Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s as simple to make as it is delicious, look no further than baked ham and cheese sliders. These little sandwiches pack a punch of flavor with layers of savory ham, melty cheese, and a deliciously seasoned buttery glaze, all sandwiched between soft, pillowy slider buns. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or any time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and indulgent. The best part? You can easily make them with halal-friendly ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this tasty treat without compromising their dietary preferences.

In this article, we will guide you through how to prepare baked ham and cheese sliders, explore some variations and tips for perfecting the recipe, and even offer ideas for making them more customizable to your taste. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply for a comforting meal at home, baked ham and cheese sliders are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but want something tasty.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and a buttery, herbed glaze is irresistible and loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can customize these sliders with different types of cheese, add your favorite condiments, or even switch out the ham for another protein of your choice.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a casual gathering, game day, or a picnic, these sliders are a perfect choice for any event or party.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is made with halal-certified ham and cheese, ensuring that it meets the dietary requirements of those who avoid pork and alcohol.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 sliders, depending on the size of the buns.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Fat: 14g

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns: Soft, pillowy buns that are perfect for holding the layers of ham and cheese.
• 12 slices halal-certified ham: Opt for halal turkey ham or chicken ham as a pork-free alternative.
• 12 slices Swiss cheese: You can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone, but Swiss cheese adds a nice, creamy melt.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: For a creamy, tangy spread.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of zing and depth to the sandwich.
• 2 tablespoons honey: For a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.

For the Butter Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter: This will create a rich and flavorful base for the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of tang to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds sweetness to the glaze for that signature savory-sweet balance.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a little kick of garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder for a fuller flavor.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herby taste to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For extra texture and a slight crunch.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE SLIDERS

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the sliders bake evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Prepare the Buns: Slice the 12 slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom halves together. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish, fitting them snugly together.
3. Add the Ham and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the bottom halves of the buns. Place a slice of halal-certified ham on each bun, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the other half of the buns, creating a sandwich.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE BUTTER GLAZE

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined.
2. Brush the Buns: Once the glaze is ready, carefully pour it over the assembled sliders, ensuring that the tops of the buns are evenly coated. Use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze evenly across all the buns. If you like extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the buns before baking.

THIRD STEP: BAKE THE SLIDERS

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops of the buns to become golden brown and crispy.
2. Check for Doneness: The sliders should be warm, and the cheese should be fully melted and gooey. The buns should have a slight crisp on the top and be perfectly golden.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve: Once the sliders are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately while they are still warm and cheesy.
2. Garnish (Optional): You can garnish the sliders with fresh parsley or extra sesame seeds for added flavor and color.

How to Serve Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked ham and cheese sliders are versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Snack or Appetizer

These sliders are perfect for serving at a party or family gathering. Their bite-sized nature makes them an excellent appetizer or snack that can be easily passed around.

2. For a Casual Meal

Serve the sliders with a side of crispy fries, potato wedges, or even a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

3. Game Day Snack

If you’re hosting a game day or watching a big sports event, baked ham and cheese sliders are an excellent choice. Their easy-to-eat format makes them perfect for snacking while enjoying the game.

4. For a Picnic

These sliders travel well and can be made in advance, making them a great option for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Just wrap them in foil to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

Additional Tips

1. Use Different Types of Cheese: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor and texture to the sliders.
2. Add Veggies: For some added crunch and freshness, you can layer in some sliced pickles, lettuce, or even tomatoes. These veggies balance the richness of the cheese and ham.
3. Make Them Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sliders before baking.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sliders up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as usual.
5. Freezing: These sliders freeze wonderfully! After assembling the sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

Recipe Variations

While baked ham and cheese sliders are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your tastes.

1. Swap the Ham for Chicken or Turkey

For a different take on this classic recipe, consider using halal turkey or chicken slices instead of ham. These leaner meats still provide a great flavor but with a slightly lighter taste.

2. Add a Sweet Touch

For those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations, try adding a bit of fruit to the mix. A slice of apple or pear on each slider adds a fresh, crisp sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham and cheese.

3. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with roasted vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions, or a veggie-based deli slice. You can also add a layer of pesto or hummus for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Baked ham and cheese sliders can be made ahead of time and stored for later use:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: As mentioned, these sliders freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap the sliders in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Although this recipe doesn’t require special tools, here are a few kitchen essentials that can make the process easier:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for assembling the sliders.
• Pastry Brush: For applying the butter glaze evenly over the buns.
• Sharp Knife: To easily slice the sliders into individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the ham with chicken, turkey, or even roast beef. Just ensure that the meat is halal-certified.

2. Can I make the sliders vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ham with roasted vegetables, veggie patties, or plant-based deli meats.

3. Can I make these sliders without Dijon mustard?

If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, you can simply omit it or use a different type of mustard, like yellow mustard, or even a spread like honey mustard for a sweeter option.

4. Can I use whole wheat slider buns?

Yes, whole wheat slider buns are a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option with more fiber.

5. How can I keep the sliders warm for a party?

You can keep the sliders warm by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a slow cooker on the warm setting or by covering the baking dish with foil and placing it in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C).

Conclusion

Baked ham and cheese sliders are a delicious and versatile snack that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their savory filling, melty cheese, and buttery glaze, these sliders are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a casual meal, or a game-day snack, they are easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with the option to customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences, baked ham and cheese sliders are a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty and convenient meal.