Baked Mini Party Sandwiches with Brown Sugar Glaze

Ham and Cheese party sandwiches

When I host parties and gatherings I like to make sure I serve some hearty food options in order to balance out the cocktails. Mini party sandwiches are a great addition to the menu, and with this brown sugar glaze, everyone loves them.

These are excellent to add to your menu of easy appetizers for girls night in, or to set out alongside some easy elegant hor’s d’ oeuvres. 

Our oven-baked ham and cheese sliders can be made with Hawaiian rolls or simple party rolls. Stack them with delicious ham and cheese that melts when baked in the oven, and you have the makings for a delicious party buffet.

Serving hot appetizers can sometimes sound like extra work. But I assure you these hot mini party sandwiches are made with few ingredients, can be prepped ahead of time, and are an easy way to add warm items to your menu. A little something for everyone!

Best Party Appetizers

What makes these party sandwiches so great? They are party size but hearty enough to help absorb any alcohol drinks you might be serving. But that’s not all.

• They’re easy to make.
• Good for appetizer parties as well as brunch parties.
• Can be made ahead and baked when ready.
• They’re hearty bites making them great game day snack ideas.
• Easily double the recipe for an even bigger crowd.
• Serve them for baby showers and bridal shower luncheons.
• Serve them warm or at room temperature.
• You can even take these to a potluck party.

How to make mini party sandwiches

If you want to get a head start, prepare the rolls the night before but don’t bake them. Cover them with foil and refrigerate over night. Before the party, prepare the glaze and bake as directed. 

1. Prepare a baking dish by adding a bed of parchment paper or aluminum foil to the bottom and up the sides of the pan. This will make clean up a breeze.
2. Slice rolls in half for sandwiches and then place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Place a layer of cheese, topped by a layer of ham, and cover with the roll tops.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in remaining glaze ingredients and bring to a low boil until it begins to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and ladle over the tops of the sandwiches, covering fully.
4. Bake uncovered. Check on sandwiches and add a loose layer of foil over the rolls if they begin to brown too much.
5. Remove, and slice and serve.

Can I make sandwiches the night before a party?

Absolutely. While I would not suggest you bake them, you can definitely assemble them without the glaze ahead of time, and add glaze and bake just before serving.

What other kinds of fillings can I use?

Here’s what is amazing about baked mini party sandwiches, you can really get creative and play with fillings to suit your mood! Ham and cheddar is a definite staple and I know this because everyone loves them.

• You can experiment and substitute your fillings with turkey instead of ham.
• Use swiss or brie instead of cheddar.
• If you’re looking to get fancy you can add caramelized onions to them.

Can I store leftover baked sandwiches?

You can store your leftover sandwiches wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are safe to eat, however, they may be soggy.  You can relive the magic by reheating in the oven to crisp up the bread again.

More Party Sandwiches

For a unique twist for a party, set up a wine tasting and diy sandwich bar. And any of these sandwich recipes is great on a food table.

• These ham & swiss mini sandwich appetizers are always a hit.
• Roast beef and blue cheese party sandwiches
• Mini muffin appetizer sandwiches
• Roast beef party sandwiches with chili lime mayonnaise
• Turkey melt party sandwiches
• Tea party tea sandwiches
• Make party sliders with slow cooker BBQ beef

For one of our Christmas party menus I served these mini sandwiches with my easy baked spinach dip, and apple chutney & goat cheese crostini. The rest of the menu consisted of cocktail meatballs, shrimp cocktail, and a crudites platter.