Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders for an Easy Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders
There is something about warm baked sliders that makes any table feel more inviting. Whether it is game day, a holiday gathering, a baby shower, or just a relaxed family dinner, sliders have a way of disappearing fast. These Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders are especially good because they combine sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory deli ham, creamy Palmetto Cheese, and a lightly sweet, tangy topping that bakes into the tops of the rolls until everything is warm, melty, and golden.
This is the kind of recipe that feels low-effort in the best way. You do not need complicated prep, and you do not need to build each sandwich one at a time. You simply slice the rolls as one slab, layer everything together, brush on the topping, and let the oven do the work. The end result is a tray of hot, cheesy sliders that are soft in the center, lightly crisp on top, and packed with flavor.
If you love recipes that feed a crowd without making you work too hard, this one deserves a permanent place in your rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about these sliders is how easy they are to put together. They look like party food, they taste like comfort food, and they come together with very little stress. That makes them perfect when you want something warm and satisfying but do not want to spend all day in the kitchen.
I also love the flavor combination. The sweet rolls, salty ham, and rich Palmetto Cheese balance each other beautifully. Then the honey-Dijon topping adds just enough tang and sweetness to make the whole tray feel extra special.
Another reason these sliders are so good is that they are versatile. They work as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or party snack. They are just as at home on a holiday buffet as they are on a casual Sunday snack table.
Ingredients
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls, 24-count
- 1 container Palmetto Cheese, 20 ounces
- 1 pound thinly sliced cooked deli ham
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder, or half and half of each
Swaps and Notes
Palmetto Cheese is the star here because it gives the sliders a rich, creamy, pimento-cheese-style filling that melts beautifully as the sandwiches bake. If you already know you love that flavor, this recipe will be an easy favorite.
Thinly sliced deli ham works best because it layers evenly over the rolls and heats through quickly. You can fold or ruffle it a bit as you layer it to give the sliders more texture.
Using the full slab of rolls instead of separating them first is one of the smartest parts of the recipe. It makes assembly faster and helps the sliders bake up as one cohesive tray before you cut them apart.
The topping may seem simple, but it adds a lot. The Dijon gives tang, the honey adds a little sweetness, and the herbs and seasonings help tie the whole thing together.
How to Make Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter or lightly spray a sheet pan.
2. Slice the rolls
Do not separate the rolls into individual pieces. Using a large serrated knife, slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally so you have one slab of tops and one slab of bottoms.
3. Build the bottom layer
Place the bottom half of the rolls onto the prepared sheet pan.
4. Add the ham
Layer the deli ham evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
5. Spread the cheese
Spread the entire container of Palmetto Cheese evenly over the ham.
6. Add the tops
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.
7. Make the topping
In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard, honey, dried parsley, and onion powder and/or garlic powder.
8. Brush and cover
Brush the topping generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover the sheet pan with foil.
9. Bake
Bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
10. Finish uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is melty.
11. Slice and serve
If desired, place a toothpick or skewer into each sandwich. Cut apart with a knife and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Use a serrated knife when slicing the rolls so you can cut the slab cleanly without tearing the bread.
Spread the Palmetto Cheese evenly from edge to edge so every slider gets plenty of creamy filling.
Covering the sliders for the first part of baking helps everything heat through without over-browning the tops too early.
If you want slightly crispier tops, leave them uncovered for an extra minute or two at the end, but keep an eye on them so the rolls do not get too dark.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These sliders are perfect on their own, but they are especially good with chips, pickle spears, pasta salad, fruit trays, or a simple green salad. They also fit beautifully into a larger appetizer spread.
If you love warm, cheesy party food, Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are another great slider recipe to save.
For an easy appetizer that feels a little more elegant, This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests pairs beautifully with a party menu built around these sliders.
If you are feeding a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are another practical, crowd-friendly option worth bookmarking.
And if you want a refreshing drink to balance the richness, This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days is a bright and easy pairing.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Estimated per slider, based on 24 sliders:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ham and cheese used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
The microwave works for quick reheating, but the bread will stay softer. If you want to bring back some of the baked texture, the oven is the better option.
These can also be assembled a little ahead of time and baked closer to serving, which makes them especially helpful for parties and holidays.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed these Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders, here are a few more recipes to try:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
These Baked Ham & Palmetto Cheese Sliders are the kind of recipe that makes entertaining feel easier and more delicious. They are warm, cheesy, easy to assemble, and perfect for sharing, which is exactly what a good slider recipe should be.
Whether you serve them for a party, a holiday, or a casual family meal, they are the kind of easy comfort-food favorite people will keep asking for.



