Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders with Buttery Poppy Seed Glaze

I’ve been making these ham and cheese sliders for years now, and they never last long – especially with the kids around. Something about the warm, melty cheese and that buttery poppy seed glaze just hits the spot every time. They’re one of those recipes I can pull together fast without much planning, which is a total win on busy weeknights.

These little sliders have become a go-to for gatherings too. Whether it’s a casual Sunday lunch or we’ve got friends coming over to watch a game, I know this tray will be scraped clean. You can prep them in just a few minutes, and they bake up golden and perfect every time. Plus, they reheat surprisingly well (if you even have leftovers, ha!).

Sometimes I’ll switch up the cheese depending on what’s in the fridge, but Swiss is definitely our favorite. The glaze is what really makes them stand out though – it’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit savory. You’ll want to keep this recipe close, because once you make them, you’ll get asked for it again and again.

Ingredients

• 12 slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls): I love using sweet Hawaiian rolls – they’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up that buttery glaze.

• ½ lbs thinly sliced cooked ham: Any cooked ham works here, but I usually grab whatever’s on sale at the deli counter.

• 12 slices Swiss cheese: Swiss adds that melty, nutty flavor that pairs so well with the ham – don’t skimp on the cheese!

• ¼ cup mayonnaise: A thin layer of mayo helps keep everything extra creamy and flavorful inside.

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: The Dijon gives just the right amount of tang to balance the richness.

• 4 tbsp butter, melted: Melted butter is the base of the glaze – it’s what makes the tops golden and delicious.

• 1 tbsp minced onion: Just a bit of onion adds so much flavor to the glaze, without overpowering anything.

• 1 tbsp poppy seeds: These little seeds give the sliders that classic bakery-style finish and a bit of crunch.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.

3. Spread mayonnaise on the buns, then layer Swiss cheese, ham, and another layer of Swiss cheese on top.

4. Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings to close the sliders.

5. In a bowl, mix together melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds to make the glaze.

6. Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the sliders, ensuring even coverage.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.

8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and crispy.

9. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before serving.

Top Tips

• Don’t skip the glaze! It might seem like an extra step, but the buttery mustard glaze is what takes these sliders from simple to seriously irresistible.

• Make ahead-friendly: You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the glaze until right before baking.

• Use a serrated knife: When cutting the buns, a serrated knife will make it so much easier to slice them evenly without tearing.

• Try different cheeses: Swiss is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack can switch things up if you’re in the mood for variety.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes – once the tops are golden and the cheese is melted, you’re good to go!

• Need to feed a crowd? This recipe easily doubles or triples for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Just use a bigger baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan.

• Line your baking dish: For easier cleanup, line your dish with parchment paper or foil before assembling the sliders.