These Ham & Cheese Sliders are the perfect finger food for game day! Soft rolls are filled with tasty ham and gooey cheese, then topped with a buttery sauce. Yum!
They are super easy to make and always disappear fast! I love serving them hot out of the oven while everyone cheers for their team. Go team snacks! 🏈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft and fluffy slider buns are essential for a great texture. If you can’t find slider buns, use regular dinner rolls or brioche buns for a sweeter taste.
Deli Ham: I recommend using good quality deli ham for the best flavor. You could substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option or keep it vegetarian with roasted veggies.
Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss pair wonderfully, but feel free to mix it up! Provolone or Gouda are excellent choices, and if you want to spice it up, try pepper jack for a little kick.
Butter: For a lighter option, swap melted butter with olive oil. You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free version while keeping the flavor strong.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Sliders for Maximum Flavor?
Layering is key to balanced flavors and gooeyness in these sliders! Start by spreading the ham evenly so every bite gets a taste of it. Then, arrange the cheese slices over the ham without skimping. It’s better to have a little overlap to guarantee melty goodness in every slider. Don’t forget to drizzle that tasty butter mixture over the top before baking!
- Layer ham first, then both cheeses.
- Drizzle the butter mixture generously, ensuring it seeps in.
- Cover with foil in the first baking phase to retain moisture.
This careful layering technique really makes a difference for the finished dish. Happy baking!
Ham & Cheese Sliders for Game Day
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (small soft rolls)
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 slices cheddar cheese
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
For the Butter Mixture:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious sliders ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for game day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for making sure your sliders turn out perfectly warm and melty. While the oven heats up, take your packet of slider buns and slice it in half, keeping the buns connected. This will make it easier to layer everything!
2. Layering the Ingredients:
Place the bottom half of the buns in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Now, it’s time to layer! Start by adding the deli ham slices evenly over the bottom buns, then stack the cheddar and Swiss cheese slices on top. Once that’s done, gently place the top half of the buns back over the cheese. You want all that gooey goodness protected!
3. Making the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, parsley flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper (if you’d like). This buttery mixture is the secret to a deliciously flavored topping!
4. Baking the Sliders:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders, ensuring they’re well-coated for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in while baking. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re close when the cheese starts to melt!
5. Crisping the Buns:
Remove the foil after 15 minutes and let it bake for another 5 minutes to allow the tops to turn golden brown and slightly crispy. This will give your sliders a delightful texture!
6. Serving Time!
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Now, slice them into individual sliders, and they’re ready to enjoy warm. They make for perfect finger food while everyone cheers on their favorite team!
These ham and cheese sliders are soft, cheesy, and flavorful, topped with a buttery garlic sauce that makes them irresistible. Enjoy your game day treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and cover them tightly in the baking dish, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard instead. For a milder flavor, simply omit the mustard altogether, and your sliders will still taste delicious!
