Let me tell you about the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Picture this—fluffy Hawaiian rolls layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all hugged together by a buttery, mustard-poppy seed glaze that bakes into pure golden perfection.
These sliders aren’t just food; they’re edible joy. They’re like the cozy blanket you didn’t know you needed at your potluck, game day, or casual family night.
And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make.
Whether you’re feeding a hangry crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!
In this post, you'll find...
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
Ham and Cheese Sliders are the culinary equivalent of the friend who’s always up for anything.
They fit in at Super Bowl parties, holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even as a midnight snack. They’re quick, easy, and forgiving—no fancy equipment or chef-level skills required.
Plus, they’re irresistibly good. One bite, and you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12-pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¾ pound deli-sliced ham (about 12 slices)
- ¾ pound Swiss cheese (about 12 slices)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Breakdown
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These are soft, slightly sweet, and absolutely perfect for sliders. They soak up the glaze without getting soggy and hold everything together like the glue of your dreams. If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, any soft dinner roll will work, but honestly, nothing beats the original.
Ham: Opt for thinly sliced deli ham. Black Forest or honey ham adds a depth of flavor, but really, any ham you love works here. Pro tip: Get it freshly sliced at the deli counter for the best texture.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is creamy and melts beautifully, giving you that ooey-gooey texture we all live for. Not a fan of Swiss? Provolone or mozzarella are great swaps.
Unsalted Butter: This is the base of your glaze. Use unsalted to control the saltiness since we’re already dealing with ham and cheese.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and a little zip. Don’t skip this—it’s the flavor MVP.
Poppy Seeds: For texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Plus, they make the sliders look extra fancy.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret umami bomb that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better. Period.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
1. Preheat and Prep
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze because nobody likes scrubbing melted cheese off a pan.
2. Slice the Rolls
Take your Hawaiian rolls (don’t separate them yet!) and slice them horizontally in half. You’ll end up with one giant “top” and one giant “bottom” layer. Think of it as making a giant sandwich for a very lucky crowd. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the Good Stuff
Now comes the fun part: the layering. Lay down an even layer of ham, slightly overlapping each slice to ensure full coverage. Then do the same with the Swiss cheese. You’re building the foundation of deliciousness here—don’t skimp!
4. Add the Top Layer
Place the top half of the rolls over your ham-and-cheese masterpiece. Take a moment to admire your work. This is architecture at its tastiest.
5. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The smell alone will make you want to dip everything you own into this glaze. Resist the urge (or don’t—I won’t judge).
6. Brush the Glaze
Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the top of the rolls. Be thorough—this is where the magic happens. Let it drip down the sides and seep into the cracks. This step ensures every bite is loaded with flavor. If you have leftover glaze, pour it around the edges of the dish.
7. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This traps the heat and allows the cheese to melt evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
8. Uncover and Crisp
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy. The cheese should be gloriously gooey by now.
9. Slice and Serve
Let the sliders cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly, making them easier to cut. Use a sharp knife and go slow—no need to rush perfection.
Tips for Slider Success
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders (minus the glaze) a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the glaze just before baking.
- Add Veggies: Love a little crunch? Add thinly sliced pickles or onions between the ham and cheese layers.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap the ham for turkey or roast beef, or try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but possible.) Reheat them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the gooey, buttery magic.
Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 12- pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¾ lb deli-sliced ham about 12 slices
- ¾ lb Swiss cheese about 12 slices
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Keep the rolls attached and slice them horizontally into two halves (top and bottom). Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
- Lay an even layer of ham on the bottom rolls, followed by a layer of Swiss cheese. Cover with the top half of the rolls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Generously brush the glaze over the top of the rolls, ensuring it seeps into the sides and cracks. Pour any extra glaze around the edges.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Let the sliders cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into individual pieces.
Notes
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!