Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors, all in one delicious bite. These little sandwiches are made with soft slider buns, layered with ham and melted Swiss or cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery glaze before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a warm, gooey, and flavorful snack or meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a party, or game day, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit!

What makes Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders even better is how easy they are to prepare. You don’t need to worry about individually assembling each sandwich—simply layer the ham and cheese between the buns, drizzle the buttery sauce on top, and pop them into the oven. The sliders bake to perfection, with a golden, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. These sliders are a crowd-pleasing treat that can be customized with your favorite condiments, cheeses, or meats. With their irresistible combination of flavors, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are incredibly easy to assemble and require minimal ingredients, making them a quick and convenient option for any meal or snack.

2. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a party, a family gathering, or a game day event, these sliders are great for feeding a group. They’re easy to share and always go quickly.

3. Customizable Ingredients

You can customize the recipe by using different types of cheese, adding condiments like mustard or mayo, or even swapping out the ham for turkey or roast beef.

4. Warm and Comforting

The melted cheese and warm ham make for a deliciously comforting treat. The buttery glaze on top gives the sliders a perfect balance of flavor, creating an irresistible bite every time.

5. Great for Leftovers

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for leftovers. They’re just as tasty the next day and can easily be reheated for a quick snack or lunch.

Ingredients

• Slider buns
• Sliced ham
• Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese (sliced)
• Unsalted butter
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Poppy seeds (optional)

Variations

• Turkey and Cheese: Swap the ham for sliced turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Variety: Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
• Spicy Sliders: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra cheese or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian slider option.
• Sweet Glaze: Add honey or maple syrup to the butter glaze for a touch of sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Lay the bottom halves of the buns in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add Ham and Cheese

Layer slices of ham on the bottom halves of the buns, followed by a layer of cheese. Top with the other half of the buns to complete the sandwiches.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Pour the Glaze

Pour the buttery glaze evenly over the top of the assembled sliders, making sure each bun is coated.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into individual sliders and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Slider Buns

For the best texture, use fresh, soft slider buns. Brioche or Hawaiian buns work particularly well because they add a slight sweetness to complement the savory filling.

2. Don’t Overstuff the Sliders

Be careful not to overstuff the sliders with too much ham or cheese, as it can cause the sliders to be difficult to bake evenly. Aim for a balanced layer.

3. Let the Glaze Soak In

Allow the buttery glaze to soak into the buns for a few minutes before baking. This will ensure the sliders are flavorful and moist.

4. Use Aluminum Foil for Baking

Cover the sliders with aluminum foil during baking to keep them moist and to prevent the buns from becoming too hard or crispy. Remove the foil in the last few minutes for a crispy top.

5. Reheat Leftovers

To reheat leftover sliders, simply cover them with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

How to Serve

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish. They pair perfectly with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of chips. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of pickles or roasted vegetables. These sliders also make an excellent addition to a buffet or potluck spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

These sliders can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the sliders in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual sliders by placing them in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. If reheating the whole batch, cover with foil and bake until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can swap the ham for turkey, roast beef, or even chicken for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make these sliders without the glaze?

While the buttery glaze adds a lot of flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a less rich version of the sliders. You can also use a simple mustard sauce for a different flavor.

3. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free buns?

Yes, whole wheat buns or gluten-free buns can be used as a substitute for regular slider buns to suit dietary preferences.

4. Can I use deli-style ham instead of pre-sliced ham?

Deli-style ham works just fine for this recipe! Just make sure to layer it evenly and in a similar amount to the pre-sliced ham.

5. How do I make the sliders spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, spicy mustard, or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the sliders to give them a spicy kick.

6. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the glaze before baking.

7. What’s the best cheese for these sliders?

Swiss cheese and cheddar are both great choices, but you can experiment with your favorite cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or gouda.

8. Can I make these sliders with a vegetarian filling?

Yes, you can use vegetables like mushrooms, grilled bell peppers, or even a veggie-based deli slice in place of the ham.

9. Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of slider buns?

While slider buns are ideal, you can substitute regular sandwich bread, cut into smaller pieces, for a larger batch of sliders.

10. How can I keep the sliders warm for a party?

To keep the sliders warm, you can cover them with foil and place them in a warm oven or use a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic sandwich with the convenience of a bite-sized appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something delicious, these sliders are sure to satisfy. With a variety of ways to customize the fillings and glaze, you can easily make them your own. Serve them warm and gooey for the best experience, and enjoy the comfort and joy these sliders bring to your table.

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