These garlic butter ham and cheese sliders are irresistibly soft, cheesy, and flavorful. A rich, creamy garlic butter base elevates the classic combination of ham and melted cheese, making every bite delicious. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick family meal, they’re baked to golden perfection with a buttery, crispy top!
Growing up, ham and cheese sandwiches were always a staple in my home—simple, satisfying, and easy to throw together. But when I started making these cream cheese garlic butter ham and cheese sliders, I realized how a few small tweaks could turn something ordinary into something truly unforgettable. The first time I made them for a friends gathering in Singapore, they disappeared before I could even get one for myself! Here in Israel, I don’t always get ham, so I substitute it with cold cuts.
Trust me, these Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Sliders take a classic favorite to the next level with a rich, creamy garlic butter spread that soaks into soft buns, creating an irresistible flavor. Each bite is layered with melty cheese, savory ham, and a buttery, golden top, making them the perfect choice for family dinners, game nights, or party appetizers. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a comforting, cheesy bite, these sliders are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why are these the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders?
- Rich and Flavorful Garlic Butter Base – The combination of butter, mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic, mustard, and fresh herbs creates an ultra-creamy, garlicky base that soaks into the buns, making every bite flavorful and delicious.
- Perfectly Balanced Texture – Baking the sliders, covered first, keeps them soft and melty, while uncovering them later gives the tops a slight crispness, creating the ultimate texture contrast.
- Double Cheese for Extra Gooeyness – Using two slices of cheese per slider ensures a rich, melty filling that holds everything together and complements the smoky ham perfectly.
- Quick, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing – With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, these sliders come together effortlessly, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or a fast weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
- Slider Buns: Soft, pull-apart buns work best. Substitute with Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet contrast or mini brioche buns for a richer flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the sliders. Substitute with olive oil for a lighter version or ghee for a more intense buttery taste.
- Mayonnaise & Cream Cheese: These add creaminess and help bind the flavors. Substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter option or sour cream for a similar texture.
- Minced Garlic: Brings bold flavor to the butter base. Substitute with garlic powder (½ teaspoon per clove) or roasted garlic for a milder, slightly sweet depth.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang and enhances the savory flavors. Substitute with honey mustard for a touch of sweetness or whole-grain mustard for more texture.
- Parsley & Chives: Provide freshness and balance. Substitute with thyme for a herby touch or green onions for a slightly stronger onion flavor.
- Cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, or Provolone): Melts beautifully and pairs well with ham. Substitute with mozzarella for extra stretch, Gouda for a smoky taste, or pepper jack for a slight kick.
- Ham: Classic deli-style ham works best. Substitute with turkey for a leaner option, roast beef for a heartier twist, or smoked chicken for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-step: Ham & Cheese Sliders
- Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make garlic butter base: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, mayonnaise, cream cheese, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, and chives until well combined.
- Assemble the sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. Brush the bottom halves with a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture. Place two cheese slices on each bun and three slices of ham per slider. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter mixture. Place the top half of the buns over the ham.
- Cover and bake: Wrap the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! Assemble the sliders, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Yes! Assemble the sliders, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, covered. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-12 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the buns soggy.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Slider buns
- 4 tbsp Melted butter
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh chives chopped
- 12 slices Cheese Swiss, cheddar, or provolone)
- 36 slices Thinly sliced ham or turkey, roast beef, smoked chicken, or even crispy bacon – about 3 per sliders
Instructions
- Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make garlic butter base: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, mayonnaise, cream cheese, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley, and chives until well combined.4 tbsp Melted butter, 2 tbsp Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Cream cheese, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, 1 tbsp Fresh chives
- Assemble the sliders: Slice the slider buns in half. Brush the bottom halves with a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture. Place two cheese slices on each bun and three slices of ham per slider. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter mixture. Place the top half of the buns over the ham.12 Slider buns, 12 slices Cheese , 36 slices Thinly sliced ham
- Cover and bake: Wrap the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use Soft, Fresh Buns – Fresh slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work best because they soak up the garlic butter without becoming soggy. Avoid dry or crusty buns, as they won’t hold up well.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Let the cream cheese, butter, and mayonnaise soften before mixing for a smoother, more spreadable garlic butter base.
- Layer Cheese on Both Sides – Placing one slice of cheese under and one over the ham creates a melty, gooey center that holds everything together.
- Cover While Baking First – Covering with foil during the first 15 minutes ensures the cheese melts evenly without drying out the sliders. Uncovering for the last 10 minutes makes the tops golden and slightly crisp.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter on Top – Brushing the tops generously with the garlic butter mixture enhances flavor and creates a perfect, buttery, golden-brown finish.
- Let Them Rest Before Serving – Let the sliders sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to pull apart without losing the filling.
- Make Ahead for Convenience – Assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time.
Equipment
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Made these for a family movie night and they disappeared fast. Super easy too.
That’s exactly the kind of meal they’re perfect for! Glad they were a hit.