Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are tiny sandwiches packed with tasty ham and gooey cheese, all snug in soft buns. They’re warm, cheesy, and super easy to make—a winning combo for any gathering!
Honestly, who can resist that cheese oozing out? These sliders are perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I love serving them with a side of pickles—so good! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sliders. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with Hawaiian rolls for extra sweetness or any soft mini rolls available.
Deli Ham: Use any good quality ham that you like—smoked, honey, or even turkey ham work well. For a vegetarian option, try roasted vegetables or a meat alternative!
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to swap it for Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for some spice. You can mix cheeses too!
Poppy Seeds: They add a nice crunch and flavor on top. If you don’t have them, sesame seeds or even everything bagel seasoning can do the trick.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a zesty kick, but yellow mustard or even some honey mustard works well too if you prefer something mellow.
How Do You Make Sure the Buns Stay Soft?
To keep your buns soft and pillowy, avoid over-baking. Wrapping them in foil while baking traps moisture, preventing them from drying out. Also, brushing the tops with butter keeps them tender and adds flavor.
- Preheat your oven as instructed to get the right heat quickly.
- Cover with aluminum foil for the first bake, then remove it to crisp the tops.
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; you’ll want that golden finish without getting too hard.
Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 12 slices of deli ham
- 12 slices of cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes of baking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets your oven ready for baking the sliders perfectly.
2. Prepare the Buns:
Take your slider buns and slice them horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected. This makes it easy to assemble the sliders!
3. Create the Base:
Place the bottom half of the buns in a greased baking dish. Make sure the dish is big enough to hold all the sliders snugly.
4. Add the Ham:
Layer the deli ham slices evenly over the bottom buns. You can add more or less ham, depending on how hearty you want your sliders to be.
5. Stack the Cheese:
Add the cheese slices over the ham. Feel free to mix up the types of cheese for a unique flavor!
6. Complete the Sandwich:
Now, place the top half of the buns over the cheese. It’s looking good already!
7. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture will give your sliders a crunchy and flavorful topping!
8. Brush It On:
Generously brush the butter mixture all over the tops of the buns. Make sure they are well-coated for maximum flavor!
9. Bake with Foil:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes. This helps to keep the sliders nice and moist.
10. Bake Without Foil:
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is nice and melted.
11. Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let cool for a minute. Then, separate the sliders and serve them warm. Enjoy your delicious baked ham and cheese sliders!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a kick. You can even mix cheeses for added flavor!
How Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sliders up to the baking step, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders?
Yes! If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
