If you need a recipe that disappears the second you set it down at a party, look no further than Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders. Seriously, these little bundles of cheesy, buttery goodness are pure magic, and they require almost zero effort from you. I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I truly believe that the best food doesn’t need complicated techniques or hours of fuss. Cooking, for me, has always been about that warm feeling of connection you get when you share something delicious with people you love. These sliders are the absolute definition of comfort food that brings everyone to the table.
When I’m looking for something easy that still feels special, these savory sandwiches are my go-to. They use simple King’s Hawaiian rolls, which already do half the work for you! Trust me, once you see how easily these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders come together, they’ll become a staple in your house too, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or the big game.
Assemble Your Ingredients for Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Even with the easiest recipes, quality ingredients make all the difference, right? For these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders, we aren’t going overboard, but we do need to make sure we have the right building blocks. The rolls are key—King’s Hawaiian can’t be swapped if you want that signature sweetness that balances the savory fillings. And please, use good quality deli meat and real cheese slices. Don’t skimp here; it’s what you taste in every single bite!
Detailed Ingredient List for Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Gather everything up before you start messing with the rolls. Having it all laid out makes assembly a total breeze. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls | 1 package (12-count) | Original variety |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons | For the spread |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tablespoons (plus more) | Kept separate for mixing and topping |
| Deli Meat (Chicken/Turkey) | ½ pound | Thinly-sliced |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | ¼ pound | Deli-sliced |
| Swiss Cheese | ¼ pound | Deli-sliced |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons | Melted for the glaze |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth to the butter |
| Poppy Seeds | 1-½ teaspoons | For texture and look |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon | For seasoning the top |
Essential Equipment for Making Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
You don’t need a million fancy gadgets for these, which is one of the reasons I love them so much! Having the right tools just makes the process smoother and less messy. Trust me, having a good baking dish ready is step one. Since we’re toasting the tops separately first, you’ll need a standard baking sheet handy too. Being prepared means you can focus on layering those delicious ingredients instead of scrambling for a spatula!
- Standard Baking Sheet (for the initial broil)
- Light-colored or Glass Baking Dish (9×13 or similar size)
- Small Bowls (for mixing the spread and the glaze)
- Pastry Brush (essential for coating the tops evenly)
- Serrated Bread Knife (for cleanly slicing the rolls)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Okay, this is where the magic happens! While these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are simple, following the steps in order ensures you get that perfect melt and that signature crispy, buttery top. Don’t rush the toasting part—it really builds flavor!
Creating the Flavorful Slider Spread
First things first, let’s make the spread that keeps the bottom soft and adds a little zip. In a tiny bowl, just stir together your mayonnaise and two tablespoons of that Dijon mustard. I like to mix it until it’s totally smooth, kind of a pale yellow color. Set that aside for a minute. We’ll use most of it on the bottom layers, but remember to save a bit for the tops later!
Preparing the Rolls and Initial Broiling
Now, grab your sweet rolls. Using a long serrated knife, slice the entire block right in half horizontally so you have one big top piece and one big bottom piece. Lay them cut-side up on your baking sheet. This next step is important: turn your broiler on high and put the rack about six inches from the element. Broil those cut sides for just a minute or two. You have to watch them like a hawk—they go from perfect to burnt in seconds! We just want them lightly toasted, not crunchy.
Once toasted, preheat your main oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray your baking dish. If you’re using a dark pan, drop that temperature down to 325 degrees F right now—dark pans burn things easily! If you are looking for more general information on broiler safety, you can check out resources from Ready.gov.
Layering and Assembling Your Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking dish. Take that Dijon-mayo spread and slather just a little over half of it onto these bottom buns. Now, we layer! Put down all your cheddar cheese first, then pile on that thinly-sliced turkey or chicken. Top that meat pile with all your Swiss cheese. Spread the remaining mayo mixture onto the toasted side of the top roll piece and place it gently over the Swiss. It should look like one big, glorious sandwich loaf again.
Applying the Buttery Glaze and Initial Baking
Time for the best part—the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder. If your deli meat was low sodium, maybe add a tiny pinch of salt here. Brush this entire buttery mixture right over the top of the rolls. Make sure you get it into the cracks between the rolls so they soak up all that flavor! Cover the whole dish tightly with foil and pop it into the 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. This steams them gently and gets the cheese nice and melty.
Finishing the Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders to Golden Perfection
After 20 minutes, take the foil off. We need that golden crust now! Bake them uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. This is the critical time where the tops turn beautiful and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them—you want golden brown, not deep mahogany! Once they look perfect, pull them out and let them rest for just a few minutes before you slice them into individual Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders. Serve them hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
I’ve made these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders more times than I can count for everything from casual Tuesday dinners to huge Super Bowl parties, and I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure they come out perfectly every single time. The biggest mistake people make is getting impatient during the two baking stages. Don’t rush it! The initial covered bake is crucial for melting the cheese without drying out the bread, and the final uncovered bake is where we develop that amazing texture.
Also, folding the meat neatly helps the sliders stay together better when you finally slice them. If you just toss the meat in, it tends to bunch up and you end up with bare spots. A little care in assembly pays off big time when everyone goes in for their first bite! If you are interested in other great party appetizers, check out these appetizers on our site.
