Get ready to meet your new go-to crowd-pleaser—the Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight! This dish takes the humble ham and cheese slider to delicious new heights with buttery Hawaiian rolls, gooey Swiss cheese, tangy poppy seed topping, and irresistible layers of flavor. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or whenever you crave cozy comfort food—these sliders disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Party Pleaser: The Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight is the first thing guests reach for—guaranteed!
- Buttery, Flavorful Glaze: Each slider gets bathed in a sweet and savory poppy seed butter with a punch of tangy mustard and aromatic onion.
- Effortless & Make-Ahead Friendly: Assembles in minutes and can be prepped ahead for stress-free entertaining or weeknight ease.
- Melty Cheese & Tender Ham: Every bite features the classic combo of gooey Swiss and smoky ham, all nestled in pillowy-soft rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create irresistible, bakery-style sliders. Each component brings its own magic—whether it’s creamy cheese, sweet rolls, or a flavor-packed glaze!
- Butter: Melted butter forms the rich, luscious base for that signature golden topping.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the smokiness of the ham and sharpness of the cheese.
- Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip this! It offers just the right zip to balance out the buttery glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash gives savory depth and extra umami kick.
- Poppy Seeds: The MVP! These dot the tops with crunch and visual flair.
- Dried Minced Onion or Onion Powder: For flavor, aroma, and a hint of sweetness.
- Hawaiian Rolls (or any soft dinner roll): Their slight honey sweetness and pillowy texture make these sliders utterly craveable.
- Deli Ham, thinly sliced: Provides the hearty, classic base for each slider—choose smoked or honey ham for extra flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy layers—swap in your favorite if you prefer, but Swiss is a classic for a reason!
Variations
One of the best things about Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight is how customizable it is. Switch up the ingredients or suit your needs—this recipe is made to adapt!
- Tasty Meat Swap: Not a ham fan? Try roast turkey, thinly-sliced chicken, or even roast beef for a different spin.
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Swap Swiss for provolone, cheddar, or gouda—each one melts beautifully in these sliders.
- Spice it Up: Add a dab of horseradish mustard or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for a gentle kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free rolls for a celiac-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
- More Veggie Power: Layer in a few baby spinach leaves or sliced tomato for color and freshness.
How to Make Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight
Step 1: Get Set & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 baking dish. Give it a quick mist of nonstick spray—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents any cheese from sticking. Having everything ready to go before you assemble makes the rest a breeze!
Step 2: Whip Up the Buttery Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and minced onion. You’ll notice the mixture turns wonderfully fragrant—the perfect finish that will transform these sliders into a Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight.
Step 3: Layer Your Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the sheet intact. Place the bottom halves in your baking dish. Layer on half the ham, all the Swiss cheese, then the remaining ham. Cap them with the tops of the rolls, creating neat little sandwiches ready to soak up flavor.
Step 4: Pour & Bake
Slowly pour that glorious butter-poppy seed mixture all over the tops of the rolls—get into all the nooks and edges so every slider gets its share! Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until perfectly golden.
Step 5: Slice & Enjoy
Once the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling, take the sliders out and let them cool briefly. Cut into individual portions (a serrated knife works wonders) and serve your Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight warm and melty—enjoy the applause!
Pro Tips for Making Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight
- Roll Selection Matters: Fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls make these sliders stand out—avoid stale rolls to ensure a perfect pillowy bite.
- Even Butter Coverage: Pour the glaze slowly and use a spoon to nudge extra buttery topping into every crack and corner.
- Cheese Barrier Magic: Place cheese between layers of ham to keep everything gooey and prevent sogginess on the bottom rolls.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch for golden tops; baking too long can dry out the rolls—the cheese should be just molten and the tops glistening!
How to Serve Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra poppy seeds or finely chopped fresh parsley on top when the sliders come out of the oven. If you love a little zip, serve with extra Dijon on the side, or a ramekin of sweet honey mustard for dipping!
Side Dishes
Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or crunchy kettle chips. For a more filling meal, offer a cup of tomato bisque or classic potato salad alongside. They’re also perfect next to other party finger foods.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the sliced sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or nestle them in a lined basket for casual snacking. For a festive gathering, serve them on a pretty platter and add a pop of color with edible flowers or colorful cocktail picks sprinkled among the sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re (miraculously!) left with some Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight, transfer cooled sliders to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—they’ll still be delicious and soft, ready for snack-attacks!
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead? Absolutely! Wrap fully baked and cooled sliders tightly in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked texture, reheat leftovers in a foil-covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). For just a single serving, the microwave works too, but keep the power low so the rolls stay soft, not chewy.
FAQs
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Can I assemble the sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight up to a full day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with cold sliders.
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Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls, or will other breads work?
While Hawaiian rolls are classic for their sweet, fluffy texture, any soft dinner roll will do the trick. Try potato rolls, brioche, or your favorite bakery mini buns for a twist on the Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight!
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—simply substitute gluten-free rolls and check that your other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce and mustard) are certified gluten-free.
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Is there a way to make these sliders less sweet?
Sure thing! Cut back on the brown sugar or use a more savory roll to reduce sweetness—it’s easy to tailor the Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight to your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Warm, melty, irresistibly buttery, and so easy to make—Poppy Ham and Swiss Slider Delight proves why the classics are worth holding onto and sharing! I hope you make a batch soon, watch them fly off the platter, and create your own new family memories. Happy baking!
Print
Savory Ham and Cheese Slider Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect combination of savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a sweet buttery glaze, all baked into delicious Hawaiian rolls. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder)
For the Sliders:
- 1 pound Hawaiian Rolls (24 small or 12 large)
- 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 pound Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix the glaze: Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion.
- Assemble the sliders: Cut the rolls in half and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ham on the rolls, then top with Swiss cheese and the remaining ham.
- Add the glaze: Place the top halves of the rolls over the sliders and pour the butter mixture evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sliders are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Cut into individual sliders and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize these sliders with different cheeses or by adding additional ingredients like mustard or pickles.
- These sliders are great for parties or as a quick meal option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
