There’s something utterly irresistible about warm, buttery slider buns filled with layers of savory ham and melted cheese, all baked together in a single pan until golden and gooey. These Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate party food, game day snack, or easy weeknight dinner that everyone loves. The magic happens with the buttery glaze brushed over the top that contains mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings that bake into the buns, creating a flavor-packed crust that’s both sweet and tangy. These sliders are baked all together rather than assembled individually, which means minimal work for maximum deliciousness. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd because you can make them ahead, they transport well, and people of all ages devour them. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, tailgating before the big game, or just need something simple and satisfying for dinner, these sliders deliver every single time. The best part is watching them disappear from the pan in record time.
Serving Quantity: 12 sliders (6 servings)
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information (per serving, 2 sliders):
1. Calories: 465
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbohydrates: 38g
4. Fat: 23g
5. Fiber: 2g
6. Sugar: 9g
7. Calcium: 285mg
8. Sodium: 1340mg
1. Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sliders:
1. Hawaiian sweet rolls: 12 count (1 package)
2. Deli ham, thinly sliced: 1 pound
3. Swiss cheese, sliced: 12 slices
4. Cheddar cheese, sliced: 6 slices (optional)
For the Butter Glaze:
5. Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
6. Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
7. Yellow mustard: 1 tablespoon
8. Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
9. Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
10. Poppy seeds: 1 tablespoon
11. Dried minced onion: 1 tablespoon
12. Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
13. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
14. Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For Optional Add-ins:
15. Dill pickle slices: 24 thin slices
16. Honey mustard: for serving
17. Ranch dressing: for dipping
2. Preparing the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and position a rack in the center. Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish generously with cooking spray or brush it with butter. This prevents the sliders from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. The preparation is minimal, which is part of what makes these sliders so perfect for entertaining. Having your pan ready before you start assembling means the process flows smoothly and efficiently. You can also line the pan with parchment paper if you want to lift the entire block of sliders out for easier serving, though this is optional. Make sure whatever pan you use has sides at least two inches high to contain the butter glaze as it bakes.
3. Slicing the Rolls
Here’s the genius part of this recipe. Without separating the individual rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire block of connected rolls in half horizontally. Think of it like slicing a large sandwich. Place your hand flat on top of the rolls to hold them steady and carefully saw through all twelve rolls at once, keeping the knife parallel to your work surface. You’ll end up with a complete top half and a complete bottom half, with all the rolls still attached to each other. This technique is what makes assembly so quick and ensures all the sliders bake together perfectly. Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, in your prepared baking dish. They should fit snugly with no gaps. Set the top half aside for now.
4. Layering the Ham and Cheese
Start building your sliders by layering the ingredients on the bottom half of the rolls. Take your sliced ham and fold or layer it evenly over all the rolls, making sure each roll position gets a generous amount. You want the ham distributed evenly so every slider has the same delicious filling. If your ham slices are large, fold them to fit. If they’re small, overlap them. You should use about three to four ounces of ham per three rolls. Next, layer the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, covering all the rolls completely. If you’re using cheddar as well, add those slices now, either alternating with the Swiss or layering them on top. The combination of Swiss and cheddar adds more flavor complexity, but all Swiss works beautifully too. Make sure the cheese reaches the edges so every bite has melted cheese.
5. Adding Optional Pickles
If you’re using pickle slices, now is the time to add them. Place two thin pickle slices on each slider position, right on top of the cheese. The pickles add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter. They’re optional but highly recommended, especially if you love the combination of ham and pickles. Dill pickles work best because their tanginess complements the sweet Hawaiian rolls perfectly. Make sure to use thin slices and pat them dry with paper towels first so they don’t make the bread soggy. The pickles will warm through during baking and their flavor will infuse the entire slider. Not everyone loves pickles, so you could also add them to just half the pan if you’re serving picky eaters.
6. Making the Butter Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. This glaze is what takes these sliders from good to absolutely incredible. The combination of butter with the tangy mustards, savory Worcestershire, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic seasonings creates layers of flavor that soak into the buns. The poppy seeds and dried onion add texture and visual appeal. Don’t skip any of these ingredients because each one contributes something important. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Set it aside for a moment while you top the sliders.
7. Assembling and Glazing
Place the top half of the rolls over the layered ham and cheese, matching it up with the bottom so all the edges align. You now have a complete pan of connected sliders. Pour the butter glaze mixture evenly over the top of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a pastry brush to spread the glaze around and ensure every roll gets coated. Pay special attention to the edges and corners. Some of the glaze will drip down the sides, which is perfect because it will flavor the entire slider. The glaze will look like a lot of butter, but trust the process. It soaks into the bread as it bakes and creates that irresistible golden, flavorful crust. Use all of the glaze. Don’t save any because the buns can absorb it all.
8. Covering and Resting
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is important because it traps steam during the first part of baking, which helps melt the cheese thoroughly and keeps the sliders moist. Let the covered pan sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before baking. This resting time allows the glaze to soak into the tops of the buns, which helps them absorb maximum flavor. During this time, the butter will start to penetrate the bread. If you’re making these ahead, this is a great stopping point. You can refrigerate the covered, assembled sliders for up to twenty-four hours before baking. Just add about five extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. The make-ahead option is what makes these perfect for parties.
9. Baking the Sliders
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for fifteen minutes. The foil traps moisture and steam, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the sliders heat through evenly. After fifteen minutes, carefully remove the foil. The steam will be hot, so be cautious. Return the uncovered pan to the oven and bake for another ten to fifteen minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. The cheese should be completely melted and you might see it bubbling around the edges. The tops of the rolls should be gorgeously golden with visible poppy seeds and a slight sheen from the butter glaze. If you want an even crispier top, you can broil them for the last two minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The sliders are done when they’re heated through, the cheese is melted, and the tops are golden.
10. Serving the Sliders
Remove the pan from the oven and let the sliders rest for about five minutes. This cooling time allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you cut them, though some oozing is inevitable and delicious. Use a sharp knife to cut through the sliders along the original roll lines, separating them into individual sandwiches. You can also use the knife to cut through the bottom if they’re still connected. Use a spatula to transfer the sliders to a serving platter, or serve them directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style presentation. These sliders are best served warm when the cheese is still melty and gooey. Provide small plates and plenty of napkins because they can be gloriously messy.
11. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Ham and Cheese Sliders are substantial enough to serve as a main course for casual dinners or lunch. They pair wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete with their rich, savory flavor. Potato chips or French fries are classic accompaniments that everyone loves. A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess that balances the rich sliders. Pasta salad, potato salad, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette all work beautifully. For parties, serve with vegetable sticks and dip, pretzels, or fruit salad. These sliders are perfect game day food alongside wings, nachos, and other finger foods. For dipping, set out bowls of honey mustard, ranch dressing, or extra Dijon mustard. Some people love dipping their sliders, while others prefer them as is. Pickles on the side are always appreciated, along with chips. For beverages, these pair well with beer, lemonade, iced tea, or soda.
12. Storage and Reheating
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300-degree oven for about ten to fifteen minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual sliders in the microwave for thirty to forty seconds, though they won’t be as crispy. These sliders can be frozen after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders. Just add ten extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen. They actually reheat remarkably well, which makes them great for meal prep or for bringing to potlucks.
13. Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sliders
Hawaiian sweet rolls are traditional and their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory filling, but you can use any connected dinner rolls. Don’t separate the rolls before slicing. Keeping them connected is what makes these so easy to assemble and ensures they bake evenly. Use good quality deli ham rather than the cheapest stuff. Honey ham, black forest ham, or smoked ham all work wonderfully. Avoid ham that’s too thick or it won’t layer nicely. The key to evenly distributed filling is making sure the ham and cheese reach all the way to the edges of the pan. Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can use whatever cheese you love. Provolone, pepper jack, American, or mozzarella all work great. For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or additional mustard on the bottom buns before adding the ham. Don’t skimp on the butter glaze. It seems like a lot but the bread absorbs it and it’s what makes these sliders so irresistibly good. If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can omit them or substitute sesame seeds. The dried minced onion can be replaced with onion powder if needed, though the texture of the dried onion is nice on top. For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the butter glaze. These sliders are extremely versatile. Try turkey and Swiss, roast beef and cheddar, or even meatball sliders using the same method. For breakfast sliders, use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. Cut the sliders into quarters instead of keeping them full-size for appetizer portions at parties. Kids absolutely love these, making them perfect for family gatherings or kids’ parties. The recipe doubles easily if you’re feeding a large crowd. Just use two pans. For potlucks, transport them in the covered baking dish and reheat at your destination if needed. If your Hawaiian rolls come in a package of 24, double the entire recipe. These are so popular they’ll disappear quickly anyway.
