These Cheese Sliders are warm, melty, and basically the easiest way to make everyone happy at the table. You get soft rolls, layers of gooey cheese, and a buttery garlic glaze that soaks into the tops and turns golden in the oven. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something quick and comforting.
Introduction
If you love grilled cheese but want something you can bake for a crowd, Cheese Sliders are the move. They’re a total fan-favorite because they take almost no prep, but taste like you ordered them from a restaurant. My family always goes back for seconds and then asks if there are more.
The standout trick is the buttery glaze. It’s what makes the tops shiny, flavorful, and lightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and cheesy. Once you try these Cheese Sliders, don’t be surprised if they become your go-to easy weeknight dinner and party snack.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Sliders
- Ultimate comfort food: Warm rolls plus melty cheese is always a cozy win.
- Better than restaurant: Fresh-baked, extra cheesy, and perfectly buttery.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Assemble fast and bake while you relax.
- Party-perfect: Simple, crowd-friendly, and easy to serve.
- Customizable: Switch cheeses and add-ins to match your mood.
Ingredients for Cheese Sliders
Sliders
- Sweet dinner rolls (12): Soft rolls bake up fluffy and soak up the glaze.
- Swap: Any slider rolls.
- Cheddar cheese slices (6): Sharp, melty, classic flavor.
- Swap: Colby Jack for a milder taste.
- Provolone cheese slices (6): Creamy melt and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Swap: Swiss cheese slices.
- Mozzarella cheese slices (6): Extra gooey, stretchy melt.
- Tip: Sliced cheese melts more evenly than shredded in sliders.
Buttery Garlic Glaze
- Butter, melted (6 tbsp): Makes the tops rich and golden.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds tang so the sliders don’t taste flat.
- Swap: Yellow mustard.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): That cozy garlic-bread vibe.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds herb flavor.
- Sesame seeds (1 tsp, optional): Adds a little crunch and bakery-style look.
- Swap: Poppy seeds.
How to Make Cheese Sliders
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Slice the rolls in half as one slab and place the bottom halves in the dish.
- 3. Layer the cheeses evenly: cheddar, provolone, then mozzarella. You want full coverage so every slider is cheesy.
- 4. Top with the roll tops.
- 5. Whisk melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and sesame seeds. Brush the glaze all over the tops, letting it drip down the sides.
- 6. Bake covered with foil for 12 minutes, then uncover and bake 6–8 more minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- 7. Rest 5 minutes, then slice into sliders and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Sliders
- Cover first, then uncover: Foil helps the cheese melt before the tops brown.
- Use sliced cheese: It melts smooth and gives even coverage.
- Brush edges too: Glaze on the sides equals extra flavor and golden bits.
- Let them rest: 5 minutes helps the cheese set so sliders slice neatly.
- Add a little crunch: Sesame or poppy seeds make them feel bakery-style.
Variations & Substitutions
- Pizza-style sliders: Add a thin layer of marinara and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Spicy version: Add sliced pickled jalapeños between cheese layers.
- Garlic bread extra: Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan-style topping to the glaze.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free slider buns and check seasonings.
- Lazy version: Use just cheddar and mozzarella if that’s what you have.
- Leftover idea: Reheat and dip in tomato soup for the coziest lunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cheese Sliders in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warm and melty.
To freeze, wrap cooled sliders tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until hot.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with tomato soup for a classic cozy combo.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Add pickles or pepperoncini on the side for tang.
- Perfect for parties, game day spreads, and easy weeknight dinners.
Reader Review: “These cheese sliders were gone in minutes. The buttery tops are so good and the cheese layers make them extra melty.”
If you make these Cheese Sliders, leave a rating and comment. What cheese combo are you using—cheddar and mozzarella, provolone, or something spicy?
Print
Cheese Sliders (Best Ever, Easy, Extra Cheesy)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These ham and cheese sliders are buttery, melty, and perfect for parties—easy oven-baked sliders with a savory poppy seed topping.
Ingredients
12 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls work great)
12 ounces sliced ham
8 ounces sliced Swiss (or provolone)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Butter topping
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes (optional)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice rolls in half (keep connected). Place bottoms in dish.
Spread mayo (optional). Layer ham and cheese. Add roll tops.
Whisk topping ingredients and brush generously over rolls.
Cover with foil and bake 12 minutes. Uncover and bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden and melty.
Notes
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 8 hours ahead; bake when ready.
Crispy tops: Don’t skip the uncovered bake time.
Tools: 9×13-inch dish, foil, brush.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American