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These small batch ham and cheese sliders are made with soft dinner rolls, layered with ham and cheese, then baked until warm and golden. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick meal, appetizer, or game day snack, all in a portion just right for one or two people.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Prep in minutes – mix the spread, layer the ingredients, and bake for home-cooked sliders without fuss.
- On the Table in Under 30 Minutes: Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or last-minute appetizers.
- Customizable Flavor: Swap cheeses (Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone), add veggies or mix in other meats like turkey or roast beef to match your taste.
- Perfect for Two or More: Small batch version avoids waste, but scalable for parties, game days, or potlucks.
- Warm, Melty & Comforting: Soft rolls smothered in melted cheese and savory ham, the gooey pull and buttery topping make them irresistible.
Sliders are little handheld sandwiches that pack big flavor into every bite, and that’s exactly what I love about this recipe.
The soft rolls, melted cheese, and savory ham make them simple yet so satisfying, and the smaller portion size means I can enjoy this classic favorite without having too much left over.
Enjoy these hot ham and cheese sliders with a small batch of sweet potato wedges, potato salad for one, tomato soup for one, loaded nachos for one, or single serving ambrosia salad.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch sliders recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness. Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy flavor. Swap with honey mustard, stone-ground, or yellow mustard for a milder taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth to the flavor. Soy sauce can be used instead, or simply leave it out.
- Garlic Powder: Provides mild garlic flavor. Use fresh minced garlic for a stronger taste.
- Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that pair well with the savory filling. King’s Hawaiian is classic, but any soft dinner rolls work. We also use them in our small batch Thanksgiving sliders.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham or cooked ham steak works best. Turkey, roast beef, chicken, or pork are good options too. Leftover ham can be used in split pea soup for one, a small Italian chopped salad, or single serve ham and cheese dutch baby.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly with a nutty flavor. Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella are great substitutes. Extra cheese can be used in chicken cordon bleu for one or a reuben sandwich.
- Poppy Seeds (optional): For topping the sliders.
Recipe Variations
Try these popular ways to change up your ham and cheese sliders:
- Breakfast Sliders: Replace ham with crispy bacon and add a fried or scrambled egg.
- Fresh Vegetables: Layer spinach, arugula, or thinly sliced tomatoes for added freshness and color.
- Italian Style: Swap in salami and provolone, then spread a little homemade pesto.
- BBQ Sliders: Add barbecue sauce and top with cheddar cheese for a smoky, tangy slider.
How To Make Ham And Cheese Sliders
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make mini ham sliders. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
Before You Begin: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5 inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Prep the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the buttered dish. If the rolls separate, it’s fine – they’ll fit in the dish.
- Sauce the Tops: Spread the sauce evenly on the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Set aside.
- Layer the Filling: Add half the ham, then half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining ham and cheese.
- Assemble: Place the top half of the rolls over the filling. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly browned.
- Rest & Serve: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to lift them out, cut into individual sliders, or serve directly from the dish.
Pro Tip: If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Expert Tips
- Spread Evenly: Coat the rolls with the sauce so every bite has flavor.
- Choose Good Ingredients: Use quality ham and cheese for the best taste.
- Preheat the Oven: A hot oven ensures even baking.
- Watch Closely: Check the sliders as they bake to avoid over-browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, assemble the sliders, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving.
Soft dinner rolls are best because they bake up tender and hold the fillings well.
Yes. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Yes, simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made these mini ham and cheese sliders, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Small Batch Ham and Cheese Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
For the Sauce
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sliders
- 4 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 ounces sliced ham (3-4 slices)
- 2 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (2-3 slices)
- ½ tablespoon butter -melted
- ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 5×5-inch baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Prep the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the buttered dish.
- Sauce the Tops: Spread the sauce evenly on the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Set aside.
- Layer the Filling: Add half the ham, then half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining ham and cheese.
- Assemble: Place the top half of the rolls over the filling. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly browned.Pro Tip: If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil.
- Rest and Serve: Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to lift them out, cut into individual sliders, or serve directly from the dish.
Notes
- Spread Evenly: Coat the rolls with the sauce so every bite has flavor.
- Choose Good Ingredients: Use quality ham and cheese for the best taste.
- Preheat the Oven: A hot oven ensures even baking.
- Watch Closely: Check the sliders as they bake to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I made these for lunch today–I will get 2 lunches. Very good and I will definitely make these again. I used Boars Head low sodium ham and Sargento thin sliced Swiss.
I’ve made these a few times now. I used potato slider rolls as I don’t care for the sweetness of Hawian rolls. These are so easy and delicious. I spread garlic and herb butter over the roll tops and sprinkles with everythng but the bagel seasoning, which was just so flavorful and wonderful. They are filling, and I tend to eat 1 or 2 and leave the rest for another meal or snack. I have made larger batches of the sauce to use with other sandwiches or to dip chicken tenders in. I followed the recomendations and made other slider sandwiches this way, such as a rueben, or turkey and cheese.
I camp year ‘round, regardless of the weather, and I am always looking for something I can take with me that’s light weight and tasty. These really hit the spot. Add an egg in the morning and it’s a ham egg and cheese sandwich. with a cup of coffee, one/two get me going to get to work on the chores I have to do. Well done Joanie! Thank you!!
Ham and cheese sliders are in the oven as I type. I can tell they will be yummy.
Easy and Delicious
Great recipe.
Thank you!