If you are on the lookout for a crowd-pleaser that’s irresistibly flavorful and oh-so-comforting, look no further than this Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where soft, buttery dinner rolls encase layers of savory, melty ham and cheese, all enhanced by a beautifully seasoned garlic herb butter that seeps into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to something special, these sliders are an absolute game-changer you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each bring a unique touch to the dish’s overall appeal. From the tender rolls to the flavorful cheeses, every component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma you’ll crave.
- 12-count slab dinner rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls (Sweet Hawaiian brand works wonderfully) provide the perfect base that’s easy to pull apart and soak up the butter’s richness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted butter builds the sumptuous garlic herb sauce that makes these sliders pop with flavor and a golden, crispy top.
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder: Brings an aromatic punch that accentuates the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just the right touch to enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a mild kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- 12 oz deli ham: The star protein, sliced thin enough to layer beautifully but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.
- 6 oz melty cheese slices (Swiss or Havarti): Their creamy meltability creates gooey goodness that ties everything together.
- 6 oz sharp cheese slices (sharp Cheddar or aged Gouda): Adds a robust tang and sharp flavor contrast, elevating the sliders’ complexity.
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds: Provides a delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor on top.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Infuses herby notes that complement the garlic butter perfectly and give the sliders an irresistible aroma.
How to Make Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Rolls and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. With a serrated bread knife, carefully slice your slab of 12-count dinner rolls in half horizontally. This step is crucial because it creates that sandwich effect that locks in all the delicious filling. Place the bottom half of the rolls snugly into a lightly greased baking dish, just a bit larger than the slab itself. This will make sure the sliders stay juicy and perfectly heated throughout baking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter
Next, it’s time to make that irresistible butter mixture. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir in 1 teaspoon of dried garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. You may choose to add the Italian seasoning now or later based on your flavor preference (some love the herby kick upfront, while others prefer it on the top layer). This luscious buttery spread is what gives the sliders their signature garlicky-herb-infused goodness, so don’t underestimate its power!
Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Place half of your 12 oz deli ham onto the bottom half of your rolls, spreading it evenly so every bite will have meat. On top, layer your 6 oz melty cheese slices followed by the 6 oz sharp cheese slices. Then add the remaining ham to create that hearty double-layer of flavor. Finally, cap it all with the top half of the rolls. This multi-layer assembly ensures a perfect combination of salty, cheesy, and buttery in every slider bite.
Step 4: Brush and Season the Top
Mix the poppy seeds and Italian seasoning (if you didn’t add it earlier) into the leftover melted butter. Generously brush this butter blend all over the top half of the rolls, coating them well to ensure a golden, flavorful crust. Cover the assembled sliders tightly with aluminum foil to keep all those delicious juices locked in while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your sliders into the oven and bake covered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the ham is heated through. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 4-5 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. Allow the sliders to cool for about 5 minutes at room temperature before slicing so all the layers settle perfectly and none of that cheesy magic escapes.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
While these sliders shine on their own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of finely chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate. A light drizzle of honey mustard or a few pickles on the side can also provide a tangy contrast to the rich, buttery goodness.
Side Dishes
Complement your Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe with crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. These options balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange these sliders on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy pickup, or serve them in mini cast iron skillets for instant comfort food vibes. You could also customize sliders with different cheese types or add a slice of pickle inside for a tangy twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sliders in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a perfect next-day snack or quick meal that you can enjoy without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to make these sliders well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap the assembled but unbaked sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders, cover loosely with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes will help re-crisp the tops for that freshly baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use different breads for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet Hawaiian rolls or similar slab dinner rolls are ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness, you can experiment with other soft rolls or even slider buns to suit your preference. Just ensure they are large enough to hold all the layers without falling apart.
What cheeses work best in Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe?
The combination of a creamy melty cheese like Swiss or Havarti with a sharp cheese such as Cheddar or aged Gouda creates a perfect balance of smoothness and tang. You can swap these for your favorites, but aim for a combo that melts well and offers flavor contrast.
Can I add extra flavor elements?
Of course! Some people love adding a touch of Dijon mustard or a smear of mayonnaise on the rolls before layering to boost flavor. You can also add sliced pickles or a dash of hot sauce into the layers for a playful twist that spices things up.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders have a gentle warmth from the black pepper and the garlic herb butter, making them flavorful without being spicy-hot. If you want more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mix or layering in a spicy cheese.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?
Definitely! This Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe is very adaptable. Simply adjust the amount of rolls, ham, cheese, and seasoning proportionally, and use a suitable baking dish. The method remains the same regardless of batch size.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe enough if you’re craving something that hits all the right comfort food notes with minimal effort. It’s a flavorful, buttery, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual get-togethers. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for easy, delicious meals that bring everyone together. Happy cooking and happy eating!
Print
Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Herb Hot Ham Sliders are a deliciously savory appetizer or snack featuring soft dinner rolls layered with savory deli ham and a blend of melty and sharp cheeses. Brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter and sprinkled with poppy seeds and Italian seasoning, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with bubbly cheese inside. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in, they come together quickly and satisfy cravings with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Rolls and Main Fillings
- 1 (12-count) slab dinner rolls (homemade or a brand like Sweet Hawaiian)
- 12 oz deli ham
- 6 oz melty cheese slices (e.g., Swiss or Havarti)
- 6 oz sharp cheese slices (e.g., sharp Cheddar or aged Gouda)
Garlic Herb Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more to taste; melted)
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully split the slab of 12-count dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a lightly greased baking dish that is just slightly larger than the slab to ensure even baking.
- Make butter mix: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, dried garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You may add Italian seasoning here if desired, though some prefer to add it later. Using a spoon or brush, dab about 2 tablespoons of this butter mixture on the cut sides of the bottom half of the rolls to infuse flavor.
- Assemble: Layer half of the deli ham evenly over the buttered bottom rolls. Next, add the melty cheese slices and then the sharp cheese slices on top of the ham layer. Cover these layers with the remaining ham, then place the top half of the rolls back on to complete the slider assembly.
- Brush with butter: Stir the poppy seeds and Italian seasoning (if not already added) into the remaining melted butter mixture. Brush this flavorful butter all over the top of the assembled rolls to impart aroma and a golden crust. Cover the entire baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
- Bake: Bake the covered sliders in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes to allow the tops to turn a lovely golden brown. Remove from oven and let the sliders cool on the counter for 5 minutes before slicing carefully into individual servings.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cheeses according to your preference; Swiss and Havarti bring a nice meltiness, while sharp Cheddar adds a flavorful bite.
- Adding the Italian seasoning either before assembly or in the butter brush can tweak the herbal flavor intensity based on your taste.
- For extra flavor, you can use honey wheat or brioche rolls instead of plain dinner rolls.
- Allowing the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking makes slicing easier and keeps the cheese from spilling out.
- If preferred, add a touch of Dijon mustard inside the buns for a tangy contrast.
