INTRODUCTION
Ham and Cheese Sliders are small sandwiches that cook fast and taste great. They use soft slider buns, thin ham slices, and melting cheese. You can make a tray of sliders in about 20 minutes. This recipe is good for a quick meal, a party snack, or a simple dinner. The sliders come out warm, soft, and full of flavor. If you like easy lunch ideas, try this list of 25 delicious and healthy high protein lunch recipes for more simple choices.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these sliders because they are fast and simple. You do not need many tools or skills. You can change the cheese or ham to match what you have. The butter and spices on top make the buns soft and golden. Kids like them, and adults do too. You can make a large batch without stress. The sliders are easy to share at a party or to pack for lunch. Leftovers heat well, and you can freeze them if you want. This recipe keeps the food tasty without much work.
HOW TO MAKE Ham and Cheese Sliders
This recipe is clear and short. You will cut the buns, layer ham and cheese, add a butter mix, and bake. The sliders come out warm and gooey. Below you will find a list of the tools and ingredients you need. Follow the steps in order for the best result. If you want a fresh side, serve the sliders with a light salad like an addictive cottage cheese chickpea power salad. The salad brightens the meal and adds healthy fiber and protein.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking dish or sheet pan, about 9×13 inches works best.
- Small bowl for the butter mix.
- Pastry brush or spoon to spread the butter.
- Sharp knife to slice the slider buns.
- Aluminum foil to cover while baking.
- Oven mitts and a timer.
These are common items in most kitchens. You can use a round or square dish. A rimmed baking sheet also works. If you do not have a brush, use a spoon to pour the butter mix onto the buns.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- Slider buns
- Ham
- Cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Mustard
- Onion powder
Use thin ham slices so they fold easily. Swiss or cheddar both melt well. Melted butter plus a little mustard and spice gives a nice top crust and flavor. You can use light butter or margarine if you prefer. The ingredient list is short and easy to buy.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer ham and cheese on the buns.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, mustard, and onion powder.
- Brush the mixture over the sandwiches.
- Place the top halves of the buns on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden.
- Serve warm as appetizers.
These steps are simple. When you layer ham and cheese, do not overfill the buns. One or two slices of ham and one slice of cheese per slider makes a good balance. Covering the dish keeps the sliders soft while baking. Removing the foil at the end lets the tops get slightly crisp and golden.
HOW TO SERVE Ham and Cheese Sliders
Serve the sliders warm from the oven. Place them on a platter for guests. Cut the whole tray into single sliders, or leave the buns whole for easy grabbing. Add a small bowl of pickles or a mild sauce beside the platter. A light salad or fresh veggies balance the rich cheese. For a casual meal, add potato chips or a bowl of soup. For a party, stack them on a large plate and add toothpicks. These sliders fit many occasions, from game day to a small family dinner.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Ham and Cheese Sliders
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To keep texture, place a paper towel in the container to absorb extra moisture. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until warm. For a quick reheat, use a microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, but the bun may get soft.
To freeze: wrap individual sliders or the whole tray tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Label with the date. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight if possible. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, covered for most of the time, then uncover to brown the top for 5 minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with pickles, olives, or sweet bread-and-butter pickles.
- Offer mustard, ketchup, or a simple honey-mustard dip on the side.
- Pair with fresh cut vegetables like carrot sticks and celery.
- Add a fruit plate for a light, sweet finish.
- Try a warm side like baked beans or a simple potato salad when you want a fuller plate.
For a hearty pairing idea, you can serve sliders with a warm casserole such as the Amish hamburger steak bake for a comforting meal when you cook for a crowd.
VARIATIONS
- Cheese types: swap Swiss for cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a mild kick.
- Ham types: use smoked ham, honey-glazed ham, or even thin turkey slices.
- Add veggies: layer thin pickle slices, tomato, or a small amount of sautéed onion for more flavor.
- Sauces: spread a thin layer of mayo, pesto, or spicy mustard on the buns before baking.
- Sweet note: add a thin spread of honey or fig jam to balance the savory taste.
These small swaps let you make fresh versions that fit your taste or what you have on hand. The basic method stays the same for all variations.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular hamburger buns instead of slider buns?
A: Yes. You can use any small soft roll. The bake time stays the same. Watch the top so it does not brown too much.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace ham with grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based deli slice. Use a sharp cheese or vegan cheese to keep flavor.
Q: How do I stop the buns from getting soggy?
A: Do not add wet ingredients directly on the bottom buns. Use thin layers and bake covered first, then uncover to brown. Let any hot steam escape for a minute before sealing in a container.
Q: Can I make them without butter?
A: You can use a light oil or a butter substitute. The top will still brown but the taste may change slightly.
Q: How many sliders does this recipe make?
A: It depends on the size of your buns. A standard 9×13 tray with a full pack of slider buns usually makes 12 sliders.
Q: Can I add extra cheese on top?
A: Yes. Add a light sprinkle of shredded cheese after you remove the foil, then bake the extra 2–3 minutes until melted.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ham and Cheese Sliders
You can assemble the sliders up to a day before you bake them. Keep the butter mix in a small covered container in the fridge and brush it on just before baking. If you plan to bake later the same day, wrap the assembled tray with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the assembled sliders without baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking steps, covered and then uncovered at the end.
Keeping the buns and toppings ready saves time. If you want a crisp top, brush the butter mix right before the oven. If you are making a large batch for a party, bake multiple pans and keep them warm on a low oven setting until you serve.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer ham and cheese on the buns.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, mustard, and onion powder.
- Brush the mixture over the sandwiches.
- Place the top halves of the buns on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden.
- Serve warm as appetizers.