream cheese chicken chili for a warm dip on the side.
Why you’ll love this dish
These sliders are quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. They use store-bought Hawaiian rolls for that signature sweet, pillowy texture and pre-sliced ham and cheese to keep assembly almost effortless. They’re also:
- Kid-approved and easy to eat with hands.
- Ideal for feeding a group without fancy plating.
- Perfect for make-ahead entertaining — assemble, refrigerate, and bake when guests arrive.
“We made these for a holiday brunch and everyone went back for seconds — the buttery glaze and poppy seeds were a surprise hit.” — home cook review
Beyond convenience, this recipe balances sweet rolls with tangy Dijon and Worcestershire, giving bright flavor under a melted blanket of cheese. It’s simple but satisfying.
The cooking process explained
Before you get your ingredients out, here’s the quick workflow so you know what to expect: slice the rolls, layer ham and cheese on the bottom half, whisk a melted butter glaze with Dijon and Worcestershire, pour it over the sandwiches, top with the roll crowns, and bake covered until the cheese melts and the tops brown. You’ll finish uncovered to get golden edges. Total hands-on time is under 10 minutes; most of the time is hands-off baking.
What you’ll need
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (one standard pack)
- 12 slices ham (deli-style or thicker cut; pre-cooked)
- 12 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient notes: Swap Swiss for sharp cheddar or provolone for different flavor profiles. Use turkey or roast beef slices if you prefer. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter and cheese alternatives and check roll ingredients.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use a serrated knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in one sheet. Place the bottom half intact into a baking dish (9×13 works well).
- Layer the 12 ham slices evenly over the roll bottoms. Top the ham with the 12 cheese slices so each slider will have a piece of cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches so it soaks into the rolls and flavors the ham and cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the buttered layers. If any butter mixture remains, brush it over the tops for extra gloss.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warm through.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
- Let the sliders rest 2–3 minutes, then slice across the seams and serve warm.
Quick timing tip: Keep the foil on for the first stage to trap steam and ensure even melting; removing it at the end gives the tops attractive color.
Best ways to enjoy it
These sliders are already a stand-alone finger food, but they shine with a few thoughtful pairings:
- A crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance.
- Pickle spears and potato chips for a classic deli vibe.
- For game-night comfort, serve alongside a bowl of hearty soup — pair them with a rich Philly cheesesteak soup to create a warm, filling spread.
- For parties, cut into quarters and serve on a platter with cocktail picks.
Plate tip: Serve on a wooden board with small ramekins of mustard, ketchup, or a grainy honey-mustard for dipping.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Individually wrap cooled slider portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Freeze fully cooled; avoid freezing if you used delicate lettuce or fresh tomato inside.
- Reheating from refrigerated: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–12 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying, then 2–3 minutes uncovered to crisp the top. For single servings, microwave for 30–60 seconds but expect softer rolls.
- Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. If reheating frozen directly, bake at 350°F covered for ~25–30 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
Food safety note: Ham is typically pre-cooked; reheat leftovers to 165°F internal temperature for safety if uncertain.
Pro chef tips
- Slice the rolls in one clean motion with a long serrated knife for even halves.
- Lightly brush the bottom roll layer with a bit of the butter mix before adding ham so flavor permeates the bread.
- If you like a sweeter glaze, stir 1 teaspoon of brown sugar into the butter mixture.
- Use toothpicks when slicing to keep sliders intact and make serving easier.
- Don’t overfill with fillings; too much ham or cheese can prevent the tops from sitting flush.
- For extra toasty tops, switch the oven to broil for 30–60 seconds at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
Creative twists
- Ham and pineapple: Add a thin slice of fresh pineapple or a dab of ham glaze for ham-and-sweet balance.
- Caramelized onion and Swiss: Sauté onions until deeply golden and add them under the cheese.
- Spicy kick: Spread a thin layer of sriracha mayo or add pickled jalapeños.
- BBQ ham sliders: Swap the butter glaze for brushed barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
- Vegetarian: Replace ham with grilled portobello slices, roasted peppers, or a seasoned chickpea mash and use vegan cheese.
Common questions
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time if chilled. For best texture, bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking if you can.
Q: Can I use other rolls?
A: You can use dinner rolls, brioche, or Kaiser rolls, but Hawaiian rolls give the classic sweet-contrast flavor. Denser rolls may need slightly longer baking to warm through.
Q: How long will the sliders stay fresh after baking?
A: At room temperature, consume within 2 hours. Refrigerated, they keep 3–4 days. Freeze for up to one month for best quality.
Q: Are poppy seeds necessary?
A: No — they’re optional. They add texture and visual interest but won’t change the fundamental flavor.
Q: Do I need to worry about food safety with pre-cooked ham?
A: Pre-cooked ham is safe, but reheat to 165°F when reheating leftovers. If using raw or minimally processed ham, follow package cooking instructions.
If you want a simple, crowd-friendly showstopper that comes together in minutes, these ham and cheese sliders are one of the easiest wins in your recipe rotation.
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
These fresh, buttery ham and cheese sliders are quick to prepare and perfect for any gathering. They feature soft Hawaiian rolls with ham and melted cheese, topped with a savory butter-mustard glaze.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 12 slices ham (deli-style or thicker cut, pre-cooked)
- 12 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in one sheet and place the bottom half into a baking dish.
- Layer the ham slices evenly over the roll bottoms. Top with cheese slices.
- Whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds (if using) in a bowl.
- Pour the butter mixture over the sandwiches, ensuring it soaks into the rolls.
- Place the roll tops over the layers and brush any remaining butter mixture over the tops.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden.
- Let the sliders rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. They are also versatile for different fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American