Easy baked ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls, layered with deli ham, melty Havarti, and a buttery poppy seed topping. The perfect make-ahead party food!

Why this recipe works

These easy baked ham and cheese sliders quite literally fly off the plate! Soft King’s Hawaiian rolls get layered with deli ham and melty Havarti, brushed with a buttery poppy seed topping, then baked until warm and golden. It pretty much explains itself. They’re honestly super easy to prepare and you can assemble them ahead of time, which is great for parties.

The buttery poppy seed topping uses yellow mustard rather than dijon which soaks into the tops of the rolls as they bake without making them soggy. Another trick I’ve learned over the countless times of making these sliders is to spread a little mayo onto the rolls before they bake. This keeps them soft and, dare I say it… moist… while they bake so they definitely don’t come out dry!

I’m not sure what the pull between football and sliders is in this household, but it’s a strong one. These ham and cheese sliders and Mississippi pot roast sliders are on repeat anytime the season rolls around. They’re great for kids’ lunches, too!

close of a stack of ham and cheese sliders

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

ingredients to make ham and cheese sliders

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

DELI HAM – I use thin deli-sliced ham and fold each slice so it piles up nicely on the roll. Either smoked or baked deli ham works, it really comes down to personal preference.

CHEESE – I am a Havarti nut because it’s mild, buttery, and melts beautifully. Swiss gives you the classic ham and Swiss combination, and cheddar or provolone are both great too. Use any white cheese you love.

HAWAIIAN ROLLS – I buy the big pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls because I love those sweet, soft buns. Any soft slider roll will work here though!

MAYONNAISE – Mayo is spread on the cut sides of the rolls for moisture and a little extra flavor, any variety will work. If you’re not a mayo fan, readers have swapped in softened cream cheese or garlic butter with good results.

TOPPING – The topping is melted butter, poppy seeds, yellow mustard, minced shallot, and a splash of Worcestershire. The yellow mustard is what keeps it mellow instead of sharp. As you can imagine, this topping is what gives these sliders most of their flavor. Brush it on generously with a pastry brush before the pan goes in the oven.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Cut each roll in half and spread mayonnaise on each side of the roll. Fold a slice of ham in half, then in half again and place on the roll. Top with a small slice of Havarti cheese. Place top of roll back on to form sandwich.
Place rolls close together in a 13×9 baking pan until pan is completely full. More than one batch will be needed to make all 24. I was able to fit 15 in the pan.
Whisk together all sauce ingredients and brush it generously over the tops of all the rolls. Let the rolls sit until the butter has set up a bit.
For a toasted bun, bake uncovered. For softer rolls, cover pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

What cheese is best for ham and cheese sliders?

Swiss is the typical go-to for most things ham-related, but I personally prefer to use Havarti. Cheddar or provolone will both work well here too! You can use whatever your favorite cheese is here, though I would recommend sticking to a white cheese.

Do these use dijon mustard?

No. The poppy seed topping uses plain yellow mustard, so there is no sharp dijon bite. You can leave the mustard out entirely and they are still delicious, or, you can substitute the yellow mustard with dijon if that’s your preference.

How long do you bake ham and cheese sliders and at what temperature?

Bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes. Cover the pan with foil for soft, pillowy rolls, or leave it uncovered for tops that turn golden and a little crisp.

Can you make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the sliders, brush on the poppy seed topping, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake them off right before serving so the rolls are warm and fresh.

How do you reheat ham and cheese sliders?

I have reheated these in the microwave after refrigerating them and they warm up just fine in a few seconds. Otherwise, you can cover them with foil and reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

Do you put mayo on ham and cheese sliders?

Yes. I spread mayonnaise on both cut sides of the rolls, about two teaspoons per slider, for moisture and richness. If mayo is not your thing, readers have had luck with softened cream cheese or garlic butter instead.

stack of ham and cheese slider sandwiches

Storage and Freezing Information

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To get ahead, you can assemble the sliders and brush on the topping, then cover and refrigerate up to a day before baking.

To freeze, assemble the sliders and brush with the topping. Place them in an airtight container in a single layer and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as normal!

Serving Suggestions

Ham and cheese sliders are great as lunch, an appetizer, or even as dinner. I make them for football parties and they never last more than 10 minutes! Pair with potato chips and a pickle spear or french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad.

Setting out a game day spread? Add a few of our favorites to the table like Pepperoni Pizza Puffs, Appetizer Veggie Pizza, and Pizza Poppers. Hope you love them!