Ham and cheese sliders are the perfect little sandwiches for any gathering! They’re soft, warm, and filled with gooey cheese and tasty ham.
These sliders are super easy to make—just layer everything on a bun, bake, and enjoy! I love serving them with a side of pickles for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft dinner rolls for the best texture. If you can’t find slider buns, Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness. You can also use whole wheat buns for a healthier option!
Ham: Choose deli-style or honey ham for a bit of sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey or smoked turkey works well too. Vegetarian? Try using grilled vegetables or marinated tofu instead!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for some spice are great substitutes. Just remember to stick to cheeses that melt well for that gooey goodness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal since you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter. I’ve also added a little honey for a sweet twist!
How Do You Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Melting cheese perfectly takes a bit of strategy. Here’s how you can ensure that cheese is gooey and delicious in your sliders:
- Layer the cheese evenly over the ham; this helps it melt uniformly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking so the steam helps melt the cheese.
- Remove the foil in the last few minutes to let the tops become golden and crispy, enhancing the flavor.
Using these techniques, your sliders will be cheesy perfection every time!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (dinner rolls)
- 12 slices of cooked ham (deli-style or honey ham)
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese, halved (or a mix of cheddar and Swiss cheese)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus 20 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have these delicious sliders ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your slider buns. Carefully slice them horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected.
2. Layer up the Buns
Now, place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish, like a 9×13-inch pan. Make sure they fit snugly! Lay the slices of ham evenly over each of the bottom buns.
3. Add the Cheese
Next, take your cheese slices and place them on top of the ham. Try to cover the ham completely so every bite will be deliciously cheesy!
4. Top It Off
Carefully replace the top half of the buns back on over the cheese and ham layers. It should look like a lovely little sandwich box now!
5. Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley (if you like). This butter mixture will add amazing flavor!
6. Brush and Season
Using a brush or a spoon, gently spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders. If you want, you can sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top too for a bit of extra flavor!
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops get a beautiful golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two, then serve them warm. These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy meal! Enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
These ham and cheese sliders are soft, buttery, and packed with layers of melted cheese and ham. Enjoy making these delightful little sandwiches!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic, you can mix it up with Swiss, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts well for that gooey texture!
What If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
No worries! You can substitute Dijon with yellow mustard for a simpler flavor. If you want a sweet twist, a bit of honey mixed with yellow mustard works nicely too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.