Amazing 12 Ham sliders: Savory joy

If you’ve ever hosted a gathering, you know the drill: you put out a gorgeous platter of food, turn around for two seconds, and suddenly, half of it is gone! That’s exactly what happens with these incredible baked ham and cheese sandwiches. Seriously, these ham sliders are the most addictive, crowd-pleasing snack I’ve ever served, especially when I’m trying to turn those big holiday leftovers into something new and exciting.

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My philosophy, which you’ll hear a lot about here on the blog – and you can always read more about my journey right here on my About page – is that making food for people you love is the best way to show you care. And nothing says comfort and easy hosting like these easy mini sandwiches. They come together so fast, but they taste like you slaved over them all day. Trust me, they disappear faster than anything else on the table!

Why You Will Make These Ham Sliders for Every Party

Honestly, I keep these on rotation all year, not just when I have extra meat! They are just too perfect for casual get-togethers. If you want to see a tray empty itself in minutes, this is the recipe you need. You should check out more of my fun snack recipes too!

• They use up leftover ham like magic—it’s like getting a second holiday meal!
• Assembly takes barely ten minutes; you can do everything while chatting with guests.
• That sweet roll combined with savory ham is ridiculously addictive.
• They bake up warm and gooey, which is the ultimate comfort food for a gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ham Sliders

When I first started making these, I tried to rush the ingredient gathering, and honestly, the results weren’t as good. Part of showing love through food, like my Grandma taught me, is being precise with what you use. The beauty of these wonderful ham and cheese sliders recipe really lies in making sure you have great components to start with. You’ll want to make sure you have everything handy before you start slicing those rolls!

Rolls and Filling for Your Ham Sliders

The bread is non-negotiable for me, folks. You absolutely need those soft, slightly sweet rolls. I always grab the classic 12-pack of sweet dinner rolls—you know the ones, they feel almost like little clouds. Keeping them attached in one piece when you slice them is the real first secret!

• The Rolls: A standard 12-count package of sweet dinner rolls. Hawaiian style rolls are what make these legendary, but any soft slider roll will work in a pinch.
• The Ham: I use about a pound of thinly sliced deli ham. Thinly sliced is key—if it’s too thick, the cheese won’t melt evenly throughout the stack.
• The Cheese: Twelve slices of Swiss cheese are traditional for that perfect tang, but honestly, if you prefer cheddar, go for it! Provolone is great too. Just map out one slice for every roll.

The Flavorful Butter Topping for Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Okay, listen up! This topping is where all the savory magic happens, the thing that makes these irresistible baked ham and cheese sandwiches crispy on top and bursting with flavor underneath. Don’t skip whisking this well; you want those seeds and spices spread evenly!

• The Base: A full stick (1/2 cup) of good quality unsalted butter, melted until totally liquid.
• The Tang: Two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. It brings the perfect zing that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.
• The Crunch & Flavor: One teaspoon of poppy seeds adds that signature speckle and a tiny bit of texture, paired with one teaspoon of onion powder for savory depth.
• The Umami Kick: Just one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce—it’s tiny, but it rounds out the whole flavor profile beautifully. Seriously, don’t leave this out!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Amazing Ham Sliders

Don’t let all the layers intimidate you! I promise these directions are super easy. Remember, we are trying to get these wonderful lunch ideas on the table fast, and that starts with a smooth assembly process. Just follow me, and you’ll have the best party mini sandwiches ready in under 30 minutes!

Preparing the Rolls and Oven for Your Ham Sliders

First things first: get that oven going! You need to preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, lightly grease a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. Now for the rolls—take your whole package and carefully slice them horizontally, right through the middle, but try not to separate them! You want one big connected block of rolls, both the bottom and the top.

Assembling the Layers Before Baking Ham Sliders

Lay that bottom half of the rolls right into your greased dish. Now we layer! Spread your thinly sliced ham evenly over the entire surface of the bottom rolls. Don’t be shy—you want ham in every bite. On top of the ham, layer your slices of Swiss cheese, making sure you cover every bit of the meat so it melts beautifully into everything.

SAVE IT

Creating and Applying the Signature Topping on Ham Sliders

While the cheese is sitting there, whisk together that melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to gently—but thoroughly—coat the entire top surface of the roll structure with this mixture. Make sure you push it down a little so it seeps into the cracks!

Baking Time and Finishing Your Ham Sliders

Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake covered for exactly 15 minutes. This steams them just enough to warm everything through. Then, pull that foil off and let them bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and those tops look golden brown and just kissed with crispness. Let them rest for five minutes—this is important! Then, slice them into individual baked ham and cheese sandwiches and serve them up warm!

Expert Tips for Next-Level Ham Sliders

I know baking is supposed to be comforting, but sometimes we need those little game-changing tricks that guarantee success, right? That’s what I learned digging through my recipe collection—it’s not just the ingredients, it’s the timing and the quality!

If you want those irresistible crisp edges on your Hawaiian roll sliders, you have to commit to the second baking session without the foil. That high heat hits the butter mixture and makes the tops almost crunchy, which is the best contrast to the gooey cheese inside. Seriously, don’t pull them out too soon!

