Golden Baked Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders! Whether you’re planning a grand family gathering, hosting a lively party, or simply seeking a quick and delicious meal solution, these sliders deliver every time. Beloved by all ages, their irresistible combination of savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and a distinctive buttery poppy seed topping makes them truly unforgettable. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they are the perfect bite-sized sensation for any occasion.

When it comes to entertaining or simply feeding a hungry crowd, sliders are almost always our go-to choice. Their miniature size makes them ideal for snacking, and their comforting flavors ensure that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies, will find something to love. These particular sliders, with their perfect blend of textures and tastes, are exceptionally good and consistently disappear quickly!

This post is proudly brought to you in collaboration with Eckrich Deli Meat. All opinions expressed are genuinely my own.

In our busy lives, finding ways to put a delicious, homemade meal on the table quickly is always a win. We’re constantly seeking recipes that require less time in the kitchen and allow for more cherished moments with family. This commitment to efficiency without compromising on taste is precisely why these Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders have become a household favorite.

To ensure I have everything needed for these delightful sliders, I make it a point to stop at Walmart. Their deli counter now carries Eckrich Deli Meats, which simplifies my weekly shopping and guarantees I’m getting quality ingredients for my family’s meals. It’s all about smart choices that make life easier and tastier.

These sliders are incredibly simple to assemble, making them ideal for busy mornings or game-day feasts. For grab-and-go breakfasts for the kids, I often prepare a full batch, bake them, and then individually wrap each slider once cooled. This convenient approach means the kids can easily grab a delicious, homemade breakfast on their way out the door. One batch typically yields 12 sliders, providing almost a week’s worth of quick breakfasts for my family. This kind of efficient meal prep is a true lifesaver!

What Our Readers Say…

“Gave these a try tonight, and they were so easy. They are so tasty we decided to make them for a casual bridal shower next month. Thanks for sharing!” – KATYK

Here are some commonly asked questions about Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders…

Why We Choose Eckrich Deli Meat?

When it comes to deli meats, Eckrich deli meat consistently stands out as our top choice. Its availability at the Walmart deli counter makes it incredibly convenient during my weekly shopping trips. Beyond convenience, Eckrich is renowned for its commitment to quality. Their products are always gluten-free, bursting with rich flavor, and crafted with an unmatched standard of excellence that we trust for our family meals.

Specifically, the Eckrich Ham Off the Bone used in these sliders gets its premium, deeply savory flavor from its natural juices, replicating the deliciousness of bone-in ham. This quality ensures that every bite of our sliders is packed with authentic, satisfying ham taste that perfectly complements the melted cheese and sweet rolls.

Can Ham and Cheese Sliders Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These sliders are wonderfully accommodating for meal prep. As mentioned earlier, we often bake a full batch and then portion them out for future enjoyment. Once baked and cooled, you can easily store them. They are delicious served cold the next day, or if you prefer them warm, a quick reheat in the microwave for a few seconds will bring them back to life. For best results, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat until just warmed through. This convenience makes them an ideal choice for busy households or upcoming events.

How to Store Leftover Ham and Cheese Sliders

If you find yourself with any of these delicious sliders remaining after serving, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness. You have a couple of options: you can either cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the remaining individual sliders to an airtight container. Be sure to keep them refrigerated. To reheat, simply microwave for approximately 30-60 seconds, or until they are hot and the cheese is melty once more. A word of caution: avoid overheating them, as this can cause the bread to become hard and less appealing. Gentle reheating ensures they remain soft and delicious.

What to Serve with These Delicious Sliders

These Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate any meal or party spread. We pride ourselves on our game-day snack expertise, so we have a long list of recipes that perfectly complement these little gems. Here’s a shortlist of our absolute favorites that consistently make an appearance alongside these sliders:

• Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips: These crispy, savory chips offer an unexpected twist and addictive crunch.
• Creamy Veggie Dip: A fresh and vibrant counterpoint, perfect for dipping your favorite crisp vegetables.
• Instant Pot BBQ Smokies: Sweet and tangy mini sausages that are effortlessly cooked and universally loved.
• Crispy Baked Parmesan Ravioli: Offering a delightful crunch and savory kick, these are always a hit.
• Homemade Potato Chips: Simple, salty, and satisfying, these classic chips are far superior to store-bought.
• Hot Sausage Cheese Dip: A rich, warm, and spicy dip that’s incredibly comforting and flavorful.
• 20-Minute Pepper Jelly Glazed Meatballs: Sweet and spicy meatballs that are quick to make and disappear even faster.

For a lighter option, consider a simple green salad or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the sliders.

