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

Scale

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

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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.