Sliders, loaded with leftover ham, gooey cheese, and a buttery, golden topping – perfect for any occasion!

Some dishes taste best when left super simple, like these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders. There is no better way to use up leftover ham than in a slider loaded with cheese. After just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, I’ve got 12 deliciously soft rolls, bursting with ham and gooey, melted cheese, ready to feed a crowd.

Close-up of baked ham and cheese sliders with a golden-brown top
A fantastic use for leftover ham, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are as simple as they are delicious. Before baking, they are brushed with a delicious glaze that takes them to the next level.

Before baking, the rolls are brushed with a buttery, honeyed, garlicky mustard glaze, then sprinkled with optional poppy seeds, giving them a crispy, shiny, flavoursome topping that takes them to the next level.

These sliders were inspired by a recipe I found online, on the website All Recipes. You can find the original recipe here. The main changes I made were to the topping (I’ve gone for garlic bread vibes instead of onion) and I’ve also added creamy mayo to my roll filling – indulgent … but delicious!

Whether I’m hosting a party, prepping snacks for the kids (great for when they have friends over), or whipping up a fuss-free dinner, these sliders are my go-to. They also happen to be incredibly versatile – perfect for mixing up with different cheeses, spreads and toppings depending on what I have on hand. They might be simple, but they’re incredibly delicious and will tempt even fussy eaters.

Overhead view of baked ham and cheese sliders in a pan, topped with melty yellow cheese and arranged closely together.
A fantastic use for leftover ham, Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are as simple as they are delicious. Before baking, they are brushed with a delicious glaze that takes them to the next level.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders without the glaze, cover tightly with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the glaze and pop them in the oven.

Can I make these with leftover chicken instead of ham?

Yes, you can use leftover barbecued (rotisserie) or roast chicken instead. Delicious!

Can I make these in different bread rolls?

You can use 4–6 larger rolls (e.g. large Turkish rolls) or even baguettes and just divide the same fillings and toppings among these. If you are using rolls that already have poppy seeds or sesame seeds on, you don’t need to add poppy seeds to the glaze.

Close-up of baked ham and cheese sliders in a pan, topped with a shiny, crispy glaze of buttery honey garlic mustard and sprinkled with poppy seeds.
The rolls are brushed with a buttery, honeyed, garlicky mustard glaze, then sprinkled with optional poppy seeds, giving them a crispy, shiny flavoursome topping after baking.

What other cheese can I use?

Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but cheddar, mozzarella, gouda or gruyere work beautifully too.

How do I reheat the sliders?

Reheat in a 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced) oven for 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating individually, a quick zap in the microwave works well.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Assemble the sliders, wrap them tightly in foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What are some other similar easy burger, wrap or sandwich recipes?

If you enjoyed these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders, I think you’ll enjoy:

Big Mac Tacos
Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers
Crispy Chicken Burgers with Honey Mustard
Portuguese Chicken Burger
Nachos Beef Folded Wraps

Print
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Close-up of baked ham and cheese sliders with a golden-brown top

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Soft rolls stuffed with leftover ham and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection with a buttery glaze, these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are easy to make and perfect for entertaining, lunchboxes or a cosy family dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders (serves 4–6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

SLIDERS

  • 12 plain white soft dinner rolls (or slider buns)
  • 300 g (10½ oz) leftover ham, finely sliced or shredded
  • 10 slices Swiss cheese (or cheese of choice)
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise

BUTTERY MUSTARD GLAZE

  • 80 g (2¾ oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp poppy seeds (optional, see note 1)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
  2. Assemble the sliders – The rolls may come attached to each other, but this is fine – leave them like that and just slice the bunch of attached rolls in half horizontally (watch the video). Spread the mayonnaise evenly across the bottom layer.
  3. Layer the ham and cheese – Distribute the ham evenly among the rolls, followed by the cheese (try and place it so it covers as much of the surface area as possible, and the pieces can overlap between the rolls – all the rolls sticking together with melted cheese is amazing!). Place the top halves of the rolls on, to form the sliders. Transfer the sliders to a large baking dish, making sure they are touching (see photos).
  4. Make the glaze – In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder and poppy seeds (if using).
  5. Add the glaze – Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the sliders reserving 1 tablespoon for later (optional), ensuring they are evenly coated.
  6. Bake – Cover the sliders with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Run a knife between the rolls to separate them. Brush the remaining glaze on top of the sliders for an extra-shiny finish (this is optional and the sliders will taste just as amazing without this final step!).
  7. Serve – Serve immediately.

Notes

Note 1 – If you buy rolls that already have poppy or sesame seeds on them, leave the poppy seeds out of the glaze.

 

Make Ahead

Assemble the sliders without the glaze and refrigerate, covered with foil, for up to 24 hours. Add the glaze just before baking.

Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Assemble the sliders, wrap them tightly in foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

 

Recipe source

Inspired by the Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders on the All Recipes website. View the original recipe here.

  • Author: Nicole
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sandwiches, Quick and Easy
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food