Can These Be Made Without the Poppy Seeds?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to omit the poppy seeds, simply leave them out of the buttery glaze mixture. The sliders will still be incredibly flavorful and delicious without them. However, we highly recommend trying them with poppy seeds at least once. The poppy seeds don’t just add a fantastic visual appeal; they also contribute a unique, subtle nutty flavor and a wonderful textural crunch that truly enhances the overall experience of these sliders. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

Can These Be Made With Another Type of Roll?

While you can experiment with other types of dinner rolls, we enthusiastically recommend using Hawaiian rolls for these sliders. Their unique texture, perfect density, and distinct sweetness truly complement the savory ham and cheese filling. The subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls provides an excellent balance to the salty ham, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.

If you choose an alternative, look for a roll that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to the buttery glaze without becoming soggy. It should also maintain its integrity after baking, allowing you to easily pull apart individual sliders without them falling apart. While other rolls might work, Hawaiian rolls offer the ideal combination of flavor and structure for this recipe.

Would You Be Able to Transport These in a Crock Pot to Keep Warm?

We generally do not advise using a slow cooker for transporting these sliders to keep them warm. The continuous low heat from a crock pot can cause the bread at the bottom of the sliders to slowly overcook and become tough or chewy, detracting significantly from their delightful soft texture. To ensure your sliders remain perfectly warm and delicious during transport, we highly recommend using an insulated food carrier like a Wonderbag. These types of carriers are designed to retain heat without actively cooking the food, keeping your sliders warm for several hours without compromising their quality.

How to Make Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders

Creating these delightful sliders is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, flavorful results:

1. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully cut the entire block of sweet slider buns in half horizontally, like a giant sandwich. Do not separate individual rolls yet.
3. Place the bottom layer of the buns into the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly.
4. Arrange half of your chosen cheese slices evenly over the bottom layer of buns.
5. Follow with a generous layer of the Eckrich Ham Off the Bone deli meat, ensuring good coverage.
6. Add the remaining cheese slices over the ham.
7. Carefully place the top layer of the buns over the cheese and ham filling.
8. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until completely liquid.
9. Whisk in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
10. Generously brush this flavorful butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, ensuring every bun is coated.
11. Pour any remaining butter mixture evenly over the sliders to maximize flavor.
12. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
13. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
14. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
15. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Ingredients for Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders

• ¾ pound Eckrich Ham Off the Bone deli meat, thinly sliced
• 12 sweet slider buns (such as Hawaiian rolls)
• 24 slices of cheese (Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack – choose your favorite!)

For the Buttery Glaze:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

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Can You Prepare These and Wait to Bake? Or Does the Bread Get Too Soggy?

To prevent the bread from getting soggy, especially if you need to prepare these sliders ahead of time, we recommend assembling the sliders (layers of buns, ham, and cheese) in the baking dish and covering them, then refrigerating. However, for the buttery poppy seed glaze, it’s best to prepare it separately and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re almost ready to bake.

Just before baking, give the glaze a quick reheat if it has solidified, then pour it over the assembled sliders. This method ensures the bread remains fresh and soft, and the glaze delivers its maximum flavor and crispy texture upon baking.

These Poppy Seed Ham and Cheese Sliders are truly a revelation – delivering incredible flavor and convenience that makes them a staple in our kitchen. They certainly save us so much time and are so incredibly delicious!

Slider Variations & Tips for Success

While the classic recipe is outstanding, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste:

• Cheese Choices: Beyond Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack, try cheddar for a sharper flavor, mozzarella for extra stretchiness, or smoked gouda for added depth.
• Deli Meat Swaps: Substitute ham with thinly sliced turkey, roast beef, or even a mix of meats for different flavor profiles.
• Glaze Enhancements: Add a pinch of dried minced onion or a dash of black pepper to the glaze for extra zest. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a delightful texture.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the glaze.

Tips for Success:

• Even Coating: Ensure the buttery glaze is evenly brushed over the tops of the rolls for consistent browning and flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Keep an eye on them, especially after removing the foil, to achieve that perfect golden-brown top.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the sliders rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to cut and serve.

Other Must-Make Slider Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these ham and cheese sliders, you’ll definitely want to explore our other fantastic slider creations:

• Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Easy French Dip Sliders
• Hawaiian Havarti Pork Sliders
• Turkey Cranberry Sliders
• Instant Pot Italian Beef Sliders
• Brown Sugar Balsamic Pulled Pork Sliders
• Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders
• Sausage Egg Bacon Cheese Breakfast Sliders
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders
• Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Eckrich Deli Meat. For more information about Eckrich deli meats, as well as quick and easy recipes, please visit www.eckrich.com.