Classic Ham and Swiss Sliders

Name: Classic Ham and Swiss Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 12 Hawaiian rolls; 12 slices of ham; 12 slices of Swiss cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking

I love making Classic Ham and Swiss Sliders for gatherings because they are incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a rich buttery topping creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they're the perfect finger food that allows guests to mingle while enjoying a delicious bite. These sliders are a hit at parties and simple enough for a weeknight dinner, making them my go-to recipe for any occasion.

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-01-06T21:29:28.121Z

When I first tried making Classic Ham and Swiss Sliders, I wanted to find a recipe that would impress my friends without a ton of effort. I quickly discovered that using Hawaiian rolls as the base not only adds a touch of sweetness but also keeps the sliders soft and fluffy. This combination was a game changer, as it provided the perfect canvas for the delicious fillings.

As I experimented, I learned the importance of the buttery sauce drizzled on top. It infuses each layer with flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust when baked. I recommend letting the sliders sit for 10 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite unforgettable.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory balance that pleases everyone
Effortless to prepare and perfect for entertaining
Melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich flavors

      

Perfecting Your Sliders

To achieve the perfect sliders, it’s crucial to slice the Hawaiian rolls evenly. A serrated knife works best for this task, ensuring clean cuts without squishing the bread. Aim for a gentle sawing motion, taking care to maintain the integrity of the rolls. This reliability is key—you want them to hold together once filled but also remain soft and airy inside, providing that delightful contrast with the savory ham and cheese.

When layering the ham and Swiss cheese, consider the quality and thickness of your ingredients. Using thinly sliced deli ham will yield a more tender bite, while a good quality Swiss cheese will melt beautifully. If you prefer a bolder flavor, you could substitute Gruyère for Swiss or combine both for a gourmet twist. Don't hesitate to experiment according to your taste; these substitutions can elevate the overall outcome of the dish.

The Butter Mixture

The butter mixture is what truly elevates the sliders, adding depth and richness. Ensure that your butter is well melted but not too hot when mixing it with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce; hot butter can separate and create a greasy texture. Combining these ingredients at room temperature will maintain a creamy consistency that coats the sliders perfectly. Additionally, if you prefer a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.

Don’t skip the poppy seeds; they provide a slightly nutty crunch and add visual appeal. If you don’t have poppy seeds on hand, you can substitute with sesame seeds for similar texture but a subtly different flavor. Just keep in mind that variations can alter the overall experience, so adhere to the primary ingredients if you want to highlight that traditional taste.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your Classic Ham and Swiss Sliders.

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian rolls
12 slices of ham
12 slices of Swiss cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients ready, you're set to assemble your sliders!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your sliders.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.

Layer the Ingredients

Layer the ham and Swiss cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.

Create the Butter Mixture

In a bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the butter mixture over the assembled sliders and cover with the top halves of the rolls. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sliders are golden brown.

Serve

Let the sliders cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Now that your sliders are ready, enjoy them warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding sliced pickles or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the buttery mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders can be served alongside a light salad or vegetable platter, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery flavors. Adding a zesty coleslaw can enhance the meal and provide a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with the soft sliders. If you want to up the ante at gatherings, consider serving with a mustard dipping sauce or a homemade aioli for an extra touch of luxury.

For those planning to serve these sliders as part of a larger spread, consider including a variety of sliders, such as turkey or roast beef, to cater to a range of palates. You can also serve them in a buffet-style layout, which not only encourages mingling but also allows guests to mix and match their favorite flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the many advantages of these sliders is that they can be prepared ahead of time. After assembling the sliders in the baking dish, cover them with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them exceptionally convenient for parties or busy weeknights since you can have everything ready to pop in the oven right before serving.

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the bread chewy instead of soft and fluffy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can substitute the ham with turkey or roast beef, and swap Swiss cheese with cheddar or provolone.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Absolutely! Simply assemble them, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.