Ham and Cheese Sliders: The Ultimate Party Snack

These Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a quick weeknight dinner. They are incredibly easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and a buttery, flavorful topping baked on soft slider buns is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a fun and satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders

* **Easy to Make:** With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, these sliders come together in minutes.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves the classic combination of ham and cheese, making these sliders a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of ham, cheese, or toppings.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From game day to potlucks to quick dinners, these sliders are versatile and perfect for any event.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving, saving you time and stress.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Slider Buns:** Look for sweet Hawaiian rolls or your favorite brand of slider buns. The soft, slightly sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls complements the savory ham and cheese perfectly. Martin’s Potato Rolls are also a great option.
* **Ham:** Use your favorite sliced ham. Deli ham, Black Forest ham, or even leftover holiday ham will work well. Thinly sliced ham is recommended for easy layering and even melting.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Swiss, provolone, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well. For a sharper flavor, try a sharp cheddar. For a milder flavor, use provolone or Monterey Jack.
* **Butter:** Melted butter is the base of the flavorful topping that makes these sliders so addictive. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a tangy and savory element to the topping. You can substitute with yellow mustard or honey mustard if you prefer.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami to the topping.
* **Poppy Seeds (Optional):** Poppy seeds add a visual appeal and a slight nutty flavor to the topping. You can also use sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
* **Dried Onion Flakes (Optional):** Dried onion flakes add a subtle onion flavor and a bit of texture to the topping.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Ham and Cheese Sliders:

**1. Prepare the Buns:**

* Carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. Try to keep the buns connected as much as possible. This makes it easier to assemble the sliders.
* Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, but any similar sized dish will work.

**2. Layer the Ham and Cheese:**

* Evenly layer the sliced ham over the bottom half of the buns. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the buns with ham.
* Next, evenly layer the sliced cheese over the ham. Ensure the cheese covers the ham completely. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference.

**3. Cover with the Top Buns:**

* Carefully place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese. Gently press down to secure the layers.

**4. Make the Butter Topping:**

* In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can melt it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
* Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), and dried onion flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Whisk until well combined. This creates a flavorful and aromatic butter mixture.

**5. Pour the Butter Topping:**

* Slowly and evenly pour the butter mixture over the top of the slider buns. Make sure to coat the entire surface of the buns. The butter mixture will soak into the buns, adding flavor and moisture.

**6. Bake the Sliders:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the moisture and prevent the buns from drying out.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the sliders to prevent them from burning.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
* Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the sliders into individual portions.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the sliders will taste. Opt for high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the buns and make the cheese hard. Keep a close eye on the sliders while they’re baking and remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Make Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the sliders are cold.
* **Customize the Topping:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar to the butter mixture.
* **Add a Sauce:** Serve the sliders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
* **Ensure Even Baking:** To ensure even baking, rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time. This helps to prevent some areas of the sliders from browning faster than others.
* **Let Rest Before Cutting:** Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This helps the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from oozing out when you cut them.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Turkey and Cheese Sliders:** Substitute the ham with sliced turkey for a lighter version.
* **Roast Beef and Cheese Sliders:** Use roast beef instead of ham for a different flavor profile.
* **Chicken and Cheese Sliders:** Shredded chicken or sliced chicken breast can be used in place of ham.
* **Spicy Sliders:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter topping for a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Butter Topping:** Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the butter topping for a garlicky flavor.
* **Italian Sliders:** Use provolone cheese and add Italian seasoning to the butter topping.
* **Hawaiian Sliders:** Use pineapple slices and ham for a tropical twist.
* **Vegetarian Sliders:** Use vegetarian ham or a combination of roasted vegetables and cheese for a vegetarian option.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack, to create different flavor combinations.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles to the sliders after baking for a fresher taste.
* **Use Different Buns:** While Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice, you can also use pretzel buns, brioche buns, or even mini croissants for a different texture and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These Ham and Cheese Sliders are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad, such as a Caesar salad, a garden salad, or a pasta salad.
* **Soup:** Pair with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or potato soup.
* **Fries:** Serve with a side of French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
* **Chips:** Offer a variety of chips, such as potato chips, tortilla chips, or pita chips.
* **Vegetables:** Serve with a platter of fresh vegetables and dip.
* **Fruit:** Offer a fruit salad or a platter of sliced fruit.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw is a refreshing side that complements the richness of the sliders.
* **Pickles:** Serve with a variety of pickles, such as dill pickles, sweet pickles, or bread and butter pickles.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make Ahead:**

You can assemble the Ham and Cheese Sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the sliders are cold.

**Storage:**

Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the buns may become a bit soggy.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 12 sliders
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
* 1 pound sliced ham
* 8 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
* 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes (optional)

**Equipment**

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Sharp knife or pizza cutter

**Instructions**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the slider buns horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish.
3. Layer the sliced ham over the bottom half of the buns.
4. Layer the sliced cheese over the ham.
5. Cover with the top buns.
6. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), and dried onion flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
7. Pour the butter mixture over the top of the slider buns.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

## Nutrition Information (per slider)

* Calories: Approximately 250
* Fat: 15g
* Saturated Fat: 8g
* Cholesterol: 50mg
* Sodium: 600mg
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fiber: 1g
* Sugar: 5g
* Protein: 12g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Sliders are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re a guaranteed hit with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate party snack! They are also an easy weeknight meal. Enjoy!