Name: Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt; One 12-count pack square soft white dinner rolls (such as Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ⅔ pound sliced Swiss cheese; ½ pound sliced Black Forest ham

Make your next gathering a hit with these simple yet delicious ham and cheese sliders: soft buns filled with ham and melted Swiss cheese, all smothered in a tangy butter sauce.

Ham and cheese sliders are a personal favorite of mine for any casual gathering, big or small. Soft, fluffy buns (such as King’s Hawaiian rolls) are filled with sliced ham and melted Swiss cheese, but the real star is the tangy butter sauce brushed on before baking. Made with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds, the sauce gives the sliders a bold, buttery flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

The sliders are also super convenient for hosting since you can make a big batch at once (double the recipe if you need to) and prep them ahead of time. Whether I’m serving them at a party, a game day tailgate, or just a night in with family, they go quickly. Trust me, make extra!

What You’ll Need To Make Ham And Cheese Sliders

Sauce (Melted Butter, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Poppy Seeds, Garlic Powder, Salt): Adds a rich, tangy, and savory flavor to the sandwiches, and keeps them moist.
Soft White Dinner Rolls: Provide a slightly sweet, soft base that complements the savory filling. Their texture and flavor are ideal for sliders, making them easy to eat.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy layer of flavor directly to the sliders; cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.
Swiss Cheese: Melts nicely, adding a nutty flavor that pairs well with the ham.
Black Forest Ham: This dry-cured, smoked ham that originally comes from the Black Forest region of Germany has a savory and slightly sweet flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Begin by making the tangy butter sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and poppy seeds. Stir to combine.

Step 2 – Using serrated bread knife

cut the rolls in half, leaving the top and bottom halves intact. Spread Dijon mustard over the cut side of the rolls.

Step 3 – Place the bottom half, cut side up

in a 9-inch square metal baking pan. Place half of the cheese in an even layer over the bottom. Follow with all of the ham. Finally, add the remaining cheese.

Step 4 – Cover with the roll tops.

Evenly spoon the butter sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 5 – Bake for 22 to 25 minutes

until the top is golden brown and toasted.

Step 6 – Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes in the pan.

Using a large spatula, carefully transfer the sandwich block to a cutting board.

Step 7 – Using a serrated knife.

slice into mini sandwiches. Serve warm or room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a day ahead and top them with the butter sauce, refrigerate overnight, and then bake the following day.

What makes Black Forest ham special for these sliders? Can I use another type instead?

Black Forest ham is prized for its distinctive smoky flavor and seasoned exterior, which adds depth and character to the sliders. However, if you can’t find Black Forest ham or prefer a different type, other smoked hams like honey ham or Virginia ham are excellent substitutes.

My supermarket doesn’t carry King’s Hawaiian rolls. What else can I use?

King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are known for their soft texture and mild sweetness, and they conveniently come in pre-connected sheets that make assembly and baking easy. If you’re looking for alternatives, potato rolls or brioche buns are a fantastic option, offering a similar softness and sweetness, and they can sometimes be found in pre-connected sheets. If those aren’t available, individual slider buns are also suitable.

If using individual buns, you can still recreate the convenience of a sheet. Simply place the individual buns closely together in your baking pan, mimicking a connected sheet, and assemble your sliders on top. To ensure you can remove the sliders easily as one whole unit, line your pan with a foil sling.