Little Ham & Cheese Sliders
I have to tell you—when I finally served these little sliders to the young men at church after tweaking the recipe for weeks, the response was priceless. They squealed like kids, and I quickly understood why. These sliders are irresistible: quick to assemble, comforting, and always a hit.
I sampled a few even though I wasn’t very hungry, and I almost couldn’t stop. They’re that good. If you want a simple dish that earns a “wow” reaction, this is it. The recipe is adapted and improved from ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com—I’ve adjusted it until it was perfect for my family and for feeding a crowd.
Looking for a WOW Response?
These ham and cheese sliders are a crowd-pleaser for good reason. They taste fantastic, come together quickly, and are perfect for dinner, parties, potlucks, youth activities, or family gatherings. You can make them ahead for stress-free entertaining, and they reheat beautifully so your guests get hot, gooey sandwiches right from the oven.
Great Make-Ahead Dish
If you like having food ready before guests arrive, these sliders are ideal. Assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze, then brush with the butter dressing and bake when it’s time to serve. It takes minutes to finish them in the oven so you can relax and enjoy your company.
How to Assemble
Start by keeping sheets of dinner rolls intact and slicing them in half horizontally with a long serrated knife. Spreading the filling and layering the ham and cheese while the rolls remain in sheets makes the process fast and clean, especially when preparing multiple pans.
Stack and quarter the cheese slices so you can easily place portions on each roll. Spread the mayonnaise/Miracle Whip mixture on both cut sides of the rolls, add about 3/4 ounce of ham per slider (increase if you like), and place two quarter-slices of cheese on each bottom half. Replace the tops and arrange the sliders in a baking pan.
If you’re not serving them immediately, assemble without the butter dressing and wrap tightly. Refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze (wrapped in plastic and foil) for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the dressing separately and add it just before baking for best results.
When ready to bake, whisk together the dressing—melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and poppy seeds—then pour evenly over the assembled sandwiches. Let them sit a few minutes so the butter sets slightly, then bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes covered, until the cheese melts. Uncover and bake 1–2 more minutes until the tops are slightly browned and crispy. Serve warm.
Great Large-Group Recipe
These sliders scale wonderfully for large groups. For parties or events, assemble multiple pans, wrap them, and refrigerate or freeze until needed. When serving a crowd, bake the sliders right before serving so guests enjoy them hot and melty. They disappear fast—trust me.
Recipe (Family Size — Serves 12 mini sliders)
Ingredients
- 12 small white dinner rolls (I use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham
- 6 slices Monterey Jack or Baby Swiss (or regular Swiss), each cut into quarters
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Dressing to drizzle
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Special Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut each cheese slice into quarters and set aside.
- Keep rolls in single sheet groups. Using a long serrated knife, slice each sheet in half horizontally. Spread softened butter on the cut side of each half sheet and toast butter-side down in a nonstick pan until golden and slightly crunchy. Set aside.
- In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture on both cut sides of each roll sheet. Divide ham between sandwiches and place two quarter-slices of cheese on each bottom half. Close rolls and place in the baking pan.
- In a medium bowl whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Pour dressing evenly over the sandwiches, covering the tops. Let sit about 10 minutes until butter sets slightly. Cover lightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, until cheese melts. Uncover and bake 1–2 minutes more until tops are slightly browned and crispy. Serve warm.
Make-Ahead Note
Sandwiches can be assembled but not drizzled, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen (wrap in plastic then foil) for up to 2 weeks. Defrost in the refrigerator before baking. Do not add the dressing before refrigeration or freezing. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Crowd Version (Serves 60 mini sliders)
The larger version follows the same method but scales up ingredients: use about 60 rolls (King’s Hawaiian packs), 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter for toasting, 3–4 pounds ham, 30 slices of Baby Swiss, 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, 1 1/2 cups Miracle Whip, 1 teaspoon garlic powder. For the dressing use about 2 cups melted butter (4 sticks), 3 tablespoons Dijon, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, garlic and seasoned salt to taste, and 1/4 cup poppy seeds. Assemble in half-sheet pans (about 40 rolls per pan) and bake as above.
About the Author
I’m Betsy from Aloha Dreams. I share trusted, family-friendly recipes and tips for cooking for large groups. If you need dependable recipes and planning advice for events from 20 to 200 people, I can help you say “Yes!” and relax while I guide you through the menu and timing.
Explore more: recipes, entertaining tips, and ideas for large gatherings.