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Another thing: I’ve found that using high-quality deli ham, even if it’s just plain honey ham, makes a difference over the cheaper stuff. You are using simple pantry staples here, so every component needs to shine. And speaking of shortcuts, if you’re using a big hunk of meat from a holiday ham, just take the time to slice it thinly yourself; pre-sliced meats online from places that promote meal planning often don’t slice as neatly as a fresh cut.

I always keep an eye on that butter topping, too. Make sure that Dijon mustard is fully incorporated before you brush it on. If you leave clumps of mustard on the top, they can burn before the cheese melts beneath it. A quick peek at my latest tips on my Blog page will give you even more confidence in the kitchen!

Variations on Classic Ham Sliders

Now, I know you’ll follow this ham sliders recipe to the letter the first time because that’s how we honor tradition. But once you see how foolproof these baked ham and cheese sandwiches are, you’ll want to start experimenting! These are such flexible little guys, and you can easily dress them up or change the flavor profile depending on what you have on hand. I even have a fantastic recipe for cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls that you might like to try next time you have a party!

The goal is always to keep them easy for feeding a crowd, but here are a few tweaks that keep things exciting:

• Cheese Swaps: Swiss is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try provolone if you like a little more pull, or toss a few pepper jack slices in there if you want a subtle kick that isn’t spicy. I’ve even done half Swiss, half sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor.
• Mustard Remixes: If Dijon is a little too assertive for your family—especially if you have little ones—simply swap it 1:1 for honey mustard in that butter topping. The sweetness of the honey really complements the Hawaiian rolls beautifully. Or, if you’re feeling really bold, add a teaspoon of horseradish sauce to the Dijon mixture for a great bite that pairs wonderfully with Swiss cheese.
• Add Some Green: You can sneak in some veggies without ruining the structure! Try layering very thin slices of dill pickle under the cheese layer. They get warm and soften up perfectly. Just make sure they are patted very dry so they don’t make the bottom rolls soggy.
• A Little Herbs: If you run out of onion powder, dried thyme or even a tiny shake of dried oregano in the butter mixture adds a lovely, unexpected savory/herbal note. It makes these feel a little more sophisticated while still being totally easy!

See? It’s so simple to customize these party mini sandwiches. You’re already adding poppy seeds, so adding one more pinch of spice or swapping out one ingredient is nothing!

Serving Suggestions for Your Ham Sliders

When you pull a sizzling tray of these ham sliders out of the oven, you need things to serve alongside them that match that easygoing, crowd-pleasing vibe, right? These aren’t fussy sandwiches; they’re meant for grazing while you watch the game or chat during a holiday hangout. I always plan my sides around something cool and crunchy because the sliders are warm, savory, and totally cheesy.

They are rich enough that you don’t need a big, heavy side dish. My family always expects a big bowl of my creamy, crunchy coleslaw right next to the platter. It’s the perfect cool, tangy counterpoint to the salty ham and sweet rolls. If you haven’t tried my recipe for that, you absolutely have to, especially since it uses some of those leftover ham juices for flavor sometimes! You can find my favorite version right here.

But if coleslaw feels like too much work, keep it simple! Here are a few other things that disappear just as fast as the sliders:

• Classic Potato Chips: You can’t go wrong. Just put a big bowl of simple, salty potato chips out for people to munch on while waiting for the next batch.
• Dips for Dipping: Even though these baked ham and cheese sandwiches aren’t technically for dipping, people love dipping! A side of creamy ranch or a spicy mustard dip goes over surprisingly well.
• Pickle Spears: A big platter of dill pickle spears scattered around the sliders helps cleanse the palate between bites. The sour crunch is the perfect match for that buttery topping.
• Simple Green Salad: If you need a little green on the table, don’t overthink it. A basic salad with a sharp vinaigrette works wonders to balance the richness.

The key is to keep the accompanying dishes low-effort. You’ve already done the hard (but fun!) work building these incredible sausage and cheese creations, so let the sides be effortless so you can enjoy the party too!

Storage and Reheating Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Okay, let’s talk about the inevitable: leftovers! If you somehow manage to have any of these sensational ham sliders left over after the party, don’t despair. They are still going to taste amazing the next day, provided you store them correctly. I’ve experimented with every way to save them, and I’ve settled on one method that works best to keep that cheese gooey and the rolls soft.

The best way to store any leftovers—be it full sheets or already sliced portions—is in an airtight container. You want to keep wrapping to a minimum because plastic wrap can sometimes encourage sogginess right against the topping. Wrap the entire block assembled, or the main pieces, securely in plastic wrap first, and then tuck that into a rigid container. This keeps them safe from getting squashed and helps maintain some of that internal steam for reheating.

If these are made using the classic setup, they hang out just fine on the counter for about an hour after they cool down, but for longer keeping, the fridge is your friend. I find they are perfectly good and safe in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you are trying to organize your week and thinking about your upcoming lunches, knowing that you can grab one of these baked ham and cheese sandwiches and revive it quickly is a huge win!

