Dinner

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

ByEthan Lark March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Introduction

Hot ham and cheese sliders are the perfect party appetizer or cozy meal. Soft rolls filled with savory ham and melted cheese, topped with a flavorful onion poppyseed butter, make these sliders irresistible and easy to share.

A close-up view of several small sandwiches stacked on a white plate, each sandwich made with a soft, golden brown bun topped with black poppy seeds and shiny from a buttery glaze. Each sandwich has two main layers inside: a thick layer of thinly sliced pink ham on the bottom and a slightly melted pale yellow cheese on top. The buns look soft and fluffy with a slightly crispy crust. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background is out of focus with warm tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 standard or 24 small soft white rolls slab (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ slab)
1/3 cup American mustard (bright yellow mustard)
350g / 12 oz ham, shaved or thinly sliced (up to 500g / 1 lb)
250g / 8 oz Swiss cheese or other melting cheese slices (10 – 12 slices)
100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp American mustard
1 tbsp poppyseeds
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic, finely minced)
1/2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan-forced). Line the base of a 23 x 33cm / 13 x 9″ pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the onion poppyseed butter by mixing melted butter, finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Step 3: Cut the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Spread both the base and lid with 1/3 cup American mustard.
Step 4: Place the bottom half of the bread in the prepared pan. Layer the ham evenly over the bread, followed by the cheese slices. Do not add the top half yet.
Step 5: Bake the “topless” sliders in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove from the oven. Carefully place the bread lids on top. Pour or spoon the onion poppyseed butter evenly over the top, covering every part of the bread.
Step 7: Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the foil and pierce the intersections where the rolls meet to help the butter soak in.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is crusty and golden.
Step 10: Cut the sliders while hot and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for new flavor profiles.
Swap American mustard for Dijon or honey mustard for a milder taste.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter for a spicy kick.
To keep sliders warm longer, cover with foil after baking until ready to serve.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C / 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A pile of glossy golden brown sandwiches with a shiny, speckled top covered in dark poppy seeds sits stacked on a white plate. Each sandwich has two soft, fluffy bread layers with melted yellow cheese resting on top of a layer of thinly sliced pink ham. The cheese is slightly gooey and oozes out from the sides, contrasting with the tender, light-colored bread underneath. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture with two glasses containing amber liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just add the butter topping and bake as directed before serving.