Adjusting Oven Temperature Based on Your Pan
This is a small detail that makes a huge difference, especially when dealing with sugar-heavy bread like King’s Hawaiian. If you are using a standard light-colored glass or ceramic dish, stick to 350 degrees F. But if you use a dark metal pan? You absolutely must drop that temperature down to 325 degrees F. Dark pans absorb heat way faster, and those sweet rolls on the bottom will turn into charcoal before the cheese even starts to melt properly. Always adjust if your dish is dark!
Achieving Crisp Tops on Your Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
That poppy seed butter glaze is heavenly, but it burns fast! When you pull the foil off for the last 5 to 10 minutes, stand right by the oven. Seriously, don’t walk away to answer the phone. You are looking for a beautiful, deep golden color—that’s the sweet spot. If you see any spot getting too dark, you can quickly lay a small piece of aluminum foil just over that section until the rest of the tops catch up. That little bit of extra attention ensures all your Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders have that perfect, slightly crisp top layer.
Common Questions About Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders (FAQ)
I get so many questions in the comments about customizing these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders, and honestly, they are really flexible! But if you stick close to the original recipe, you are guaranteed success. Here are a few things I hear most often from folks trying these out for the first time.
Can I Use Different Types of Rolls for Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders?
You certainly can try, but I have to warn you, the King’s Hawaiian rolls are what make these legendary! Their sweetness perfectly cuts through the savory meat and salty cheese. If you absolutely must substitute, look for a similar soft, slightly sweet dinner roll. Regular slider buns or potato rolls will work in a pinch, but they won’t give you that signature flavor profile that makes these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders so famous. For another great sandwich idea, see our Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese recipe.
What Meats Work Best in Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders?
In this recipe, I stuck with thinly-sliced deli chicken or turkey because they are neutral and let the cheese and glaze shine. If you want to go for the classic ‘ham’ version, use a good quality, thinly-sliced honey ham—avoid the overly salty, wet varieties. You can also use roast beef, but make sure it’s layered thinly so it doesn’t make the sandwiches too tough when baked.
How Far Ahead of Time Can I Assemble the Sliders?
This is all about timing! You can assemble the layers—the spread, the meat, and the cheese—up to an hour ahead of time, place them in the dish, and keep them covered in the fridge. However, I strongly recommend only pouring the butter glaze over the tops right before you bake them. If you leave the glaze on too long, the rolls start to get soggy before they even hit the oven, and we want that lovely crisp top on our Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
It’s rare that we have leftovers because these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders vanish so fast, but if you’re lucky enough to have a few stragglers, they reheat beautifully! The key is being gentle so you don’t dry out the bread or end up with cheese that turns rubbery. Never store them covered in the fridge, though; that moisture will make the bottoms soggy in no time.
For the best results, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or refrigerate them for up to three days. When you reheat them, you want to mimic that oven environment without turning them into a brick! For more great recipes, check out our collection of main dishes.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container (Room Temp) | Up to 1 day | Cover loosely with foil and microwave briefly. |
| Airtight Container (Refrigerated) | Up to 3 days | Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warm. |
Understanding the Estimated Nutrition of Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Because we are using rich cheese and a generous butter glaze, these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are definitely more of an indulgence than an everyday snack! I always tell people to look at these numbers as an estimate, especially since the exact amount of butter that soaks into the bottom rolls changes every time I make them. But this gives you a good idea of what you are getting per serving (which is two sliders).
Nutritional Snapshot Table
Here is a quick look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for two sliders:
| Nutrient | Estimate Per Serving (2 Sliders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495kcal |
| Fat | 30g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Sodium | 814mg |
Share Your Favorite Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders Moments
I really hope these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders become a huge hit at your next gathering! Honestly, seeing your creations and hearing how much your family loved them is what keeps me cooking and sharing here at Reciqa. Did you try adding pickles? Did they disappear in five minutes flat? Let me know in the comments below—I always love reading your kitchen stories!
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Amazing 5-Star Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for quick meals or gatherings. These sliders feature savory deli meat and melted cheese nestled in sweet rolls, topped with a buttery, seasoned glaze that bakes to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (12-count)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ pound thinly-sliced deli chicken or turkey
- ¼ pound deli-sliced sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ pound deli-sliced Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- pinch kosher salt, if needed
Instructions
- Stir mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the slider spread. Set aside.
- Slice the slider buns in half to separate tops from bottoms using a serrated bread knife. Place them, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high with the rack in the second position down (about 6 inches from the element). Broil the rolls on the cut-sides only for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F with the rack in the middle position. Lightly spray a glass or light-colored ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. If using a dark pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- Place the bottom half of the toasted rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread a little more than half of the Dijon-mayo mixture onto these rolls.
- Assemble the sliders by layering cheddar cheese, chicken or turkey, then Swiss cheese. Spread the remaining Dijon-mayo onto the toasted side of the top half of the rolls and place them over the Swiss cheese layer.
- Combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion powder, and salt (if using) in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the sliders, using a brush to distribute the butter and poppy seeds evenly over the tops and sides. Some butter pooling is fine.
- Cover with foil and let stand for 5 minutes. Bake for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
- Let the sliders stand a few minutes, then cut the rolls into individual servings. Serve hot.
Notes
- Nutrition Estimate per serving (2 sliders): Calories: 495kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 110mg, Sodium: 814mg.
- If your baking dish is dark, lower the oven temperature to 325°F to prevent the bottom from burning.
- Watch the sliders closely during the final uncovered baking stage as the tops brown quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sandwich/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