Now, reheating is where people often make a mistake! Never, ever put these in the microwave if you want them to be good. The microwave will just steam the rolls and make them dense and sad. Instead, you want that gentle oven warming to bring back the melted cheese goodness.

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• The Oven Trick: Pop the leftovers—still stuck together or sliced individually on a baking sheet—into a cold oven. Set the temperature to 325°F.
• Cover It Up: Cover them loosely with foil for about 10 minutes. This traps the moisture to reheat the inside without burning the tops.
• Crisp the Top: After 10 minutes, pull the foil off and let them bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. This revives that beautiful, slightly crisp buttery coating we worked so hard to create!

When you pull them out, the cheese should be molten again, and the rolls will be delightfully warm and soft inside. They taste almost as good as fresh, I promise!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Sliders

I always get questions when I bring these to gatherings, which tells me people are excited to make them! It’s smart to ask before you start, especially when you want to get that perfect combination of gooey cheese and crispy tops. Getting your timing right for these incredible Hawaiian roll sliders ensures everyone loves them as much as my family does. If you’re looking for more help on kitchen confidence, feel free to reach out on my contact page!

Can I use leftover holiday ham for these ham sliders?

Oh, please say yes! That’s often why I make them! Using up that big holiday roast ham is one of the best things about this recipe. If your leftover ham is sliced really thick, you’ll need to take an extra minute to cut those pieces down so they match the thickness of the cheese and rolls. If the ham slices are too chunky, they won’t heat through evenly during that short bake time, and you might end up with cold spots in your baked ham and cheese sandwiches. Keep it thin, and everything cooks perfectly together!

What is the best way to reheat leftover ham sliders?

This is so important, because microwaving these glorious things just turns them rubbery and sad! We want to bring back that melted cheese and that slightly crisp, buttery top. The oven or a toaster oven is your only choice here. Set your oven low, around 325°F, cover the dish loosely with foil so the top doesn’t scorch, and warm them until they’re soft again. Then pull the foil off for the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping. It brings them right back to life!

Can I make these Hawaiian roll sliders ahead of time?

You absolutely can assemble them ahead because those sweet rolls are sturdy! You can layer the ham and cheese onto the bottom roll, put the top on, and even slice them apart without brushing the butter on. Cover the whole thing tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The shortcut here is to wait on that amazing butter topping. Don’t brush the butter mixture onto the rolls until you are ready to bake them—say, 15 minutes before your guests arrive. That keeps the liquid from soaking into the rolls too early and making everything soggy.

Nutritional Estimates for Your Ham Sliders

I always try to keep things simple here at Carla’s Cooking, and that includes how we think about food. While I’m not a nutritionist—I’m definitely more of a “taste-test-your-way-to-perfection” kind of cook—I do know that sometimes it helps to have a general idea of what’s in the big platter of ham and cheese sandwiches you just made. Remember, these little guys are packed with flavor, but they’re also a substantial snack!

Here is the breakdown based on the recipe ingredients I provided, which assumes you used standard Swiss cheese and the traditional Hawaiian-style roll package. Just like my approach to cooking, consider these numbers a rough guide, not a strict science! I’ve found that when you’re serving comforting food like these party mini sandwiches, focusing on flavor usually pays off more than counting every single digit.

Just a quick note on that sodium level: since we are using deli ham and processed cheese slices, the sodium stays up there. If you are looking to cut back, using very low-sodium deli ham is one swap you could make! Otherwise, enjoy these cheesy, buttery Hawaiian roll sliders as the delicious treat they are!

Share Your Favorite Party Appetizers

Well, that’s it! You’ve just made a batch of what I believe is the single best way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. I truly hope these savory ham sliders bring as much comfort and joy around your table as they do mine. When I look back on my grandmother’s lessons, it’s all about sharing what works, and I know this recipe is a keeper.

I would absolutely love to hear how they turned out for you! Did your family devour them instantly? Did you try any secret cheese swaps I didn’t mention? Don’t be shy; drop a comment down below to let me know your thoughts, and please, give the recipe a star rating if you loved it!

If you’re already planning your next party menu, you might want to check out some of my favorite recipes for side dishes that pair perfectly—think creamy slaw or maybe some baked beans. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of my kitchen family!

Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Make these simple, warm ham and cheese sliders using Hawaiian rolls for a crowd-pleasing party snack or quick dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 (12 count) package sweet dinner rolls (like Hawaiian rolls)
• 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected in one piece. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the ham evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Top the ham with the slices of cheese, covering the entire surface. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls. Use a pastry brush to spread the mixture so the tops are well coated.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
8. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the individual rolls. Serve warm.

Notes

• If you are planning your weekly meals, these sliders are a great addition to your meal planning schedule for easy lunches later in the week.
• For extra flavor, you can substitute the Dijon mustard with honey mustard in the topping sauce.
• If you prefer a different cheese, provolone or Monterey Jack work well in this recipe.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8
• Sodium: 750
• Fat: 16
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0.5
• Carbohydrates: 28
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 18
• Cholesterol: 45