Baked Ham and Swiss Cheese Party Sliders

When it comes to tried and true party food, you just can’t beat these ham and Swiss sliders, or ham and cheddar sliders with brown sugar glaze. Both are classic, and both are loved by all.

I’ve been making this timeless version with buttery poppy seed sauce since the 90’s! However we’ve always made them with the sauce on the inside rather than poured on top. It’s actually more practical, because that way your hands don’t get messy when holding them, and they’re easier to wrap with foil when freezing.

I’ve served these at countless occasions from cocktail parties to tailgating, and girls night in to brunch. They make an excellent addition to appetizer party menus since they’re hearty and help soak up those cocktails.

PARTY TIP: Depending on your party and the other food being served, estimate 1½ to 2 sandwiches per guest.

Ingredient Tips

• Deli ham. We typically use boiled ham but you can use smoked or honey ham too. For non-pork eaters, use turkey instead of ham.
• Cheese. The traditional recipe is Swiss cheese. If you don’t like that, you can substitute with white cheddar for a tasty option. In fact we love to use half Swiss and half white cheddar slices.
• Rolls. I think the original recipe came from King’s Hawaiian rolls, so that’s what was recommended. However I’ve used regular party rolls, generic brand Hawaiian rolls, potato rolls, or small dinner rolls with success.

How To Make It

1. Cut. The party rolls come in a sheet that’s all connected. Use a serrated knife to cut the top from the bottom while keeping the sheet of rolls in tact.
2. Melt. Combine the sauce ingredients together on the stove, and cook for a couple of minutes or until the dried onions are rehydrated and soft.
3. Layer. Brush the sauce evenly over the INSIDE part of the bottom and tops of the rolls. Then layer on the ham and cheese and add the top sheet of rolls.
4. Bake. Cover with aluminum foil while baking so they don’t get too brown.

Helpful Tips

When the rolls are done, use a serrated bread knife to cut the individual party sandwiches apart from one another before serving.

Assemble them several hours ahead and keep them covered and refrigerated; bake them when you’re ready.

This is an affordable way to feed a crowd. Double the recipe for a larger party.

If you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Heat them in the oven to refresh them before eating.

To keep these warm for a tailgating picnic, wrap in aluminum foil and keep them in an insulated cooler with other hot items.

How to Freeze

To freeze them for later just follow all the steps in the recipe, except for baking. Wrap them in aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator over night and then bake as directed. And if you forget to thaw, just put the frozen sandwiches in the oven and add about 10 minutes to the baking time.

What to serve with them

I make these for appetizer parties all the time and include baked spinach and artichoke dip, crockpot saucy bourbon meatballs, a veggie tray, and savory pecans.

For brunch, serve them with bacon-wrapped bites, a vegetable quiche, and fresh fruit.

As I already mentioned, these sliders work for almost every occasion. Serve two per guest for a ladies luncheon or shower along with a party cheese board, gourmet potato chips, and a kale and apple salad for freshness.

PARTY TIP: Keep these warm during a party by placing them in a large chaffing dish with sterno, or on a food warming pad.

More party sandwich recipes

• Turkey melt party sandwiches – Turkey and pepper jack cheese are delicious with a Dijon mayonnaise spread.
• Roast beef party sandwiches with chili lime mayo – Roast beef, bacon, and avocado get a southwestern spin.
• Roast beef and blue cheese sandwiches – There’s lots of flavor and texture in these sliders.
• Slow cooker BBQ beef – This recipe is a terrific make-ahead option for sliders or full size sandwiches.
• Mini muffin appetizer sandwiches – These small bites bring something different to the table with a sweet muffin base.

Serve ham and Swiss sliders at your next appetizer party, shower, or brunch gathering. They’re delicious, easy, and can be prepped ahead, which makes them a winner in my book!