The Best Brown Sugar Ham and Cheese Sliders

These brown sugar ham and cheese sliders are an irresistible twist on classic ham sandwiches that combine layers of savory ham and nutty Swiss cheese with a sweet and buttery glaze. They’re the perfect party food that transforms simple ham and cheese sliders into a mouthwatering dish with a ton of flavor, thanks to the brown sugar topping that includes poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

Table of Contents

• What goes into this recipe
• How to make Brown Sugar Ham Sliders
• Expert Tips
• Storage and Freezing Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• Do you love sandwiches? Try these recipes…
• The Best Brown Sugar Ham and Cheese Sliders

These ham cheese sliders are perfect when you want something that works for both dinner at home or feeding friends watching the game {like these Chicken Parm Sliders}. They’re just as good as an easy weeknight dinner as they are alongside potato chips at a game day party.

The magic happens when you pour the savory butter sauce over the tops of the rolls. The brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard mixture bakes into the buttery rolls, creating a glaze that transforms basic ham sandwiches into something completely different.

And they’re so simple to make. Layer deli ham and Swiss cheese between soft rolls, add the glaze mixture, and pop them in the oven. When they emerge golden brown with gooey Swiss cheese, you’ll see why everyone loves them.

There’s just something about that combination of salty ham and sweet brown sugar topping that keeps people coming back for seconds!

What goes into this recipe

• Butter: I use regular salted butter for the topping, but unsalted butter works too – the Worcestershire sauce adds plenty of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Regular light brown sugar works best. Dark brown sugar can be used but will give a stronger molasses flavor to the topping.
• Dijon Mustard: The Dijon adds a nice tang to balance the sweet brown sugar. You can substitute honey mustard or spicy brown mustard if you prefer, but I wouldn’t recommend yellow mustard here.
• Poppy Seeds: These add a nice crunch – and they just look pretty! You can leave them out if you don’t have any on hand, but they really make the sliders look special.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft Hawaiian rolls work perfectly here, but any small dinner rolls or slider buns will do. Just make sure they’re connected in one piece so you can cut them all at once.
• Sliced Ham: Regular deli ham is great for these sliders, but this is also a great way to use leftover ham from a holiday meal. You want thin slices that will heat through easily and won’t overpower the other flavors.
• Sliced Swiss Cheese: The Swiss cheese becomes perfectly gooey when melted, but you could also use provolone or cheddar cheese if you prefer. Just make sure to get sliced cheese rather than shredded for the best melty texture.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make Brown Sugar Ham Sliders

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spray your baking dish with cooking spray. Take your connected dinner rolls and slice them in half horizontally – don’t pull them apart into individual rolls yet! Place the bottom half of the rolls in your prepared baking dish.
2. Layer half of your sliced ham over the bottom of the rolls, then add all of your Swiss cheese, and top with the remaining ham. This double layer of ham keeps the cheese from making the bottom bun soggy.

3. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
4. In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until the brown sugar dissolves into the butter mixture.

5. Pour your butter mixture evenly over everything, being sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. Let them rest for just a minute or two, then cut along the lines of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve them while they’re hot and the cheese is still gooey!

Expert Tips

• Let your butter cool slightly before mixing in other ingredients. If the butter is too hot when you add the brown sugar, it won’t blend as smoothly and might separate.
• Want to make these ahead? You can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the butter mixture separate and pour it over just before baking. Store assembled sliders covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
• Keep your ham and cheese layers even. Too much filling makes the sliders hard to eat and can cause the tops to slide off. A thin, even layer works best.
• Want to transport these to a party? Use a disposable aluminum pan and cover with foil. They stay warm for about an hour and can be reheated briefly if needed.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store: Leftover ham and cheese sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each slider individually in paper towels before storing to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freeze: While these brown sugar ham and cheese sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Let them cool completely, then wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm and the cheese is melted.

Recipe FAQs

Do you love sandwiches? Try these recipes…

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