Baked ham and cheese sliders are the party food that never lasts: soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls stuffed with ham and melty Swiss cheese, then brushed with a buttery poppy seed glaze and baked until golden and gooey.
These easy ham and cheese sliders with Hawaiian rolls take just 35 minutes and feed a crowd. This make ahead ham and cheese sliders recipe is perfect for game day, holiday parties, and busy weeknights.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 12 sliders |
| Category | Appetizer / Dinner |
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Soft, sweet rolls with salty ham and gooey cheese
- Buttery poppy seed glaze that bakes into a golden top
- Ready in 35 minutes with 5 simple ingredients
- Easy to assemble ahead and bake later
- Feeds a crowd for parties and game day
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls, kept connected
- 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 12 slices Swiss cheese (or about 8 ounces)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 teaspoon onion powder
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the whole sheet of rolls in half horizontally without separating them, and place the bottom half in the dish.
- Layer half of the cheese on the bottom rolls, then all of the ham, then the remaining cheese, and replace the top half of rolls.
- Whisk the melted butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and onion powder together and pour evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice along the roll seams and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll Sliders
- Keep the rolls connected for easy slicing and assembly.
- Brush the butter mixture all the way to the edges.
- Cover for the first part of baking so the cheese melts before the tops brown.
- Use good deli ham and a flavorful Swiss cheese.
- Let the glaze soak in for 10 minutes before baking for extra flavor.
Variations to Try: Slider Ideas
- Swap in turkey and cheddar or roast beef and provolone.
- Add a thin spread of honey mustard or mayo.
- Use sliced pickles for tang.
- Make them spicy with pepper jack and hot honey.
How to Store It
Refrigerate leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. To make ahead, assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate unbaked, then bake as directed, adding 5 minutes. Freeze assembled, unbaked sliders for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and glaze them up to a day ahead, then bake before serving.
What temperature should sliders bake at?
Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes total, covered for the first 15.
Can I freeze ham and cheese sliders?
Yes. Freeze assembled sliders without baking for up to 1 month and bake from thawed.
What kind of rolls are best for sliders?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are classic, but any soft dinner rolls work.
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: Slice the rolls in half horizontally and place the bottoms in the dish.
- Tip: Keep the rolls connected.
- Step 3: Layer the cheese and ham and replace the tops.
- Step 4: Whisk the glaze and pour it over the rolls.
- Step 5: Cover and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Rest 5 minutes and slice.
Notes
Assemble up to a day ahead for easy entertaining.