Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ingredients

• 57 g (¼ cup)unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoonsDijon mustard
• 2 teaspoonshoney
• ½ teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoononion powder
• ¼ teaspoonkosher salt
• 12 rolls (340 g package)Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 227 g (10 slices)sliced Swiss cheese
• 227 g (8 slices)sliced deli ham
• 1 teaspooneverything bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Move the oven rack to the middle and heat the oven to 177°C (350°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set it aside.

2. 2

   Mix the butter

   Microwave the butter in 15-second bursts until melted. Stir in the Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and salt, then set aside.

3. 3

   Slice the rolls

   Using a serrated knife, cut the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls together as one piece.

4. 4

   Assemble the sliders

   Set the bottom half of the rolls cut-side up on the lined baking sheet. Overlap 6 slices of Swiss cheese across the bread, then layer on the ham and brush it with about half the butter mixture. Add the remaining 4 slices of cheese and replace the top half of the rolls. Brush the remaining butter mixture over the tops and sprinkle on the seasoning.

5. 5

   Bake the sliders

   Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for about 5 minutes more, until the cheese has melted and the tops are lightly browned.

6. 6

   Cut and serve

   Transfer the sliders to a cutting board and cut them apart. Arrange on a platter and serve hot.

What are ham and cheese sliders?

Sliders are small sandwiches, often assembled together and baked as a batch before being separated to serve. This American party-style version uses sweet rolls, deli ham and Swiss cheese.

The buttery mustard-and-honey glaze adds savoury, tangy and sweet notes, while baking the rolls together keeps assembly simple.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 248 calories, 12g protein, 16g carbs, 15g fat.

The rolls provide most of the carbohydrates, while the butter and cheese contribute much of the fat; ham and cheese supply the protein. Pair a slider or two with salad or vegetables for a more balanced plate.

The roll and filling

Sweet rolls: Hawaiian-style rolls bring a soft texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the salty ham and Swiss.

Layering: Arrange the cheese and ham evenly so each slider gets a balanced filling. Keep the rolls connected while slicing to make assembly easier.

Getting the butter glaze right

Melt gently: Heat the butter in short 15-second microwave bursts, stopping as soon as it has melted.

Mix thoroughly: Stir the mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and salt into the butter so the flavour is spread through the glaze.

Why bake them covered first?

Covered baking gives the cheese time to melt and warms the filling without quickly browning the tops. Keep the foil over the rolls for the first 15 minutes.

Finish uncovered: The final 5 minutes lets the tops take on a light golden colour. Look for melted cheese and lightly browned rolls rather than waiting for a deep crust.

Slicing and serving

Cut the connected rolls in half horizontally with a serrated knife, using a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing them.

Serve straight from the oven while the cheese is hot and soft. A green salad, crunchy vegetables or pickles make an easy accompaniment.

Making a batch for a gathering

Assembling the sliders on one lined baking sheet keeps the process tidy and makes it easy to bake them all together. Brush the glaze over the tops just before baking so the seasoning sticks.

Let the batch sit briefly after baking if needed, then cut along the roll edges for neat individual portions.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a serrated knife to split the rolls cleanly without pressing them flat.
• Overlap the cheese slices so they cover the bread evenly.
• Brush the ham with the glaze before adding the top layer of cheese.
• Cover the tray securely with foil during the first part of baking.
• Cut the sliders apart just before serving for the warmest, softest result.

Variations

• Add pickles: Tuck thin slices between the ham and cheese for a tangy bite.
• Change the cheese: Use cheddar or provolone in place of Swiss.
• Add spice: Stir a little hot sauce into the butter mixture.
• Use poppy seeds: Sprinkle them over the tops instead of everything bagel seasoning.
• Add onion: Layer thinly sliced cooked onion with the ham for extra savoury flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting the rolls apart first: Keep them connected while slicing so they are easier to fill and move.
• Uneven filling: Spread the ham and cheese across the whole base so each slider gets some.
• Overheating the butter: Microwave in 15-second bursts and stop once it is melted.
• Skipping the foil: Cover for the first 15 minutes to warm the filling and melt the cheese without over-browning the tops.
• Baking too long uncovered: Check after about 5 minutes and take the tray out when the tops are lightly brown.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 160°C oven until warmed through, removing the cover briefly at the end if you want to refresh the tops.

Frequently asked questions