Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe

What makes this Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe so special is how it balances rich, melty cheese with sharp mustard and a subtle onion crunch, all wrapped in pillowy white rolls that soak up every bit of that buttery sauce. When they come out of the oven, the aroma is irresistible — warm Swiss cheese melting into salty ham, with a buttery poppyseed topping that turns golden and just a little crusty. The texture combo of soft bread, gooey cheese, and that slightly crisped top? Pure magic. Plus, they’re super versatile — perfect for holidays, tailgates, or whenever you want an easy crowd-pleaser without fuss.

Don’t worry if you’ve never made sliders before — I’ll walk you through every step so your Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe turns out just right the first time. From mixing the savory butter to baking those sliders to melty perfection, I’ve got your back. Once you try this, these sliders become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy that same cozy, cheesy comfort too.

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Measuring ingredients accurately really helps the Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe come together perfectly. Use level spoons and cups for the butter and mustard, and remember the exact quantities are in the printable recipe card below.

• Soft white rolls: The cushiony base that soaks up all the buttery goodness; Hawaiian rolls work great if you can find them.
• American mustard: Provides that classic tangy zip — avoid spicier mustards to keep the flavor balanced.
• Sliced ham: Thinly sliced, it layers nicely without overwhelming the slider; leftover holiday ham is perfect here.
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully with a gentle nuttiness — Gruyère is a fun substitute.
• Butter: Unsalted, melted butter forms the base of the savory topping that locks in flavor.
• Onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and texture in the butter sauce.
• Poppyseeds: Adds a slight crunch and nutty note; optional but highly recommended.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami, enhancing the tangy butter mix.
• Garlic powder: For a bit of savory warmth without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.

If you don’t have poppyseeds, you can skip them without losing much; and feel free to swap Swiss cheese for other melt-friendly cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking pan (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″): The perfect size to snugly fit the roll slab and allow even baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking during baking.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the mustard onion butter smoothly.
• Basting brush or spoon: To evenly spread the buttery sauce atop the sliders.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the roll slab cleanly in half.
• Foil: To cover the sliders during the covered bake step, trapping moisture.
• Skewer or fork: To pierce the slider tops and let the buttery sauce soak in.

How to Make Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe

Once your ingredients and tools are ready, making these sliders is a straightforward process. I’ll break it down so you can feel confident every step of the way.

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the sliders from sticking.
2. Make the Mustard Onion Butter: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely chopped onion, bright yellow American mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined. This buttery sauce is where a lot of the savory magic happens.
3. Slice the Roll Slab: Carefully slice the slab of soft white rolls horizontally into two halves. Keep the pieces together to maintain the shape, like a giant sandwich.
4. Spread Mustard: Using a spoon or basting brush, evenly spread about 1/3 cup of the American mustard onto both the bottom and top halves of the rolls. This adds tang and moisture to the sandwich layers.
5. Layer Ham and Cheese: Place the bottom half of the roll slab into your lined pan. Layer thinly sliced ham evenly over the bread, followed by the Swiss cheese slices, covering the entire surface. Don’t put the top half on yet — we’ll melt the cheese first.
6. Bake Cheese Melt: Pop the open-faced sandwich into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This quick bake melts the cheese evenly, creating that gooey, melty texture you want inside.
7. Add the Slider Tops and Butter: Remove the pan from the oven, carefully place the top halves of the rolls over the melted cheese, then pour or spoon the mustard onion butter evenly over the entire top surface. Make sure every part of the bread is coated with this flavorful butter.
8. Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This allows the buttery topping to soak deeply into the bread and ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Pierce the Sliders: After removing the foil, use a skewer or fork to gently pierce through the intersections where the roll corners meet. This little trick helps the buttery sauce seep all the way through for ultimate moistness.
10. Final Uncovered Bake: Return the sliders to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes until the tops turn golden and crusty. Watch carefully here — you want a crisp, appetizing finish without burning.
11. Serve Hot and Fresh: Cut the sliders into individual servings right out of the oven and enjoy immediately for the best melty, savory experience.

How to Serve

Flavor Boosters

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to brighten up the buttery richness of the sliders. For an extra tangy pop, a light drizzle of honey mustard or a swipe of pickle slices inside can amp up flavor without overpowering. If you love a little heat, try a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes on top after baking.

