Gourmet ham cheese sliders made easy with this foolproof method. These sliders combine honey ham, melty Swiss, and a buttery poppy seed sauce on King’s Hawaiian rolls. I tested eight different cheese combinations, but Swiss won for its perfect melt and flavor balance.
These party-ready sliders are ideal for game days, potlucks, or an upgraded family dinner. The secret? A quick butter sauce that turns basic ingredients into something special.
At-a-Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (4 servings)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Game day, potlucks, easy dinners
Why This Works
- King’s Hawaiian rolls create a perfectly soft base that toasts beautifully without drying out
- Cutting the rolls as one unit keeps the sliders intact and speeds up assembly
- The poppy seed butter sauce seeps into the bread, creating a golden crust while keeping the inside moist
- Layering the cheese between ham slices ensures even melting
Ingredients & Smart Swaps
Base Ingredients:
- 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 24 slices deli honey ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, quartered
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Smart Substitutions:
- Rolls: Brioche slider buns work well, but avoid dense rolls
- Cheese: Provolone or Havarti melt similarly to Swiss
- Ham: Turkey or roast beef (just watch cooking time – they’re less moist)
- Mayo: Greek yogurt works but reduce by 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil.
- Keep rolls connected, slice the entire block horizontally. Place bottom half in pan.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon. Spread on cut sides of both bread halves.
- Layer half the ham on bottom bun. Add cheese layer. Top with remaining ham.
- Replace top bun layer.
- Whisk melted butter, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire.
- Pour sauce evenly over rolls. Let it seep into cracks.
- Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes.
- Uncover, bake 5-10 minutes until golden brown and cheese melts completely.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip the foil cover – it prevents burning while cheese melts
- Let sliders rest 5 minutes before cutting – helps cheese set
- Use room temperature butter for better sauce mixing
- Don’t overstack ham – it prevents proper heating
- Cut with a serrated knife while warm for clean slices
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. Microwave works but makes bread slightly chewy.
Like our homemade ham recipes? These sliders freeze well assembled but unbaked. Wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Variations
- Pizza Style: Add pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning to butter sauce
- Breakfast Version: Add scrambled egg layer and swap ham for bacon
- Buffalo Chicken: Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce instead of ham
- French Onion: Top with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese like our favorite soups
FAQ
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead. Add butter sauce just before baking. Like our make-ahead comfort foods, these sliders are perfect for planning ahead.
Why are my sliders soggy?
Too much butter sauce or uncovered baking causes sogginess. Measure sauce carefully and always cover with foil for first 20 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13 pans rather than one larger pan for even cooking. Increase final uncovered bake time by 2-3 minutes.
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Gourmet Ham Cheese Sliders Made Easy
Equipment
- Oven
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls 12 count
- 24 slices deli honey ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese quartered
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil.
- Keep rolls connected, slice the entire block horizontally. Place bottom half in pan.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon. Spread on cut sides of both bread halves.
- Layer half the ham on bottom bun. Add cheese layer. Top with remaining ham.
- Replace top bun layer.
- Whisk melted butter, poppy seeds, onion powder, and Worcestershire.
- Pour sauce evenly over rolls. Let it seep into cracks.
- Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover, bake for 5-10 minutes until golden brown and cheese melts completely.