Pin it
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are honestly my go-to crowd pleaser. I've made them countless times and they always vanish within minutes at gatherings. There's something almost magical about the way the cheese melts into the ham between those soft, sweet buns - it's the ultimate comfort dish that nobody can resist.
Delightful Comfort Food
What makes these sliders so amazing is how they bring together all the best things - soft buns, melted cheese, and flavorful ham. When I need something fast but still want to wow everyone, this is my answer. The best thing? They're incredibly easy to throw together but taste like you've been cooking all day.
What You'll Need
- Hawaiian Rolls: A single 12 count package, don't separate them yet.
- Spicy Mustard: 1 tablespoon for that zingy flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon to balance things out.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon of the real stuff works best.
- Ham: Roughly ½ pound sliced thin from your local deli.
- Cheddar: 6 slices cut medium-thick for ideal melt.
- Butter: ¼ cup melted for that golden finish.
- Poppy Seeds: 1 teaspoon to add some flair.
- Worcestershire: 1 teaspoon for extra richness.
- Seasonings: A dash each of onion powder, garlic powder and salt.
Let's Make Them Together
- Start With The Oven
- First things first, heat your oven to 350°F and find a nice baking dish.
- Prep The Rolls
- My favorite trick is cutting the rolls horizontally while keeping them all connected.
- Make The Sweet Spread
- Stir together your mustard, brown sugar and honey for an amazing flavor combo.
- Layer With Love
- Begin with a cheese layer, then stack that ham, followed by more cheese on top.
- Add The Secret Sauce
- Combine the melted butter with all those yummy seasonings and drizzle it everywhere.
- Bake To Perfection
- Stick them in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until they're golden brown with bubbly cheese.
Pin it
Fantastic Quick Meal
I can't tell you how many times these sliders have saved dinner time. My kids come running when these are in the oven, and those buttery tops with little poppy seeds make them look so impressive. It's our little secret how simple they really are.
More Than Just A Snack
Though they shine as appetizers, we often make these the star of dinner. Throw in a green salad or some crunchy raw veggies and you've got a full meal everyone will love. They're just right for those evenings when you want something homey without spending forever in the kitchen.
Save Some For Later
Got extras? You're in luck. They stay good in the fridge for about three days. Just cover them well with aluminum foil or place them in a sealed container. When hunger strikes again, warm them up in a 350°F oven until the cheese starts to bubble.
Make Them Your Own
We love playing around with extra flavors. Ranch dressing makes an amazing dip according to my family. My husband can't eat these without adding pickle chips inside, and my friends who love heat always add some sliced jalapeños.
Pin it
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne into your butter mix or swap out regular cheese for pepper jack. I sometimes tuck in a few pickled jalapeño slices for an extra kick that doesn't overwhelm the other tastes.
Mix and Match
Feel free to try different cheese options. Swiss works great, so does provolone, or even a mix of whatever you have. I grab whatever ham looks fresh at the deli, sometimes honey-baked or smoked varieties. And nothing beats adding fresh tomato slices during tomato season.
The Perfect Butter Sauce
I learned this the hard way - you've gotta mix that butter mixture super well. I always use a whisk to blend those seasonings thoroughly. This way all your sliders get the same amazing flavor in every bite.
Slicing Success
The key to good assembly is keeping those rolls connected when you cut them. I always grab my bread knife with the serrated edge and carefully slice through the middle. This creates the perfect base for stacking your ham and cheese layers.
Pin it
Keep Them Perfect
Just a word of caution about that tasty butter sauce. Too much can make the bottom rolls soggy. I like to pour it on slowly, making sure each top gets a nice coating without drowning the whole thing.
Kid Approved
My little ones absolutely love these sliders. They're just right for small hands and picky eaters. The combo of sweet rolls and gooey cheese wins them over every single time, and they even ask to help make them.
Switch Things Up
Don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe. Sometimes we use turkey instead of ham or throw in some bacon bits. Try different cheeses, meats, or seasonings based on what you like. The basic idea works with so many variations.
Complete The Meal
These pair wonderfully with lots of sides. During hot months, we love them with fresh slaw or a cold potato salad. In winter, a cup of warm soup on the side makes it perfect. They really work year-round for any occasion.
Pin it
Party Perfect
I always bring these to gatherings and potlucks. They're crowd favorites, super easy to carry, and taste great even when they're not piping hot. I usually make two batches because they tend to vanish in minutes.
Holiday Star
During busy holiday times, I always include these on the menu. They're ideal for feeding hungry family between big meals or as part of a buffet table. The golden tops also make them look festive without extra effort.
Work Ahead
My party trick is getting everything ready the night before but waiting to put it all together. Keep your ingredients separate in the fridge, then assemble right before baking. Nothing beats that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Pure Joy
Nothing beats watching a tray of these come out of the oven. I love that moment when the cheese has melted perfectly, the tops are golden brown, and everyone gathers around waiting for them to cool just enough to grab one. It's simple food that brings folks together, and that's what I love most about cooking.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can these be prepped early?
- Sure! Put them together ahead of time, but wait to drizzle the butter mix so your rolls don’t soak up too much liquid before baking.
- → What’s the point of folding cheese?
- Folding keeps the cheese neat and layers it up, so it melts evenly and doesn’t spill out of the sliders.
- → Can I switch out the cheese?
- Definitely! Go for Swiss, provolone, or your favorite melty cheese. Thin slices work best for even melting.
- → Why use sweet rolls?
- The slightly sweet flavor balances the salty ham and buttery glaze, and the soft texture is perfect for sliders that melt in your mouth.
- → How do I know they’re ready?
- Once the tops look golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted, you’re good to go. This takes about 15-20 minutes.