These baked ham and cheese sliders are little treasures of flavor! Soft rolls filled with ham and gooey cheese, they are then brushed with a buttery topping. Yum!
Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they disappear as fast as you can make them. I can barely keep my hands off them, especially when they’re warm! 😊
They are super easy to whip up, just layer, bake, and enjoy! I love serving them with a side of pickles for that extra crunch. Give them a try, you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Rolls: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls are perfect for these sliders. They’re sweet and fluffy! If you can’t find these, any soft bread rolls will do. Whole wheat rolls can add a healthier twist, but keep in mind the flavor might change a bit.
Deli Ham: Any deli ham works well, but I often go for honey-baked ham for a touch of sweetness. Turkey or chicken deli meat can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold taste. However, feel free to mix it up with Swiss, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess and flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard, but if you’re watching salt intake, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just remember, it’s all about the rich flavor that gets soaked into those rolls!
Seasonings: I love adding a hint of Italian seasoning to the butter mix! If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, a mix of dried oregano and basil can work just fine.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Butter Mixture?
The butter mixture is key to adding flavor and moisture to your sliders. Here’s the way to get the most out of it:
- Mix the melted butter with Dijon mustard for a tangy kick—it really lifts the sliders!
- Add garlic and onion powder for more depth; I’ll often increase the amount of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip brushing it generously over the tops of the rolls; this gives them a lovely golden-brown color and taste.
- After the first baking, leaving the foil off for the last few minutes helps the tops crisp up nicely, creating a perfect texture.
Following these tips will ensure that your baked ham and cheese sliders come out bursting with flavor every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Baked Ham And Cheese Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider rolls (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 12 slices deli ham (about 6 oz)
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For The Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then another 25-30 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your sliders bake evenly and turn out delicious!
2. Prepare the Rolls:
Next, slice your slider rolls in half horizontally. Make sure to keep the top and bottom halves together as one piece—that’ll make assembling much easier!
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing them together lightly. Lay the slices of ham evenly over the bottoms of the rolls, followed by the cheese slices.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese, pressing down lightly to keep everything snug.
5. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning (if using), and a sprinkle of black pepper. This fragrant mixture is the secret to that tasty topping!
6. Brush the Topping:
Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls—this will give them a lovely flavor and help them brown beautifully!
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cheese melt and keeps everything moist. After the time is up, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to get those slider tops golden brown and crispy.
8. Cut and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a few minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
These sliders are perfect for game days, parties, or a tasty snack. The buttery, poppy seed brushed tops add a flavorful crust while the melted cheese and ham keep them delightfully satisfying. Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a fantastic choice, you can swap it for Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses can also create a unique flavor profile!
Can I Prepare the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance! Just cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes to reach room temperature before baking them as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through for the best texture!
Can I Freeze the Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the baked sliders! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. Enjoy those freshly baked goodness!
