Ham and Cheese Sliders are one of our favorite easy party foods because they’re warm, cheesy, buttery, and always the first thing to disappear (our family is literally obsessed!)

Sweet slider buns are layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then brushed with a savory brown sugar Dijon glaze that bakes into every little nook and cranny. We love these for game days, holiday parties, Easter leftovers, potlucks, and quick family dinners.

They’re simple to assemble in a 9×13 pan, easy to slice, and so good served warm right out of the oven. Plus, they’re prepped in ten minutes!

It’s a great way to use leftover Crockpot Ham after the holidays! No leftovers? Deli ham works just fine as well! And if you love sliders, be sure to check out our: Monte Cristo Sliders and Chicken Parmesan Sliders.

Why you’ll love it + Why it works:

  • Freezable. Easily make these ahead of time, which is helpful when you have a lot of dishes to prepare or need something easy.
  • A weeknight must. This appetizer, side dish, or entree is on the table in only 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner idea!
  • Layering cheese on both sides helps hold everything together. It melts around the ham and makes each slider extra gooey.
  • The glaze soaks into the rolls. Brushing and pouring it into the nooks gives the sliders big buttery flavor.

Ham and Cheese Sliders Ingredients

  • Sweet slider buns (12): Create the soft, slightly sweet base and top for the sliders.
  • Sliced deli ham, honey or leftover Easter ham works well (¾ pound): Adds savory flavor and makes the sliders hearty. Change it up and use turkey, chicken, bacon, or roast beef.
  • Swiss cheese (¾ pound): Melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with ham.
  • Unsalted butter (1 stick): Creates the rich, buttery base for the glaze.
  • Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and helps balance the savory glaze.
  • Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
  • Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds texture and classic slider flavor.
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory onion flavor without chopping onions.
  • Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds depth and a little savory tang.
  • Salt (¼ teaspoon): Seasons the glaze and brings the flavors together.
  • Black pepper (pinch): Adds a little warmth and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

PREP. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch dish with baking spray, or Line the Pan with Parchment Paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

ROLLS. Cut 12 sweet rolls in half. Don’t attempt to do this individually, use your biggest serrated knife and slice the entire sheet. Place the bottom layer snuggly into the bottom of the dish.

Top view of assembled sliders ready to be glazed.

LAYER. Place half of the cheese over the top, layer with ham slices, then the remaining cheese.

SAUCE. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup melted butter and heat until melted. Whisk in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon dijon, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, onion powder, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch black pepper.

  • Brush over the tops of the rolls. Pour the excess in between and in all of the nooks and crannies. 
Process shot for making hot ham and cheese sliders in baking dish.

BAKE. Cover with aluminum foil and let sit while the oven preheats. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.

SERVE! Remove and serve immediately when they’re warm and melty.

    Ham and cheese slider recipe being served from baking dish.

    Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

    • Slice the whole sheet of rolls at once with a large serrated knife to keep assembly quick and easy.
    • Fit the bottom buns snugly in the pan so the sliders hold together while baking.
    • Layer cheese on the bottom and top of the ham for extra melty sliders.
    • Let the brushed sliders sit while the oven preheats so the glaze can soak in a bit.
    • Make-ahead tip: assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
    Ham and cheese sliders stacked on top of each other on platter.
    5 from 99 votes

    Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe

    Our hot ham and cheese slider recipe is easy and on the table in 30 minutes – an absolutely addicting crowd favorite that disappears in a heartbeat!
    Servings: 12 sliders
    Prep: 10 minutes
    Cook: 20 minutes
    Total: 30 minutes

    Video

    Ingredients 

    • 12 sweet slider buns
    • ¾ pound sliced deli ham, honey or leftover Easter ham works well
    • ¾ pound swiss cheese

    Glaze

    • 1 stick unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • pinch black pepper

    Instructions 

    • Lightly spray a 9×13 inch dish with baking spray. Cut the sweet rolls in half. Don't attempt to do this individually, use your biggest serrated knife and slice the entire sheet. Place the bottom layer snuggly into the bottom of the dish.
    • Place half of the cheese over the top, layer with ham, then the remaining cheese.
    • In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat until melted. Stir in brown sugar, dijon, poppy seeds, onion powder, worcestershire, salt, and black pepper.
    • Brush over the tops of the rolls. Pour the excess in between and in all of the nooks and crannies. 
    • Cover with aluminum foil and let sit while the oven preheats. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.
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    Notes

    Make ahead of time
    • Fridge: Wrap the pan with plastic and store for 2-3 days. Place the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge.
    • Freezer: Place the glaze in a freezer ziplock and place on top of the prepared sliders. Wrap the pan with plastic then again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw for about 30 minutes before cooking.
    • To bake. Remove the plastic wrap. Reheat the glaze and pour the butter sauce over the sliders. Cover with foil and bake according to the directions.
    Leftovers. Store fully baked sliders together in a large pan or individually in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If needed thaw, reheat large batches in the oven or individual sliders in the microwave.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 351kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 539mg, Potassium: 125mg, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 470IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 251mg, Iron: 0.5mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Recipe FAQ

    Make ahead of time?

    Assemble the sliders, but save the butter topping until you are ready to bake. Depending on how far in advance you’re making them, you can store the following ways:
    Fridge. Wrap the pan with plastic and store for 2-3 days. Place the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    Freezer. Place the glaze in a freezer Ziploc and place on top of the prepared sliders. Wrap the pan with plastic then again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw for about 30 minutes before cooking.
    To bake. Remove the plastic wrap. Reheat the glaze and pour the butter sauce over the sliders. Cover with foil and bake according to the directions.

    How to store leftovers?

    Store fully baked sliders together in a large pan (allow to cool and cover the pan with plastic wrap and again with foil), or individually (wrap each slider in plastic and place them together in a freezer ziploc). Store the sliders in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    This recipe was originally published April 2018.

    About Kristyn

    Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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    5 from 99 votes (64 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    48 Comments

    1. Brianna Mathison says:

      5 stars
      One of my favorite go to appetizer, but lately its been my go to dinner. Its perfect for football nights, and why doesn’t like sliders!

    2. Myra says:

      5 stars
      These are sooooo good and very easy. It’s a family favorite and we always pair it with broccoli cheddar soup 🙂

    3. Amber W. says:

      5 stars
      These were delicious. Made them for a party and had several people ask me for the recipe!

      1. Amber W. says:

        5 stars
        Forgot to rate it!

    4. Brooke says:

      5 stars
      Easy and everyone loves them!

    5. Wendy says:

      5 stars
      Yummy!

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Thank you for trying them!

    6. Elise says:

      5 stars
      Tried these today with leftover diced ham and they were perfect! Such a great meal on a rainy day.

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Thank you for trying them! Glad you liked them! They are perfect for a rainy day!

    7. rooftop snipers says:

      Thanks for sharing that!! I know what you mean..we make them quite a bit!

    8. Lina says:

      5 stars
      Looks fantastic , thank you so much for awesome recipe.

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        You are so welcome! I hope you try them! They are our favorite!!

    9. Lori says:

      5 stars
      We make these on game days- they are delicious!

    10. Toni says:

      5 stars
      THIS QUICKLY BECAME A FAVORITE AT MY HOUSE! IT WAS SO DELICIOUS!