These Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders are the ultimate party appetizer or quick and satisfying meal! They're incredibly easy to make, with layers of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a delicious buttery, poppy seed topping, all baked on soft slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are my favorite!). I love how these sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd, and they're always a huge hit. They're great for game day, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing snack.
Why You'll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Flavorful: The combination of ham, Swiss cheese, and the buttery poppy seed topping is irresistible.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sliders
Here's what you'll need to make these delicious sliders. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Sliders
- Slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are recommended) (Bread)
- Deli ham (Meat)
- Swiss cheese (Dairy)
- Mayonnaise (Condiment)
- Dijon mustard (Condiment)
Topping
- Butter, melted (Fat)
- Onion powder (Spice)
- Worcestershire sauce (Condiment)
- Poppy seeds (Seed)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Ham and Cheese Sliders just the way they are, but here are a few fun variations:
- Different Cheese: Try using cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese instead of Swiss.
- Add Pineapple: Add some sliced pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Different Meat: Use turkey, roast beef, or even pulled pork instead of ham.
- Add veggies: Add caramelized onions.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Let me show you how incredibly easy it is to make these Ham and Cheese Sliders:
Preheat Oven
- First, I preheat my oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Prepare Buns
- I cut the slider buns in half and place the bottoms in a greased casserole dish.
Make the Spread
- I mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Then I spread this mixture evenly over the bottom buns.
Layer Ham and Cheese
- I place the ham slices on the slider buns, overlapping the pieces slightly.
- Then, I place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham.
Add Top Buns
- I place the tops of the slider buns on top of the cheese.
Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, I combine the melted butter, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds.
Pour Topping Over Sliders
- I pour the butter mixture evenly over the sliders, making sure to coat the tops of the buns.
Bake
- I cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- I bake for 10 minutes.
- Then, I remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
Serve
- I remove the sliders from the oven.
- I use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart.
- I serve them warm.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Sliders
Here are my secrets for making these sliders truly amazing:
- Use Hawaiian Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are soft, sweet, and slightly buttery, making them the perfect choice for these sliders.
- Don't Skip the Topping: The buttery poppy seed topping adds so much flavor and texture to the sliders.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the sliders with foil during the first part of baking helps to melt the cheese and prevent the tops of the buns from burning.
- Serve Warm: These sliders are best served warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey.
How to Serve
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect for:
- Parties and Gatherings: A great appetizer or snack for any party or get-together.
- Game Day: The perfect finger food for watching the game.
- Potlucks: Easy to transport and serve at potlucks.
- Quick Lunch or Dinner: A satisfying and easy meal for busy weeknights.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs about Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses.
- Can I make these without the poppy seeds?
- Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds if you prefer.
- Can I freeze these sliders?
- Yes, you can freeze assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Enjoy these Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders! They're a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that's sure to disappear fast.
Print
Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is incredibly easy to make and results in a tender, flavorful ham with a delicious sweet and savory glaze. It's perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8-pound bone-in, spiral-cut ham
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place Ham: Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut-side down.
- Check Fit: Place the lid on the slow cooker to ensure the ham fits properly. If the ham is too large for the lid to seal completely, use a sharp knife to trim a small portion from the top of the ham and place it beside the ham in the slow cooker.
- Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Simmer Glaze: Heat the glaze mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes).
- Pour Glaze Over Ham: Pour the glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Cook Ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker about once an hour during the cooking time. The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Thicken Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and set it aside. Pour the remaining juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve
Notes
- Ham Size: This recipe is designed for an 8-pound ham. If you use a smaller or larger ham, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Spiral-Cut Ham: A spiral-cut ham is recommended because it's easier to serve and the glaze can penetrate the slices.
- Glaze Thickness: The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools. If you want a very thick glaze, simmer it for a longer time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this ham with your favorite holiday side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
