Easy Ham & Cheese Sliders

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. Here’s how to make them.

• They’re perfect for every occasion. 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).
• The flavorful butter brings it to another level. The melted butter mixture perfectly complements the salty-sweet flavors of the ham and cheese.

• Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is arranged on each roll for the perfect bite.
• Cheese: For extra-cheesy sliders, you’ll use two layers of Swiss cheese.
• Hawaiian rolls: Sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian pair perfectly with savory ham and cheese.
• Butter mixture: The mixture of melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder adds savoriness to the sliders.
• Poppy seeds: After the Hawaiian rolls are split and layered with deli ham and Swiss cheese, you’ll brush them with the savory flavored butter, then top with a shower of poppy seeds.

1. Preheat the oven. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Make the butter mixture. Place the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and kosher salt. Whisk to combine.
3. Slice the rolls. Without separating the rolls, cut a package Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch or 7×11-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble the sliders. Arrange half of the Swiss cheese on the rolls, overlapping the slices as needed to completely cover. Fold and arrange the thinly sliced ham over the cheese, arranging a slice on each roll. Layer the remaining slices of 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 poppy seeds. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake. Place in the oven and bake until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese melts. Uncover and bake until the rolls are lightly browned.
7. Serve. Transfer the slab to a cutting board, then cut into individual sliders with a serrated knife before serving.

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. This 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. Bake until the tops of the Hawaiian rolls brown and the cheese melts.

• 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.

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

• On game day: Oven-Baked Ranch Chex Mix and Easy, Cheesy Hot Pizza Dip.
• Weeknight dinners: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Apple Chips, and Light & Easy Broccoli Salad.
• For packed lunches: Farro & Broccoli Salad and Crunchy Cabbage & Ramen Noodle Salad.