If you’re searching for the ultimate party appetizer that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and completely irresistible, look no further than ham and cheese sliders. These warm, buttery mini sandwiches are perfect for everything from game days to casual get-togethers, and they always disappear fast.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a weekend potluck, or a tailgate party, these baked sliders are the kind of finger food that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The best part? They’re quick to prepare and can be assembled ahead of time, leaving you free to actually enjoy your party.
Why Everyone Loves Ham and Cheese Sliders
Let’s be honest—good party food makes the party. No matter the occasion, people gather around the snacks, and ham and cheese sliders are one of those recipes that everyone loves.
These little sandwiches are the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet thanks to the soft Hawaiian rolls. Each bite is layered with creamy, flavorful fillings and finished with a buttery garlic glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible.
You can serve them warm out of the oven or prep them in advance and bake them right before guests arrive. Either way, they’ll be gone in minutes.
What Makes This Recipe Special
There are plenty of slider recipes out there, but this version checks every box for perfect party food:
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble them hours before baking.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor – A blend of smoky ham, melted cheese, and garlicky butter topping.
- Easy to serve – Bite-sized and mess-free.
- Customizable – You can switch up the cheese, sauce, or rolls to fit your taste.
Once you’ve made these once, they’ll become your go-to recipe for every celebration.
Ingredients that Make a Difference
When it comes to ham and cheese sliders, the ingredients are simple—but the quality matters.
Ham:
Choose deli-style ham that’s thinly sliced for the best flavor and texture. The thinner the ham, the easier it is to layer and the better it blends with the cheese. If you have leftover baked ham from a holiday meal, slice it up and use it here—it’s an excellent way to repurpose it.
Cheese:
Sharp white cheddar is a classic choice. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls. You can also try Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella depending on your mood.
Rolls:
Soft Hawaiian-style dinner rolls are perfect for these sliders. They’re slightly sweet, buttery, and hold up well to baking. However, any soft dinner rolls will work just fine.
Cream Cheese Spread:
A mixture of onion and chive cream cheese with a touch of garlic powder creates the most flavorful base for the sliders. If you can’t find the flavored cream cheese, use plain and stir in a bit of onion powder for that same savory kick.
Buttery Garlic Sauce:
The secret to unforgettable sliders lies in the topping. A warm blend of butter, onion, garlic, mustard, and parsley brushed over the top makes these sandwiches golden, fragrant, and full of flavor.
Tips for the Best Baked Sliders
After making this recipe countless times, here are a few tricks that guarantee perfect ham and cheese sliders every single time:
- Soften the Cream Cheese:
Microwave it for 20–30 seconds until smooth and spreadable. This makes assembly so much easier. - Assemble While Rolls Are Still Attached:
Slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally (like one big sandwich). Spread the cream cheese mixture across the bottom layer, then add your ham and cheese. Place the top back on, then cut into individual sliders before or after baking. - Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet:
It keeps all that buttery sauce contained and makes cleanup easy. - Don’t Add Sauce Too Early:
If you’re making them ahead, wait to brush on the butter mixture until just before baking. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy. - Bake Covered First, Then Uncover:
Cover the sliders loosely with foil while baking to melt the cheese without burning the tops. Then remove the foil for the last few minutes to let them get beautifully golden. - Serve Hot and Fresh:
These sliders are at their absolute best right out of the oven—hot, melty, and deliciously buttery.
Serving and Storage
Once baked, these sliders are perfect for buffet tables, potlucks, or any event where people will be grabbing food on the go. They don’t need utensils and can be eaten with just a napkin—ideal for casual parties.
If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crisp top and soft texture.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to change things up? Try one of these simple variations:
- Turkey and Swiss Sliders: Swap the ham for smoked turkey and use Swiss cheese.
- Breakfast Sliders: Add scrambled eggs and bacon for a morning twist.
- Spicy Kick: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or add a few pickled jalapeños.
- Sweet Touch: Drizzle a little honey over the ham before adding the cheese for a salty-sweet combo.
Perfect for Every Occasion
These ham and cheese sliders fit any event. Serve them on game day, during the holidays, or at summer BBQs. They’re equally at home on a casual family dinner table or a big party buffet.
Every bite is comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Once you try them, you’ll see why this recipe has become a staple for so many hosts who love easy, make-ahead dishes that truly impress.
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The Best Ham and Cheese Sliders for Parties and Game Days
- Total Time: 40 min
Description
These ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate make-ahead party food — warm, buttery, and cheesy with a golden crust and soft center. Perfect for game days, gatherings, and casual dinners alike.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
12 Hawaiian-style dinner rolls (or any soft dinner rolls)
5 oz (140 g) onion and chive cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon garlic powder
10 oz (280 g) deli ham, very thinly sliced
6 oz (170 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
For the Buttery Garlic Topping:
4 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup finely minced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow, to taste)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the lower-middle section. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Prepare the rolls:
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of dinner rolls in half horizontally (like a sandwich bun). Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet. -
Make the spread:
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder until smooth and spreadable. If needed, microwave the cream cheese for 20–30 seconds to soften. -
Assemble the sliders:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the rolls. Layer the ham slices evenly over the bottom half, followed by the cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls back on. -
Prepare the topping:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced onion, garlic, mustard, and parsley. Stir until everything is well combined and aromatic. -
Brush and bake:
Brush the buttery mixture generously over the tops and sides of the sliders. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. -
Uncover and finish:
Remove the foil and continue baking for 8–10 minutes more, or until the tops are golden brown. Watch closely so they don’t over-brown. -
Serve hot:
Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart. Serve them warm and melty straight from the pan — they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders up to 8 hours in advance (without the butter topping). Store tightly covered in the refrigerator. Brush with butter mixture just before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover sliders in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
- Cheese Options: Swiss, provolone, or Havarti all work beautifully in place of cheddar.
- Leftovers: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