Perfect Pairings

These sliders pair wonderfully with crunchy dill pickles or a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness. On the drink side, a cold craft beer or a sparkling cider balances the savory depth nicely. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast.

Presentation Touches

Serve these sliders on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting look at your next gathering. Cutting them into individual sliders while hot makes portions perfect for parties or game-day snacks. Want to gift or bring along? Wrap the slider slab tightly in foil and pop it into a warm bag to keep it cozy until serving.

Variations & Easy Swaps

• Use provolone or mozzarella cheese if Swiss isn’t available for a milder melt.
• Swap American mustard for Dijon or honey mustard for nuanced flavor changes.
• Try turkey or chicken slices instead of ham for a lighter option.
• Make it dairy-free by using vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Add sliced pickles inside the slider for an extra tangy crunch.
• Skip poppyseeds if unavailable; the butter sauce will still shine.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Assemble sliders and refrigerate, covered with foil, for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes uncovered to revive crispiness and melty cheese.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-sliced deli ham instead of shaved ham?
  Absolutely! Just try to get thin slices so they layer nicely without overpowering the sliders.
• What if I don’t have a rectangular pan the right size?
  You can use any similarly sized baking dish or even a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil to keep the sliders together.
• Is it okay to use a different type of mustard?
  The classic tang comes from bright yellow American mustard. Other mustards work but will change the flavor profile—try small amounts first.
• Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
  Yes! Just bake sliders in batches or use larger pans, adjusting baking times slightly to ensure cheese melts fully.
• How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
  Spreading mustard on both bread halves and baking initially without the top prevents sogginess by controlling moisture absorption.

Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter Recipe

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Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Mustard Onion Butter are a classic American game-day treat featuring soft white rolls filled with thinly sliced ham and melted Swiss cheese. These sliders are brushed with a tangy mustard and onion poppyseed butter sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or using up leftover ham, this recipe offers a deliciously savory, cheesy, and tangy flavor experience that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Angelika
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders
• Category: Party Food, Sandwich
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Sliders:

• 12 standard or 24 small soft white rolls slab (23 x 33cm / 9 x 13″ slab)
• 1/3 cup American mustard (bright yellow mustard)
• 350g (12 oz) ham, shaved or thinly sliced (up to 500g/1 lb if preferred)
• 250g (8 oz) Swiss cheese or other melting cheese slices (10 – 12 slices)

Onion Poppyseed Butter:

• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp American mustard
• 1 tbsp poppyseeds
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic finely minced)
• 1/2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Line the base of a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make Savoury Butter: In a bowl, mix melted butter, finely chopped onion, American mustard, poppyseeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Assemble Base: Slice the slab of rolls horizontally into halves. Spread 1/3 cup of mustard evenly on both the base and lid of the rolls. Place the bottom halves in the prepared pan, layer with ham slices, then top with cheese slices. Do not put the tops on yet.
4. Bake Topless: Bake the open-faced sandwich in the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted completely. This step ensures proper melting of the cheese.
5. Smother with Butter: Remove the pan from the oven. Place the tops of the rolls onto the sliders, then pour or spoon the onion poppyseed butter evenly over the entire top, making sure all parts are coated.
6. Covered Bake: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the butter to soak in.
7. Pierce for Soakage: Remove the foil and gently pierce the intersections where the roll corners meet with a skewer or fork. This encourages the butter to soak thoroughly into the bread.
8. Final Bake: Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and crusty.
9. Serve Hot: Cut the sliders while still hot into individual servings and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Soft rolls work best so the sliders meld together nicely. Aim for a slab that fits snugly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) pan. Hawaiian rolls are perfect for the U.S., either 12 large or 24 small.
• Use American mustard (bright yellow) for the classic tangy flavor. Avoid hot English mustard or wholegrain mustard as their flavors and textures differ.
• Ham quantity can be increased to 500g (1 lb) if slicing your own ham; the recipe uses 350g for store-bought shaved ham.
• Poppyseeds add nuttiness and a fun texture though you can omit them if unavailable.
• If you lack a 23 x 33cm pan, use a similarly sized baking tray lined with foil and tightly wrap the bread to keep the butter in while baking.
• Baking the sliders without the lid initially is crucial to fully melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
• Leftovers can be stored for 3-4 days depending on the ham’s shelf life and are best reheated in the oven to revive texture and flavor.
• Recipe inspired by various online versions but adjusted to ensure proper cheese melting and balanced flavor.