There’s something magical about game day. It’s not just the cheers, the touchdowns, or the rivalries — it’s the food that brings everyone together. And in our house, these game day appetizers disappear faster than the opening kickoff. These ham and cheese sliders have been our family’s go-to for years. I still remember the first time I made them for a Super Bowl party; they vanished before the first quarter even ended. Ever since, they’ve held a permanent place in my party playbook.
The melty Swiss cheese, buttery Hawaiian rolls, and tangy mustard glaze turn something simple into something irresistible. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday game or a full-blown football bash, these sliders will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me — your snack table’s MVP is right here.
Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These ham and cheese sliders are the definition of crowd-pleasing game day appetizers — warm, gooey, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead.
The sweet-savory combo of Hawaiian rolls and salty ham creates an unforgettable bite. Add in melted Swiss cheese and a buttery, mustard-poppyseed topping? Total touchdown.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners, this recipe scales beautifully for a crowd and takes just 10 minutes to prep.
No fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just classic, comforting flavors that make people smile.
Baked in one dish, these sliders stay soft yet golden — a no-fuss solution for those looking to win big with their game day appetizers.
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meat and Cheese Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders
Description
These baked ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate game day appetizers — buttery, cheesy, and irresistibly melty. Perfect for tailgates, parties, or weeknight dinners, they come together in just 35 minutes with crowd-pleasing flavors packed into every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder)
- 1 pound Hawaiian rolls (24 small or 12 large)
- 1 pound deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 pound Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, and onion.
- Assemble Rolls: Slice rolls horizontally and place bottom halves in dish. Layer with half the ham, all the cheese, and remaining ham. Add roll tops.
- Glaze and Bake: Pour butter mixture evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until tops are golden.
- Slice and Serve: Cut between each slider and serve warm as the perfect game day appetizers.
Notes
To make these ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving. Want extra golden tops? Brush again with glaze before the final bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Party Food
Ingredient Overview
Every layer of these sliders builds flavor — from the soft rolls to the tangy glaze. These game day appetizers hit all the right notes: sweet, salty, gooey, and golden.
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Hawaiian Rolls: Slightly sweet and super soft, these are perfect for bite-sized sandwiches that stay fluffy after baking.
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Deli Ham: Choose thinly sliced ham for easy stacking and even melt. Black forest or honey ham works beautifully.
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Swiss Cheese: Adds creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. You can swap for provolone or cheddar if preferred.
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Butter: Melted and mixed with flavor-packed extras to create that irresistible topping.
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Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances the savory mustard and gives the glaze subtle sweetness.
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Dijon Mustard: Adds zing and complexity — essential for rounding out these game day appetizers.
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Worcestershire Sauce: Umami magic in a spoonful — boosts depth and savoriness.
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Poppy Seeds & Minced Onion: Classic slider finishers that add a little crunch and flavor punch.
Tip: For photo-worthy serving, brush the rolls again with glaze just before baking and sprinkle with a few extra poppy seeds!
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray. This helps the sliders crisp up on the bottom without sticking — essential for stress-free game day appetizers.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and minced onion. This sauce is the secret weapon — savory, sweet, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Slice the Rolls
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without pulling them apart individually. Place the bottom half into your greased baking dish.
Tip: A large bread knife works best here to keep things neat.
Step 4: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Lay half the sliced ham evenly across the rolls. Add a full layer of Swiss cheese, then top with the rest of the ham. Finish by gently pressing the top buns over the stack. It’s the perfect sandwich setup for game day appetizers that look as good as they taste.
Step 5: Pour on the Sauce
Spoon or pour the buttery glaze over the tops of the buns. Let the sauce seep into every nook and cranny — don’t rush this part. It’s what makes these game day appetizers extra crave-worthy.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This lets the cheese melt perfectly while the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 7: Uncover and Brown
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. The tops should be golden, slightly crisp, and mouthwateringly shiny from the glaze.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut between each slider. Serve warm and watch them disappear before halftime! Whether for football Sundays or a snack board centerpiece, these game day appetizers always hit the spot.
Pro Tips
For the ultimate game day appetizers, slice your rolls evenly using a serrated bread knife — it helps maintain structure and makes for easier layering.
Let the glaze soak into the sliders for 5–10 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and ensures every bite is packed with buttery goodness.
Don’t skimp on foil during the first bake! It traps steam to perfectly melt the cheese without drying out your rolls — a key technique for soft, pillowy sliders.
You can prep these game day appetizers a day ahead. Just assemble and refrigerate (uncooked) in the baking dish, then bake when guests arrive.
Serving a big crowd? Make a double batch in foil trays. They’re easy to heat, serve, and transport — especially handy for tailgates or casual potlucks.
For more creative ideas, check out our fan-favorite Easy Tailgate Snacks — a treasure trove of party-ready bites!
Variations
Not a fan of Swiss? Try provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist on these game day appetizers.
Swap out ham for roast beef or turkey — both work wonderfully. You can even go vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, savory option.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free rolls and double-check your mustard and Worcestershire for compliance.
Add a brush of garlic butter before the final 10-minute bake for an herby upgrade.
Looking for more fun twists on game day appetizers? Pop over to our collection of Game Day Snacks for all-star flavor ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss melts beautifully, cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella are all great options for game day appetizers with variety.
How do I keep sliders warm during a party?
Place them in a covered baking dish on the lowest oven setting (around 200°F). They'll stay warm without overbaking.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Add the glaze just before baking to avoid soggy rolls.
Do the poppy seeds make a big difference?
They add a nice texture and nutty hint, but if you’re out, don’t worry — your game day appetizers will still be a hit!
What’s the best way to transport these?
Bake in a disposable foil pan, cover with foil, and wrap in a towel. They’ll stay warm and travel-ready.
Serving Suggestions
These ham and cheese sliders pair beautifully with a tray of crispy potato wedges, fresh veggie sticks, or a simple Caesar salad. For the ultimate game day appetizers spread, add creamy spinach dip, BBQ meatballs, or chips and salsa. They’re especially perfect for tailgate buffets or football watch parties where folks can grab, bite, and cheer without missing a play. A cold pitcher of sweet tea or chilled beer on the side makes these sliders even more irresistible. If you’re planning a party, serve them alongside other hits like our Football Party Foods to keep everyone cheering — win or lose.
Conclusion
There’s something joyful about sharing warm sliders straight from the oven. Whether it’s a casual Sunday game or a birthday bash, these game day appetizers deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. They’re simple to prepare but feel like something special — the kind of dish that brings people closer, sparks conversation, and turns your kitchen into the heart of the party. From the buttery topping to the gooey cheese pull, this recipe brings both flavor and fun to any gathering. And if you’re looking to build your weekly lunch game too, our Lunch collection has plenty of family-friendly winners waiting for you.
Try the recipe and let me know what your crowd thought — I’d love to hear your twist! Snap a photo and tag us on your favorite platform. Your version might just inspire another reader’s next great snack. Whether you’re cooking for a few or a full stadium of fans, these sliders are sure to please.
From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friend!
And come hang with us on Instagram or Pinterest — your next favorite bite might just be waiting there!
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