Caramelized Onion Ham & Cheese Sliders
This post is sponsored by Duke’s Mayonnaise. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
These caramelized onion ham and cheese sliders are the ultimate game day snack. Sweet Hawaiian rolls get layered with deli ham, Swiss cheese and jammy caramelized onions, then brushed with a Duke’s Mayo butter topping with Dijon, poppy seeds and Parmesan. These baked ham and cheese sliders come out golden, crispy on top and melty in the middle.
The Duke’s Mayo butter tops level up this tailgate classic, giving you an extra golden, savory crust. Feeding a crowd? Pair them with my Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw for a full slider spread.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Feeds a crowd with 12 sliders in one pan.
- Jammy caramelized onions add sweet, savory flavor.
- Duke’s Mayo butter tops bake up golden and crisp with Parmesan.
- Perfect for game day, parties and potlucks.
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sliders
The Sliders
A 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls, Duke’s Mayo and Dijon mustard for the spread, thinly sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese.
The Caramelized Onions
Small onions, olive oil, a little sugar, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper.
The Duke’s Mayo Butter Tops
Melted unsalted butter, Duke’s Mayo, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, poppy seeds, freshly grated Parmesan and fresh chives.
Swap note: Use gluten-free slider buns for a gluten-free version. Smoked turkey works in place of ham, and provolone or Gruyère can stand in for the Swiss.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add the onions, sugar and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes until deep golden and jammy. Add the Worcestershire in the last few minutes and cook off any liquid. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the whole slab of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.
Step 3: Add the mayo spread
Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Stir together 3 tablespoons Duke’s and 1 tablespoon Dijon and spread thinly over the cut side of the bottoms.
Step 4: Layer the sliders
Layer half the Swiss, then half the ham, then a thin, even layer of caramelized onions, then the rest of the ham and the rest of the Swiss. Set the tops back on.
Step 5: Make the butter tops
Whisk the cooled melted butter, mayo, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper until smooth, then stir in the poppy seeds. Brush generously over the tops and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
Tent loosely with foil and bake 18 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 10 to 15 more minutes, until the tops are golden, the Parmesan is crisp and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chives and enjoy.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Keep the rolls in one slab. Slicing the whole sheet at once makes assembly fast and neat.
- Cool the butter slightly. Warm, not hot, butter mixes smoothly with the mayo without separating.
- Spread the onions thin. An even layer keeps every slider balanced and not soggy.
- Bake covered first. The foil melts the cheese before the tops get too dark.
Make It Your Own
- Turkey and cheddar: Swap in smoked turkey and sharp cheddar.
- Spicy: Add pepper jack and a few pickled jalapeños.
- Everything bagel: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds.
- Cuban style: Add sliced pickles and a little yellow mustard.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Caramelize the onions up to 4 days ahead. You can assemble the sliders (without the butter topping) up to 8 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Brush with the butter mixture right before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders
Serve these sliders with chips and dip, a big bowl of Cowboy Caviar, Mexican Street Corn Dip or a simple veggie tray for the ultimate game day spread.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover sliders covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10 to 12 minutes, or in the air fryer at 325°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which makes the rolls soggy.
What People Ask About Ham and Cheese Sliders
How long do you bake ham and cheese sliders?
Bake at 350°F covered with foil for 18 minutes, then uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes until golden and melty.
Can I make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate, then add the butter topping right before baking.
Why use mayo in the butter topping?
Mayo helps the topping brown beautifully and adds a rich, tangy flavor and extra golden crust.
What cheese is best for ham and cheese sliders?
Swiss is classic, but provolone, Gruyère, cheddar and pepper jack all melt well.
Caramelized Onion Ham & Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Caramelize the onions: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add the onions, sugar, and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes until deep golden and jammy. Add the Worcestershire in the last few minutes and cook off any liquid. Let cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the whole slab of rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.
- Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Stir the 3 tbsp Duke’s and 1 tbsp Dijon together and spread thinly over the cut side of the bottoms.
- Layer half the Swiss, then half the ham, then a thin, even layer of caramelized onions, then the rest of the ham, then the rest of the Swiss. Set the tops back on.
- Whisk together the cooled melted butter, mayo, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Tent loosely with foil and bake 18 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 10 to 15 more minutes, until the tops are golden, the Parmesan is crisp, and the middle cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chives and enjoy!
