Name: Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Hawaiian Rolls, halved.; 3 tablespoons spicy mustard.; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed.; 1 tablespoon honey.; 1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced.; 12 slices cheddar cheese.; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.; 3/4 teaspoon poppy seeds.; 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.; 3/4 teaspoon onion powder.; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.; Kosher salt to taste.

A close-up of several sesame-seed-topped sliders filled with ham and melted cheese on a black tray. | recipesim.com

Let me share one of my absolute favorite recipes for feeding a crowd these Ham and Cheese Sliders. I've been making them for years and they never fail to disappear at every gathering. There's something magical about how that melty cheese and savory ham come together in soft sweet rolls it's pure comfort food that everyone loves.

Pure Comfort Food

I love how these sliders combine everything we crave tender rolls gooey cheese and perfectly seasoned ham. They're my go to when I need something quick but want to make people happy. The best part? They're so simple to put together but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What You'll Need

Hawaiian Rolls: One 12 count package keep them together in one piece.
Spicy Mustard: 1 tablespoon gives that perfect kick.
Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon adds just enough sweetness.
Honey: 1 tablespoon use the good stuff.
Ham: About ½ pound thinly sliced I get it from the deli counter.
Cheddar: 6 slices medium thickness for perfect melting.
Butter: ¼ cup melted this makes everything amazing.
Poppy Seeds: 1 teaspoon they make it look fancy.
Worcestershire: 1 teaspoon adds depth of flavor.
Seasonings: Onion powder garlic powder and salt to taste.

Let's Make Them Together

Start With The Oven: Get your oven warming to 350°F and grab your favorite baking dish.
Prep The Rolls: Here's my trick slice those rolls in half horizontally keeping them connected in one piece.
Make The Sweet Spread: Mix your mustard brown sugar and honey it's like magic how these flavors work together.
Layer With Love: Start with cheese then pile on that ham then more cheese trust me on this order.
Add The Secret Sauce: Mix melted butter with all those seasonings and pour it over everything don't miss a spot.
Bake To Perfection: Pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until they're golden and that cheese is perfectly melty.

A close-up view of cheesy ham sliders being served from a cast iron skillet. | recipesim.com

Perfect Quick Meal

These sliders are my secret weapon for busy days. The kids come running when they smell them baking and that buttery topping with the poppy seeds makes them look so fancy. Nobody needs to know how easy they are to make.

More Than Just A Snack

While these are amazing appetizers we often make them the main event. Add a fresh salad or some crispy veggies on the side and you've got a complete meal that makes everyone happy. They're perfect for those nights when you want something cozy but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Save Some For Later

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days. Just wrap them well in foil or pop them in an airtight container. When you're ready for round two warm them in a 350°F oven until that cheese gets melty again.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes we like to get creative with the toppings. A side of ranch for dipping is always popular at my house. My husband loves adding pickle slices right into the sliders and my spice loving friends swear by adding jalapeños.

A close-up of a tray of cheese and ham sliders on soft, golden buns, showcasing their melted cheese filling. | recipesim.com

Spice It Up

For those who like it hot try adding a pinch of cayenne to that butter mixture or swap in pepper jack cheese. Sometimes I'll add a few pickled jalapeños they add such a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to play with different cheeses. Swiss provolone even a mix of several kinds work beautifully. Sometimes I'll use honey ham or smoked ham whatever looks good at the deli counter. And fresh tomato slices are amazing in summer.

The Perfect Butter Sauce

Here's a tip I learned the hard way make sure your butter mixture is really well combined. I use a whisk to get those seasonings evenly distributed. That way every single slider gets its fair share of that amazing flavor.

Slicing Success

When you're cutting those rolls keep them connected it makes assembly so much easier. I always use my serrated bread knife and slice gently through the middle. This gives you nice even layers for stacking all that ham and cheese.

A cast iron skillet holds several toasted bread pieces topped with slices of ham and melted cheddar cheese. | recipesim.com

Keep Them Perfect

One thing to watch for don't go overboard with the butter sauce. Yes it's delicious but too much can make the bottom soggy. I like to drizzle it on gradually making sure every top gets golden but not drenched.

Kid Approved

These sliders are absolutely perfect for little hands. My kids love helping make them and they never complain about eating them. They're just the right size and that sweet roll with melty cheese gets them every time.

Switch Things Up

This recipe is so flexible. Sometimes I'll use turkey instead of ham or add some crispy bacon. Different cheeses different meats different seasonings it's hard to go wrong. Make them your own that's half the fun.

Complete The Meal

We love these with all sorts of sides. In summer a crisp coleslaw or potato salad is perfect. During colder months I'll make a warm soup to go alongside. They work for any season any occasion.

A close-up of savory sliders filled with layers of cheddar cheese and ham, topped with poppy seeds on a toasted bun. | recipesim.com

Party Perfect

These are my go to for potlucks and parties. Everyone loves them they're easy to transport and they're just as good at room temperature. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly.

Holiday Star

During the holidays these sliders are always on my menu. They're perfect for feeding a crowd between big meals or as part of a buffet spread. Plus they're so festive looking with those golden tops.

Work Ahead

Here's how I handle party prep I get everything ready the night before but wait to assemble. Keep your components separate in the fridge then put it all together just before baking. Fresh from the oven is always best.

Pure Joy

There's something so satisfying about pulling a pan of these sliders out of the oven. That moment when the cheese is perfectly melted the tops are golden and everyone's gathering around waiting for them to be ready. It's simple food that brings people together and that's what cooking is all about.

A close-up of a cheesy, ham-filled slider on a soft, golden bun, with melted cheese oozing from the sides. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?: You can assemble the sliders ahead and add the butter sauce just before baking. This keeps the rolls from getting soggy while ensuring they're hot and melty when served.
→ Why fold the cheese slices?: Folding the cheese creates layers that melt evenly and stay inside the slider. It also ensures every bite has the perfect amount of cheese.
→ Can I use different cheese?: While cheddar is classic, you can use Swiss, provolone, or any melting cheese you prefer. Just make sure it's sliced thin for proper melting.
→ Why use Hawaiian rolls?: Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness that complements the salty ham and savory butter sauce. Their soft texture also makes them perfect for sliders.
→ How do I know when they're done?: The sliders are ready when the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown, usually after 15-20 minutes of baking.

Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders