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