These baked ham and cheese sliders are the perfect party treat! Soft rolls are filled with savory ham and gooey cheese, then topped with a buttery sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, they disappear faster than I can make them! I love serving them warm, straight out of the oven—who can resist that melty goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I love using Hawaiian rolls for their slight sweetness. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner rolls will work. Just make sure they’re fresh to keep that fluffy texture!
Deli Sliced Ham: You can choose any deli ham you like—black forest, honey ham, or even turkey for a lighter option. Just pick a flavor that suits your taste!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is the classic choice here, but you can easily swap it with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a little heat. Each will give a distinct flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe. In a pinch, you can use margarine, but it won’t have the same rich taste. Adding a dash more salt could help!
Poppy Seeds: They add a nice crunch and visual appeal. If you don’t have them, sesame seeds or even everything bagel seasoning could be fun alternatives!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Melted Cheese?
The key to wunderbar melted cheese is to bake it covered initially. This helps trap steam, ensuring the cheese melts nicely without burning. Here’s how to do it:
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil for the first part of baking—about 15-20 minutes.
- For the last few minutes, remove the foil to crisp up the top and give that golden finish.
- Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid over-baking, especially if your oven runs hot.
Trust me, this technique will keep your cheese perfectly gooey while getting that delightful top crust!
How to Make Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 1 lb deli sliced ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For the Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes making these sliders, and they’re so worth it! Get ready for some ooey-gooey goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your sliders are ready to go in.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Take your slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Keep the top and bottom pieces together! Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. This keeps them easy to assemble and serves.
3. Layer with Ham:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Layer the bottom half of the buns with the sliced ham, spreading it out evenly so each slider gets its share of deliciousness.
4. Add Cheese:
On top of the ham, place a slice of Swiss cheese (or your choice of cheese) on each slider. This will melt beautifully when baked!
5. Complete the Sandwiches:
Carefully put the top half of the buns back on. Now your sliders are almost ready for the oven!
6. Make the Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a few shakes of black pepper. Give this mixture a good whisk until it’s all blended together.
7. Pour the Sauce Over:
Now, drench the assembled sliders with the butter sauce you just made. Make sure each slider gets a nice coating for that added flavor!
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
9. Crisp Up the Top:
After the cheese is melted, remove the foil and let the sliders bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the tops a lovely golden and slightly crispy finish!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven, let them cool a bit, and then serve warm. These ham and cheese sliders are perfect as an appetizer or snack!
Enjoy the gooey, savory goodness, and watch them disappear quickly!
Can I Use Frozen Slider Buns?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before slicing. You can let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours or thaw them overnight in the fridge.
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh the cheese and buns.
Can I Make Them Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ham with various veggies like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add a spread like hummus or pesto for extra flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Sliders?
These sliders are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They pair great with a side of pickles, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal!
