Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

There’s something nostalgic about warm, melty sandwiches that bring people together—especially when they’re pulled fresh from the oven. I first made these baked ham and cheese sliders on a chilly Sunday when friends unexpectedly dropped by. I needed something fast, comforting, and satisfying. What came out of the oven was a bubbling tray of buttery, cheesy, savory goodness that disappeared before I could grab seconds.

If you’re just getting started in the kitchen, this lemon herb chicken recipe of the sandwich world—these easy sheet pan dinner sliders—is your new best friend. They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And because they require no complex cooking techniques or fancy tools, even total beginners can pull them off like a pro.

Why This Recipe is Special

These sliders aren’t just tasty—they’re practical. The ingredients are common, the steps are simple, and the results are impressive. They’re baked, not fried, which makes them a healthier option when you’re craving comfort food. Plus, they double as party snacks or weeknight dinners, and they reheat surprisingly well.

The real magic? That golden, buttery top speckled with poppy seeds, hiding a gooey center of ham and cheese with a zingy Dijon-mayo twist. It’s like a deli sandwich got a cozy oven-baked upgrade.

Ingredients and Preparation

Sweet Hawaiian Slider Buns
These soft, slightly sweet buns balance the saltiness of the ham and cheese. Their pillowy texture absorbs the buttery glaze beautifully. If you prefer less sweetness, swap them with savory butter rolls.

Deli Ham
Thinly sliced Black Forest ham adds smoky, salty flavor. You can use honey ham for sweetness or spicy capicola for a kick. Leftover holiday ham also works great.

Cheddar and Swiss Cheese
This combo brings both sharpness and creaminess. Cheddar melts smoothly and adds depth, while Swiss delivers that signature nutty richness. Feel free to sub in gouda, provolone, or pepper jack.

Mayonnaise
It’s the creamy base of the spread, making the sandwich moist and flavorful. You can use Greek yogurt if you want something lighter.

Dijon Mustard
Adds tang and a slight spice. If Dijon feels too bold, try honey mustard for a sweeter profile.

Unsalted Butter
Used in the glaze that goes on top. Unsalted gives you more control over the seasoning.

Poppy Seeds
These give a slight crunch and a bakery-style finish. If you don’t have them, sesame seeds are a fine substitute.

Worcestershire Sauce
Brings umami depth to the butter glaze. You could use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar in a pinch.

Onion Powder
Adds a mellow onion background to the glaze. Dried minced onion also works and adds a bit of texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Start by slicing the slider buns in half horizontally. Use a serrated knife to keep the rolls intact and cleanly separated. Place them cut-side-up on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted—this helps prevent sogginess. Keep an eye on them; they toast quickly.

Step 2
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the bottom halves of the rolls inside. Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the spread. Use more than half of this mixture to generously coat the bottom buns.

Step 3
Layer sliced cheddar cheese over the mayo-covered buns. Next, evenly distribute the ham slices, followed by a layer of Swiss cheese. Spread the remaining Dijon-mayo mixture on the cut side of the top buns and place them on top.

Step 4
In another small bowl, mix melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder. Taste it—if needed, add a pinch of salt. Brush or spoon this mixture generously over the tops and edges of the buns. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

Step 5
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let them cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Burn Prevention: Watch the rolls carefully during toasting and uncovered baking. They can brown fast.
• Assembly Hack: Lay out all your ingredients first. Prepping assembly-line style makes things smoother.
• Too Soggy?: Toasting the buns first and using a light hand with the mayo spread helps prevent sogginess.
• No Broiler?: If your oven doesn’t broil, bake the rolls face-up for 5 minutes at 375°F instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with crunchy chips, a fresh green salad, or creamy potato salad for a balanced meal. They also pair well with tomato soup for a cozy twist.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 8–10 minutes, then uncover for a final 2–3 minutes to re-crisp the tops.

Conclusion

These baked ham and cheese sliders are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen star with minimal effort. They’re warm, filling, and totally customizable—which makes them perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for quick and healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor.

If you try this lemon herb chicken recipe-inspired slider twist, let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you switch up the cheese? Add a spicy mustard? I’d love to hear your spin. Keep cooking, keep experimenting, and most of all—keep enjoying every bite.

FAQ About Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

More Relevant Recipes

• Easy Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Crockpot Ham and Potato Casserole
• Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce: A Flavorful Twist You’ll Love!

Print