One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders — A Cozy Skillet Recipe for Any Night
Introduction — One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders
The first time I pulled a pan of One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders out of the oven, the whole house seemed to inhale in unison. Warm buttery rolls, melted cheese stretching like a memory, and the salty comfort of ham — it felt like a hug in food form. This is an easy recipe that turns a busy weeknight into a small celebration, and it sits so comfortably between indulgent and homey that everyone at the table leans in.
If you love one-skillet comfort, you might also enjoy this hearty hamburger tater tot casserole with bacon and cheese for another family favorite. Whether you need a quick dinner idea, a festive meal for game day, or a simple solution for leftovers, these sliders deliver flavor without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Comforting food that smells like nostalgia — butter, garlic, and warm bread.
- Quick dinner idea: ready faster than takeout, but better for your kitchen memories.
- Family favorite: picky eaters and grown-up palates agree.
- Versatile and forgiving — swap cheeses, use turkey for a leaner option, or make it a healthy option with whole grain rolls.
- Perfect for celebrations or the cozy silence of a rainy night.
Ingredients
- 12 soft dinner rolls (dinner rolls or slider buns) — split horizontally for easy layering.
- 10 ounces thinly sliced ham — use leftover ham or deli-style for convenience.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced (or Gruyere for nuttier flavor) — melts beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted — for brushing and that golden top.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard — adds brightness.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds — optional, a classic topping that looks festive.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — for gentle savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning — fragrant and comforting.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley — for freshness after baking.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixed with 1 teaspoon honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
Substitutions: Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham for a leaner sandwich. Swap Swiss for cheddar for a sharper bite, or use nutritional yeast sprinkled into the butter mixture for a dairy-free “cheesy” vibe.
Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 18–22 minutes
- Total time: 28–32 minutes
This is a true quick dinner idea — faster than ordering in and with a payoff that feels like effort that matters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a shallow ovenproof skillet. Your kitchen will already begin to smell hopeful.
- Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in the dish so there are no gaps—this helps them soak up the buttery sauce.
- Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls; fold slices if needed to make a lush, even carpet of meat.
- Place the Swiss cheese over the ham in a single layer, tucking edges so each bite gets melted cheese.
- Add the top halves of the rolls, pressing gently to compact everything into a cozy little loaf.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, and poppy seeds. Brush this fragrant mixture over the tops of the rolls, making sure each bun gleams.
- If using the honey-mayo glaze, brush lightly over the butter mix for a glossy, slightly sweet finish.
- Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling through in some glorious places.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let rest 3–5 minutes before serving so everything settles deliciously.
Tips and Variations
- Make it a festive meal: add a smear of cranberry mustard or a thin layer of fig jam beneath the ham for holiday-worthy sliders.
- Healthier alternative: use whole grain rolls, turkey slices, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Add veggies: thinly sliced apple or pear adds crisp sweetness; spinach or arugula brings peppery lift.
- Indulgent dessert twist: use crescent rolls, Nutella, and toasted hazelnuts for dessert sliders inspired by the same easy assembly.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are happiest shared. Serve them warm from the pan with a pile of crunchy dill pickles, a bright slaw for contrast, and a steaming bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a cozy weekend spread, pair with creamy four-cheese mac and cheese and a crisp green salad — the combo is blissful and balanced, perfect for family gatherings or a relaxed game night. Try pairing with this creamy 4 cheese mac and cheese for maximum comfort.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble the sliders in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Leftovers: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. To keep the tops from drying, cover loosely with foil.
- Freezing: Separate individual sliders, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Use thinly sliced cheese so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Brush the butter mixture twice: once before baking and once right after it comes out for extra shine and flavor.
- For crisper tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely so they do not burn.
- Warm the ham slightly before layering if it was refrigerated; this helps the cheese melt more evenly.
- Keep a small offset spatula handy to lift whole sliders cleanly without mashing.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace ham with grilled vegetables, roasted portobello, or a plant-based deli option and use your favorite cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Q: Can I use store-bought slider buns or regular rolls?
A: Yes. Store-bought sliders are perfect. If using regular rolls, trim or split them to fit into the baking dish snugly.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Arrange the rolls tightly so juices are absorbed evenly, and do not over-moisten the layers. Pre-warming the ham slightly helps prevent condensation.
Q: Is there a low-sodium version?
A: Use low-sodium ham and Swiss or a milder, lower-salt cheese, and reduce added salt in the butter mixture.
Conclusion
There is a gentle magic in a simple One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders dish: it takes ordinary ingredients and transforms them into something that feels like celebration, comfort, and home all at once. Whether you make it for a weeknight crowd, a small holiday gathering, or just because you crave something warm and cheesy, these sliders invite connection and easy joy. For another classic take and inspiration on ham and cheese sliders, you can explore this Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe (Oven-Baked and Easy) | The Kitchn which offers thoughtful tips and variations. Try it, make it yours, and let this be the recipe you come back to when you want to feed both the body and the heart.
Contents
One Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 12 pieces soft dinner rolls split horizontally for easy layering
- 10 ounces thinly sliced ham use leftover ham or deli-style for convenience
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced or Gruyere for nuttier flavor
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing and that golden top
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds brightness
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds optional, a classic topping that looks festive
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for gentle savory warmth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning fragrant and comforting
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley for freshness after baking
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise optional, mixed with 1 teaspoon honey for a sweet-savory glaze
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a shallow ovenproof skillet.
- Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in the dish so there are no gaps.
- Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls, folding slices if needed.
- Place the Swiss cheese over the ham in a single layer.
- Add the top halves of the rolls, pressing gently to compact everything.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, and poppy seeds. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- If using the honey-mayo glaze, brush lightly over the butter mix.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.