Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect combination of savory, melty cheese, tender ham, and soft, buttery bread, all brought together in one irresistible bite. These sliders are an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game day snack. The beauty of these sliders lies in their simplicity, but they are loaded with flavor and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or serving them at a gathering, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

What makes these sliders even more special is the buttery glaze that’s brushed over the top before baking, giving the bread a golden, crisp texture and adding an extra layer of flavor. The melted cheese creates a gooey filling, while the ham adds the perfect amount of savory goodness. This dish is easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy, making it a go-to for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and preparation, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a quick and delicious solution for satisfying hunger with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

These sliders come together in no time, making them the perfect option for a busy weeknight meal or last-minute party snack.

2. Customizable

You can easily swap out the ham for turkey, roast beef, or even chicken. The cheese can also be changed to suit your preferences—Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella all work wonderfully.

3. Great for Feeding a Crowd

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, as they can be made in a large batch and served easily.

4. Deliciously Savory

The combination of ham, melted cheese, and the buttery glaze creates a mouthwatering flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

These sliders taste just as great the next day, making them a perfect option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

Ingredients

• Dinner rolls (Hawaiian or regular)
• Ham slices
• Swiss cheese (or your choice of cheese)
• Butter
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Poppy seeds (optional)

Variations

• Turkey and Swiss Sliders: Substitute the ham with turkey for a lighter option. You can also switch the Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone.
• BBQ Ham Sliders: Add a bit of barbecue sauce to the ham for a smoky, tangy twist.
• Spicy Sliders: Include some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Sliders: Replace the ham with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, and use a vegetarian cheese for a meat-free version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected, and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Layer the ham slices evenly on the bottom half of the rolls. Top the ham with slices of Swiss cheese (or your choice of cheese).

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the top halves of the rolls on top of the cheese. Make sure the sliders are tightly packed together in the baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and poppy seeds (if using). Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Brush the Glaze

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders, making sure to cover them generously.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops to become golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Cut them into individual sliders and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Soft Rolls: Soft, sweet dinner rolls, like Hawaiian rolls, work best for this recipe, as they absorb the glaze well and provide a tender texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough room for the cheese to melt evenly between the layers of ham. If you’re making a large batch, consider using two baking dishes.
• Double the Glaze: If you love the buttery, sweet glaze, you can easily double the amount to pour extra on the sliders before baking.
• Add Some Veggies: For a healthier twist, add a layer of spinach, arugula, or other leafy greens to the sliders before baking.
• Toast the Buns: For extra texture, you can lightly toast the buns before adding the ham and cheese, giving the sliders a bit of crunch.

How to Serve

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are best served warm and fresh from the oven. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer for a gathering. Serve them with a side of pickles, potato salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal. You can also pair them with a light salad or some chips for a fun and casual meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to enjoy them again.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the sliders with foil to prevent them from drying out, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them, though they may lose some of their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese. The choice of cheese will slightly change the flavor but still work wonderfully.

2. Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

3. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while dinner rolls are the most common bread used, you can also use small baguette slices, sandwich rolls, or brioche buns.

4. How can I make the sliders spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, sriracha sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling for some extra heat.

5. Can I use deli meat for the ham?

Yes, deli ham works well for this recipe. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced to allow for an even distribution on the rolls.

6. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

The key to avoiding soggy sliders is ensuring you don’t overload the sandwiches with the glaze. A light coating is enough to give them flavor without making the rolls too wet.

7. Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, these sliders freeze well! Simply assemble them, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake them directly from frozen or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

8. How long will baked ham and cheese sliders last in the fridge?

They’ll last about 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

9. Can I make these sliders without mustard?

Yes, if you don’t like mustard, you can leave it out and still enjoy the sliders. You can substitute with a little bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness if desired.

10. Can I use sweet ham for this recipe?

Yes, sweet ham such as honey ham or maple ham can add a delightful contrast to the savory cheese and buttery glaze.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple yet delicious option for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a quick family dinner or as an appetizer for guests, they’re sure to be a hit. With their savory ham, gooey cheese, and buttery glaze, these sliders are the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a must-try recipe that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Print