The Ultimate Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Picture this: buttery, golden-brown Hawaiian rolls, layered with savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and brushed with a rich garlic butter glaze that crisps up perfectly in the oven.

These garlic butter ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate comfort food—whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just a cozy night at home. The blend of Swiss and sharp cheddar takes the flavor up a notch, while the garlic butter glaze adds the perfect punch of savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Sliders

If you’ve ever made classic ham and cheese sliders, you know they’re an easy crowd-pleaser. But this version? It’s next-level. The buttery garlic topping, the mix of melty cheeses, and the crisp-tender rolls make these irresistible. You get sweet, salty, cheesy, and garlicky goodness all in one bite. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make in under 30 minutes!

These sliders are perfect for any occasion—think weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or quick party appetizers. The best part? You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready.

What Makes This Recipe Different?

Most ham sliders use a simple butter and mustard glaze, but this version kicks it up a notch. The garlic butter glaze combines melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and smoked paprika.

This creates an incredible depth of flavor, making each bite better than the last. And instead of just Swiss cheese, we’re using a blend of Swiss and sharp cheddar to add both creaminess and a bold, slightly tangy bite.

The Secret to Perfectly Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

The key to getting that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture is the way you bake them.

First, you cover the sliders with foil for the first half of baking to keep everything soft and melty. Then, you uncover them for the last 10 minutes to let the tops get beautifully golden and crisp.

This prevents them from becoming soggy while ensuring that gooey, cheesy pull-apart goodness.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Use Fresh Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian make the perfect base. Their slight sweetness balances the salty ham and cheese perfectly.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter Glaze – Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops and let it seep into the cracks of the rolls for extra flavor.
• Layer the Cheese on Both Sides of the Ham – This trick helps hold everything together and creates a perfect cheese pull when you take a bite.
• Cover First, Then Uncover – Always start baking with foil covering the sliders to prevent burning, then remove it to let the tops crisp up.

Easy Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your ham and cheese sliders:

• Spicy Kick – Add a layer of jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot honey before baking.
• BBQ Ham and Cheese Sliders – Swap the Dijon mustard for BBQ sauce in the butter mixture for a smoky, slightly sweet twist.
• Turkey and Cheese Sliders – Replace ham with sliced turkey and use Monterey Jack or Provolone cheese for a milder flavor.
• Everything Bagel Style – Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning over the tops instead of poppy seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make These Sliders Ahead of Time

If you’re making these for a party or game day, you can easily prep them ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

When you’re ready, brush on the butter sauce, bake as directed, and serve hot.

The Recipe: Savory Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Sliders

This version of ham and cheese sliders takes the classic to the next level with a rich garlic butter glaze and a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, and gooey cheese makes this a go-to recipe for parties, game days, or even a simple family dinner.

Ingredients

For the sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 lb deli ham (honey ham, smoked ham, or Black Forest ham)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

For the garlic butter glaze:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Slice & Assemble: Use a serrated knife to cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally while keeping them attached. Place the bottom half in the greased baking dish. Layer half of the ham, followed by all the Swiss and cheddar cheese slices, then the remaining ham. Place the top half of the rolls back on top.

Make the Garlic Butter Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, making sure to coat every corner.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Serve & Enjoy: Let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes, then use a knife to separate them.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now that you know all the secrets to the best garlic butter ham and cheese sliders, it’s time to make a batch! Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just treating yourself to some cheesy, buttery goodness, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

If you try these sliders, let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear your favorite variations or see how they disappeared at your party. Happy cooking!