Best Ham and Cheese Sliders (Oven-Baked & Party-Perfect)

When you need a reliable recipe that everyone will actually eat, ham and cheese sliders are a go-to, but only when they’re done right. Dry rolls, unevenly melted cheese, or soggy bottoms can turn a simple dish into a disappointment.

After testing this recipe multiple times for weeknights, potlucks, and game days, I landed on a method that works every time. These ham and cheese sliders bake evenly from edge to center, stay buttery on top without getting greasy, and reheat well without falling apart.

Built for real life, this recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method so you can serve warm, melty sliders with confidence, no guesswork required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slider basics

• 12 slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls)
• ½ lbs thinly sliced cooked ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese

Spread

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Topping

• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

Substitutions

• Slider buns: Gluten-free rolls can be used in place of standard slider buns. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the brand.
• Cheese: Dairy-free cheese can be substituted for Swiss. Choose one that melts well for the best texture.
• Mustard: A spicy mustard can be used instead of Dijon if you prefer more heat while keeping the same balance of flavors.

Best Ham & Cheese for Sliders

Choosing the right ham and cheese makes a big difference in how evenly the sliders bake and how easy they are to eat.

Ham: Thinly sliced cooked ham works best because it heats through quickly without drying out or making the buns bulky.

• Black Forest ham adds a deeper, savory flavor
• Honey ham brings a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the buttery topping
• Leftover holiday ham can be used as long as it’s sliced very thin for even warming

Cheese: Swiss cheese is the classic choice for ham and cheese sliders because it melts smoothly and balances the richness of the butter and mustard.

• Havarti creates a creamier texture
• Provolone offers a mild, melty option
• Gouda adds a subtle smoky note

Optional Add-Ins

These can be layered in small amounts without overwhelming the sliders:

• Pineapple for a sweet and savory twist
• Pickles for tang and crunch
• Spicy elements like sliced jalapeños or spicy mustard for heat

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully heated and ready when the sliders go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns: Using a serrated knife, cut the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a slab if possible. Place the bottom halves snugly in a baking dish so they sit evenly and fill the pan.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders: Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the cut side of the buns, creating a thin, consistent layer. Arrange Swiss cheese over the buns, then layer the thinly sliced cooked ham on top. Finish with another layer of Swiss cheese, then place the top halves of the buns back on, aligning them carefully.

Step 4: Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds. Stir until everything is well mixed and the onion and poppy seeds are evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze: Using a pastry brush or spoon, brush the glaze generously over the tops of the buns. Make sure the glaze is spread evenly so every slider gets flavor and the tops bake up golden.

Step 6: Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the sliders to heat through and the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and crispy.

Step 7: Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes so the layers set slightly. Slice along the bun lines and serve warm.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a layer of thinly sliced jalapeños or spread a small amount of spicy mustard on the buns before assembling.
• Hawaiian Pineapple: Layer thin pineapple slices or well-drained crushed pineapple over the ham before adding the top layer of cheese.
• Cuban-Style: Add pickle slices and lean more heavily on the Dijon mustard for a sharper, more savory flavor.
• Vegetarian Cheese Sliders: Skip the ham and use extra cheese or a mix of cheeses instead. Swiss and provolone together work especially well for a melty, satisfying vegetarian option.

Make-Ahead + Storage + Freezing

• Make-ahead: Assemble the sliders completely, including the glaze, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Refrigerator storage: Store leftover baked sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat sliders covered in the oven until warmed through to help keep the buns soft and the filling heated evenly.
• Freezing: Sliders can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen sliders overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and even warming.

What to Serve With Sliders

These ham and cheese sliders pair well with simple, casual sides that keep the meal balanced and easy. Crispy options like chips, fries, or tater tots work especially well and require very little extra effort.

If you want something a bit more filling for a crowd, potato salad or pasta salad are classic choices that fit right in.

To balance the richness, a crisp green salad or coleslaw adds freshness and crunch. For parties and game days, offering a dip or two on the side gives guests another option without adding much work.

Lemonade, iced tea, soda, or light beer all pair nicely and keep things relaxed and crowd-friendly.

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Did you make these ham and cheese sliders? Leave a comment below, I love hearing how they turned out! And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest!