Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

  • Slice the Buns:

    1. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice through all your slider buns horizontally, creating tops and bottoms. The key is to slice through the entire stack, not individually—this keeps them intact and easier to work with.

    2. Place the bottom halves of all slider buns in the prepared baking dish, cut-side up, in a single layer.

    Layer the Fillings:

    1. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each bottom bun. About ¼ teaspoon per bun is perfect.

    2. Place one slice of ham on top of the mayonnaise on each bun, overlapping slightly if needed.

    3. Top each ham slice with one slice of Swiss cheese, folding it to fit the slider bun size.

    4. Place the slider bun tops back on each sandwich, pressing down gently.

    Make the Butter Sauce:

    1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds.

    2. Stir well until fully combined. (Optional: Add minced garlic, oregano, or Parmesan to customize.)

    Assemble for Baking:

    1. Pour approximately half of the butter mixture evenly over the tops of all the sliders.

    2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

    First Bake (Covered):

    1. Bake covered for 10 minutes. This allows the buns to absorb the butter and start to soften while the cheese begins to melt.

    Second Bake (Uncovered):

    1. Carefully remove the foil and pour the remaining butter mixture over the sliders, letting it soak into any dry spots.

    2. Continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the tops are golden brown.

    3. The buns should be buttery and slightly crispy on top, with melted cheese visible between the layers.

    Finish and Serve:

    1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes.

    2. Serve warm with your choice of condiments and toppings on the side, allowing guests to customize their own.

    3. Optional: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top right after baking for extra flavor.

    Pro Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sliders

    Use a Serrated Knife – This prevents the delicate buns from crushing when slicing through the entire stack.

    Slice the Stack, Not Individually – This keeps all the buns together, making assembly much easier and more efficient.

    Don't Overfill – Stick with one slice of ham and one slice of cheese per slider to avoid bursting during baking.

    Let the Butter Soak – Giving the first 10 minutes of covered baking time allows the buns to absorb the buttery sauce, creating maximum flavor.

    Make Condiments Available – For parties with picky eaters, serve mayo, mustard, and other condiments on the side rather than spreading on each slider.

    Use Quality Ingredients – Good deli ham and real Swiss cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.

    Don't Skip the Foil – Covering prevents the tops from browning too quickly before the cheese melts.

    Warm Before Slicing – If making ahead and reheating, warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes covered, then 5 minutes uncovered for best results.

    Variations to Try

    Protein Swaps:

    • Turkey and Swiss for a lighter option

    • Roast beef and cheddar for heartier flavor

    • Pastrami and provolone for a deli classic

    • Bacon and sharp cheddar for smoky richness

    Cheese Options:

    • Provolone for a tangier flavor

    • Cheddar for sharpness

    • Pepper jack for a spicy kick

    • Gruyère for sophistication

    • Brie for elegance

    Sauce Enhancements:

    • Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the butter sauce

    • Include ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

    • Stir in 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan

    • Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

    • Mix in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tang

    Topping Ideas:

    • Caramelized onions for sweetness

    • Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness

    • Jalapeño slices for heat

    • Fresh arugula for peppery bite

    • Sun-dried tomatoes for brightness

    Make-Ahead Instructions:

    • Assemble sliders in baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours

    • Add 5 minutes to baking time if baking from cold

    • Alternatively, bake completely, cool, cover, and refrigerate; reheat covered at 325°F for 10 minutes

    Storage and Reheating

    Refrigerator – Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes to warm through and restore crispiness.

    Freezer – Cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.

    Make-Ahead – Assemble in the baking dish the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the final bake time.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve with:

    • Classic condiments (mayo, mustard, ketchup)

    • Dill pickle spears or chips

    • Coleslaw for freshness

    • Potato chips or fries

    • Vegetable crudités

    • Fruit salad for balance

    • Soup or broth for dipping

    Perfect for:

    • Super Bowl parties

    • Game day gatherings

    • Potlucks and picnics

    • Family dinners

    • Holiday celebrations

    • Quick weeknight meals

    • Feeding a large crowd

    Why This Recipe Works

    The magic of these sliders lies in the three-layer technique: soft buns, savory ham and cheese, and buttery, herb-infused sauce. When baked together, the sauce soaks into the buns while the cheese melts, creating a perfectly moist, flavorful sandwich. The covered baking ensures the buns stay tender, while the uncovered finish lets the tops turn golden and slightly crispy. Every bite is balanced, satisfying, and utterly delicious!

    Nutritional Information (Approximate)

    Yield: 12 sliders

    Prep Time: 15 minutes

    Bake Time: 20 minutes

    Total Time: 35 minutes

    Calories per slider: ~220-260 kcal

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