If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, the Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe is an absolute winner. These little sandwiches bring together tender ham and melty Swiss cheese nestled inside soft, buttery rolls, all topped with a zesty poppy seed glaze that adds just the right amount of punch. Perfect for game day, a casual party, or even a simple family dinner, this recipe is a deliciously easy way to elevate sliders into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe requires a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture in your sliders.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, buttery crust every slider deserves.
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard): Brings a tangy kick that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle depth with its umami punch, making the flavors more complex.
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds: Infuses a slight nuttiness and delightful crunch on top, giving character to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes: Offers a gentle onion aroma and taste without being overpowering.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (or dinner rolls or slider buns): Their soft, slightly sweet texture works perfectly to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 12 slices deli ham: The star of the show, providing savory, tender layers of protein.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese, sliced): Melts beautifully, creating gooey, irresistible layers of cheesy goodness.
How to Make Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This ensures the perfect temperature to gently melt the cheese and toast the tops to a beautiful golden brown without drying out the sandwiches.
Step 2: Mix the Poppy Seed Glaze
In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion flakes. This mixture is key to packing tons of flavor into the buttery crust that will sit atop your sliders.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. If your rolls are connected in a roll pan style, you don’t need to separate each one individually, which speeds up your prep time.
Step 4: Butter the Rolls
Brush the inside of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This adds moisture and helps keep the bread soft once baked, giving you a tender bite every time.
Step 5: Layer Ham and Cheese
Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish. Fold each slice of ham to fit neatly on the rolls, then top with slices of Swiss cheese. This classic pairing is what makes the sliders delightfully flavorful and hearty.
Step 6: Add Tops and Glaze
Gently place the tops of the rolls back on the sandwiches and brush the entire surface with the poppy seed butter mixture. This step creates the signature glossy, savory crust that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled sliders uncovered for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese melts into gooey perfection and the tops have turned a lovely golden brown.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Pull the sliders from the oven and serve them warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. These sandwiches are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!
How to Serve Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe, try adding fresh garnishes like thinly sliced pickles or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. These add bursts of tang and color that brighten up every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides that pair wonderfully include crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or creamy coleslaw. These sides add texture and freshness to balance the indulgent sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these sliders on a large wooden board with mini bowls of mustard and pickles for guests to customize their bites. You can also thread them onto skewers for easy grab-and-go party treats that look fantastic on any buffet table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making for quick and delicious lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked sliders after assembling them on the baking dish by covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or thawed sliders, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, cheddar or provolone can also work well and give a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
What kind of ham is best for these sliders?
Deli-style sliced ham works best for convenience and flavor, but you can use smoked or honey-glazed ham for an extra special touch.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ham with your favorite vegetarian deli slices or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a tasty meat-free version.
Is there a way to make these sliders spicy?
Definitely! Adding a bit of spicy mustard or spreading some sriracha mayo inside the rolls before assembling adds a delightful kick that balances the cheese and ham.
How do I make the slider tops extra golden?
Brushing the tops lightly with melted butter before baking helps them brown beautifully. The poppy seed glaze also contributes to that gorgeous golden finish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try out this delightful Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe. It’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether for a party or family dinner, these sliders are sure to become a forever favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Ham and Swiss Slider Sandwiches with Poppy Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Sliders are a deliciously savory and slightly sweet party appetizer or meal option. Featuring tender ham and melted Swiss cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with a buttery poppy seed glaze, these sliders are baked to golden perfection and perfect for gatherings or quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (or dinner rolls or slider buns)
- 12 slices deli ham
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese (or cheddar cheese, sliced)
Butter Glaze
- 6 tablespoons melted butter (divided)
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried onion flakes to create a flavorful glaze.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves. If the rolls are attached, separating each is unnecessary.
- Butter Inside Rolls: Using the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter, brush the inside surfaces of the rolls to add richness and moisture.
- Assemble Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish. Layer a slice of folded deli ham on each roll, then top each with Swiss cheese slices.
- Add Top and Glaze: Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer gently. Brush the tops of the assembled sliders generously with the prepared butter glaze mixture.
- Bake Sliders: Bake the sliders uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tops are lightly browned, indicating they are heated through and perfectly toasted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy the melty, savory goodness of these sliders.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Using Hawaiian rolls adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory ham and mustard glaze.
- Feel free to substitute deli ham with turkey or roast beef if preferred.
- For best results, brush the butter glaze evenly to ensure even browning and flavor infusion.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
