Ham & Cheese Sliders

Skip sandwiches—these sliders are the perfect easy appetizer to serve at your game day. I paired a classic combo—ham and cheese—with sweet Hawaiian rolls brushed with a homemade dressing that transforms these simple sliders into a sweet and salty dream. If you’re busy with party planning, then these sliders are the appetizer to make: You can easily make them ahead of time, then bake when you’re ready to serve. They’ll be ready to be devoured at your Super Bowl party, or even as a grab-and-go lunch. Here’s everything you need to know:

What People Are Saying:
“These sliders were delicious! My mom used to make a version of this dish when we were growing up, and it was a family favorite. This recipe is very close to hers. I didn’t change or add a thing. They were perfect as is. My mother would approve!” -Timbo123

How To Make Ham & Cheese Sliders

INGREDIENTS

• Poppy Seed Dressing: This dressing is the thing that really sets these sliders apart. The combination of mustard, honey, butter, and poppy seeds comes together for a sweet, slightly spicy glaze that perfectly compliments the ham and cheese.
• Slider Buns: We tend to reach for sweet Hawaiian rolls for this recipe. The sweetness of the rolls pairs beautifully with the salty ham and cheese, but potato rolls would be another great choice.
• Mayonnaise: You can’t have a ham sandwich without mayo. The classic creamy spread adds a little bit of moisture to the sandwich that keeps it from baking into a dry roll. It also adds a little bit of fat to the sandwich that rounds it out.
• Deli Ham: Classic deli ham is the perfect way to go here. Much like the buns, the brand is completely up to your preferences. This is the perfect way to use up any leftover deli ham you have in the fridge or to change up your weekday sandwich game.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is the perfect way to go with this sandwich as it has a more mellow flavor than a cheese like cheddar or American, while melting just as well.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Start off these slides by preheating the oven and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then mix together mustard and honey in a small bowl and set aside while we make the poppy seed glaze.

In a medium bowl, add melted butter, poppy seeds, and 1 tablespoon or the honey-mustard mixture and whisk to combine.

Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, taking care to keep the whole package together for ease of assembly. Place the bottom half of the buns on the prepared baking sheet and spread on an even layer of mayo. Layer on an even helping of ham followed by an even layer of swiss cheese. Then spread the rest of the honey-mustard on the top buns and place the top buns on the sandwich. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the top of the buns and spread it with a pastry brush to make sure it is evenly spread.

Place the built sandwiches into the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melty and the buns are a nice toasty, golden brown. Use a bread knife to cut the loaf into individual sliders and serve.

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Prepare your rolls. If you're using extra soft rolls (like Hawaiian rolls), place them in the freezer for 15 minutes (without separating them) to firm them up a little bit. Then slice them horizontally with a bread knife all in one piece. This will make assembling your rolls a breeze.
• Don’t overdo it on the dressing. We recommend not doubling up on the dressing, and using a pastry brush to be precise. That way, you can ensure your dressing is soaking into the top bun and not pooling on the bottom, turning the slider base soggy.
• Don't skip out on the homemade poppyseed dressing. It's what makes these rolls extra special. We like using yellow mustard for its bright, punchy flavor, but Dijon or whole-grain mustard would be just as delicious.

What To Serve With Ham & Cheese Sliders

These sliders are the perfect easy appetizer to pair with your pigs in a blanket, Buffalo chicken meatballs, and baked spinach and artichoke dip. But with hearty veggie sides, these shareable sandwiches can also be a super-satisfying lunch. Pair with red potato salad or our broccoli bacon salad to turn these rolls into a full meal.

Storage

To make ahead and freeze, assemble the sandwiches just short of the poppyseed dressing. Wrap the entire baking sheet tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. The dressing can be made in advance as well, but should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. When ready to bake, assemble the poppyseed dressing and brush the tops of the sliders before placing them in a preheated oven, making sure to add 5 minutes to the cooking time.

If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.