Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To maximize the flavor, consider adding a thin layer of mayonnaise or a bit of dijon mustard directly onto the bread before adding the ham and cheese.

This adds an extra layer of moisture and tang that complements the honey-mustard glaze perfectly. If the buns seem to be browning too quickly, return the foil to the top of the baking dish for the remainder of the cook time.

If a more savory profile is desired, sprinkle a small amount of garlic powder or onion powder into the melted butter glaze. This subtle addition enhances the savory depth of the sliders without overpowering the primary flavors of the ham and Swiss cheese.

Experimenting with different types of mustard, such as stone-ground or spicy brown, can also provide a different level of heat and texture to the final dish.

Variations

• Turkey and Provolone: Substitute the deli ham with thinly sliced deli turkey and replace the Swiss cheese with mild provolone. This lighter variation pairs exceptionally well with the honey-mustard glaze.
• Spicy BBQ Sliders: Replace the honey mustard in the glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter for an extra kick of heat that cuts through the savory meat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container to maintain their texture. If stored properly, they will remain fresh for up to two days. Avoid leaving the sliders at room temperature for longer than two hours to ensure food safety.

If you need to keep them for longer, freezing is a better option to preserve the quality of the bread and the integrity of the cheese filling.

These sliders can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, prepare the butter glaze fresh, brush it over the cold rolls, and bake according to the instructions. You may need to add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold starting temperature of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliders warm directly from the baking dish for the best experience. The melted cheese is at its peak immediately after the resting period, providing that characteristic stretch that makes these sliders so appealing. Arrange the dish on a platter or a heat-resistant surface, allowing guests to pull apart their own sliders easily.

Accompany these sliders with a light side salad or crisp vegetable crudités to balance the richness of the ham and cheese. The contrast between the warm, savory buns and the cool, fresh vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal or party spread. Consider offering a small bowl of extra honey mustard on the side for those who prefer an extra kick of sweetness and tang.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders for a Crowd

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 12 count slider buns, split
• 1 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
• 8 oz swiss cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey mustard
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected if possible. Place the bottom halves into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the deli ham and Swiss cheese evenly over the bottom buns. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer to close the sandwiches.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey mustard, and poppy seeds until well combined. Using a basting brush, generously coat the tops of the assembled slider buns with the butter mixture, ensuring the glaze drips down the sides of the rolls.
3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Contains: gluten, milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.