Ham and Cheese Sliders

Cheesy pull-apart sliders are popular for a reason—they're the perfect way to feed a crowd! We love this ham and cheese sliders version: soft dinner rolls get layered with ham, Swiss cheese, and a tangy mayo-mustard spread, then baked in the oven until glossy on the outside and melty on the inside. Some pickled jalapeño and honey in the spread give this nostalgic recipe some modern kick, but don't worry, these sliders still honor tradition with a brushing of butter and sprinkle of poppy seeds on top. Add these to your favorites list for Super Bowl snacks, quick lunches, and any time you get a hankering for cheesy, melty goodness!

How do I keep my sliders from getting soggy?

Pop the split rolls under the broiler for a few minutes to toast them before building the sliders. This helps keep the bread sturdy so the sandwiches don't fall apart and get soggy.

What kind of rolls are best for ham and cheese sliders?

Look for soft, square mini rolls that come attached, like sweet Hawaiian or potato rolls. Skip individual rolls or rolls with any kind of hard crust—these will get too crispy in the oven.

What cheese goes best with ham?

Swiss cheese is what you'll typically find on ham sliders, and there's no question why! Its buttery, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with ham. But this recipes ups the ante by layering on some cheddar too. Cheddar's sharpness cuts through the hams saltiness (and sometimes sweetness) and makes for a balanced, ooey-gooey slider.

What's the difference between black forest ham and smoked ham?

Black forest ham is cured with salt for a couple months before being smoked, often with branches from fir trees. Smoked deli ham (including honey and brown sugar) is usually uncured and can be smoked with any kind of wood. Use any style that you love for these sliders. You could even use smoked turkey if you don't eat ham!

Can ham and cheese sliders be made ahead?

You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead (we don't recommend any more than six hours ahead though, since they will start to get soggy), then brush and bake just before you plan to serve. Wrap the still-attached rolls in foil after baking to keep warm on the table or spread of tailgate foods.

What pairs well with ham and cheese sliders?

Think of these mini sandwiches as the perfect party food. Pair with any delicious party dips to feed a crowd. They're also splendid with a bowl of soup for lunch or dinner!

How long can ham and cheese sliders sit out?

They taste best served hot, fresh from the oven, but any leftovers can sit out for up to two hours. After that, store them in the fridge and simply reheat that sandwiches as needed. If you're eating on the patio and it's 90 degrees or any hotter outdoors, the sliders shouldn't sit out more than 1 hour. Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat them in the oven until warmed through the next day.