Ham and Cheese Sliders with Garlic Butter

Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are mini sandwiches with ham,
cheddar and swiss cheeses, brushed with a garlic butter sauce and baked until toasty.

Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a crowd favorite - whether you're hosting game day, a holiday gathering, or need a quick weeknight dinner. These little sandwiches are warm, cheesy, and brushed with a buttery topping that makes them irresistible. What makes this version unique? I walk you through the entire process in a step-by-step video, so you can see exactly how to assemble and bake them perfectly every time. I'll warn you now that they are addicting 🙂.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite - Perfect for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners, these sliders always disappear fast. Great as an appetizer, but also filling enough for a meal.
• Garlic Butter Perfection - The rich, savory garlic butter spread makes them a little fancy and enhances the ham and cheese flavors.
• Easy to Make - With simple ingredients and quick assembly, you can have these sliders ready to bake in minutes.
• Customizable - Use your favorite cheese, swap in turkey or roast beef for a different flavor option.
• Make-Ahead Friendly - Prep them ahead of time and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You'll Need for the Ham and Cheese Sliders

Hawaiian Rolls - Soft and slightly sweet rolls that hold the sliders together perfectly and compliments the flavor of the ham.

Ham - Thinly sliced deli ham adds a savory, flavor. Use your favorite ham. I personally enjoy ham that's a little sweet.

Cheese - Swiss is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella all work beautifully. We combined swiss and cheddar for this recipe for flavor out of this world.

Butter - The base of the irresistible garlic butter topping.

Garlic - Freshly minced garlic brings bold, savory flavor.

Tips for making the Sliders: 

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. (This keeps the rolls intact and prevents tearing.)

Layer cheese on the bottom half of the rolls. (The cheese acts as a barrier to prevent sogginess when the butter is added.)

Add slices of ham, then top with more cheese. (Double layers ensure gooey, melty sliders that hold together.)

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: They can be made ahead, but are best served fresh; however, to do so cook the beef mixture and once cooled assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven for the best result. Preheat your oven and wrap them in foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes. Or heat them via microwave by wrapping them in a damp town to prevent drying and microwave for 30-60 seconds. 
• Store: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to make Ham and Cheese Sliders (Step-by-Step) :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a 9x13" baking dish.
3. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic and chopped parsley.
4. Brush the bottom layer of rolls with the butter mixture.
5. Layer cheddar cheese slices over the bottom rolls.
6. Add an even layer of honey ham.
7. Top with Swiss cheese slices.
8. Brush the inside of the top rolls with the butter mixture.
9. Place the top rolls over the layered ingredients.
10. Brush the top of the rolls with the remaining butter mixture.
11. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are crowd-pleasers and perfect for almost any occasion! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• Game Day Appetizer - Serve warm from the oven with chips, dips, or wings for the ultimate party spread.
• Holiday Gatherings - A great way to use up leftover ham from Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner - Pair with a simple side salad, roasted veggies, fries or chips for satisfying meal.
• Potluck or Tailgate - These sliders taste great even at room temperature, making them a hit for on the go gatherings. (Also, for school or work lunches.)

Frequently asked questions:

Should I toast the Sliders?

You don't need to turn on the broiler. Since the rolls are buttered the bread automatically toasts on its own.

What should I serve with the sliders?

They are great with chips, chips and dip, chips and salsa, fries, tater tots, or even potato wedges!

Will the sliders become soggy?

These sliders are in no way soggy. Ensure that when buttering the top of the buns to prevent the liquid from reaching the bottom of the dish. Bake them uncovered in the oven. Also, do not soak the buns with butter, just brush the buns with butter.

How do I keep them warm for a party?

You can cover the sliders with foil; however, I recommend pre-prepping them and placing them in the oven right before guests arrive or as guests are arriving to prevent them from possibly getting soggy by being covered with foil.

How far ahead can I make the ham sliders?

No more than 24 hours in advance for the best freshness.

More Whip it like Butter/game day recipes

Try my Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls recipe for a different take on this recipe.

Grab your favorite dipping sauce and try my Popcorn Chicken recipe.

Are you potato lover? Try my Loaded Baked Potato Wedges recipe.

Try my Chicken Fajita Quesadilla recipe for another quick appetizer/game day recipe.