Easy Ham & Cheese Sliders

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Sep 7, 2023
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These sliders have it all: sweet slices of ham, irresistibly gooey Swiss cheese, squishy Hawaiian rolls, and a savory butter drizzled over top.

Makes12 sliders

Prep10 minutes

Cook30 minutes

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Orange bags of Hawaiian rolls are the first thing that greet me at my local grocer, so it’s no surprise that sliders are one of my favorite dinner ideas. This week I’m serving a classic: ham and cheese sliders. These sliders have it all: sweet slices of ham, irresistibly gooey Swiss cheese, squishy Hawaiian rolls, and a savory butter drizzled over top.

Credit: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni

In addition to dinner, they’re perfect for lunch boxes, game-day spreads, picnics, and parties (meaning, you can enjoy them as often as you please).

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What Do You Top Ham and Cheese Sliders With?

After the soft Hawaiian rolls are split and layered with deli ham and gooey Swiss cheese, you’ll brush them with a savory flavored butter, then top with a shower of poppy seeds.

The mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and kosher salt adds savoriness to the sliders, perfectly complementing the salty-sweet flavors of the ham and cheese.

How Long Do You Bake Ham and Cheese Sliders?

These sliders need about 28 minutes in the oven, but how you bake the sliders is just as important as the time. It’s important to have proper cover for the sliders so that they properly warm in the middle without getting burnt. Here’s how to perfect the process:

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, which gives the sandwiches time to heat through to the center while preventing the bread from browning too quickly.
  • Remove the foil and continue to bake until the tops of the Hawaiian rolls brown and the cheese melts.
Credit: Photo: Eric Kleinberg; Food Stylist: Kristina Vanni

What Do You Serve With Sliders?

Ham and cheese sliders straddle the line between hearty party appetizer and easy weeknight dinner. Complete the meal with some of the following options:

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Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

These sliders have it all: sweet slices of ham, irresistibly gooey Swiss cheese, squishy Hawaiian rolls, and a savory butter drizzled over top.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes

Makes 12 sliders

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons

    (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon

    Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon

    Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1 (12-ounce) package

    Hawaiian sweet rolls, such as King's

  • 12 slices

    Swiss cheese (about 7 ounces), divided

  • 12 thin slices

    deli ham (about 10 ounces)

  • 1 teaspoon

    poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Place 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, 20 to 30 seconds. (Alternatively, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.) Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and whisk to combine.

  3. Without separating the rolls, cut 1 package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9x13-inch or 7x11-inch baking dish.

  4. Arrange 6 slices of the Swiss cheese on the rolls, overlapping the slices as needed to completely cover. Fold and arrange 12 thin slices ham over the cheese, arranging a slice on each roll. Layer the remaining 6 slices Swiss cheese over the ham. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.

  5. Brush the butter onto the top of the rolls, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

  6. Bake until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese melts, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the rolls are lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer the slab to a cutting board, then cut into individual sliders with a serrated knife before serving.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: The sandwiches can be assembled and the butter mixture prepared up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated separately. Melt the butter again before using, 30 to 35 seconds in the microwave.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Filed in:
appetizer
Cheese
Ingredient
Main Dish
dairy
Seasonings