These warm, buttery ham and cheese croissant sliders are the kind of recipe you’ll make once and crave forever. Perfect for parties, family brunch, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish blends sweet croissants, savory ham, and melty cheese in every bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Croissant Slider Recipe
This isn’t just any baked ham and cheese combo. What makes this version shine is the flaky croissant base, which toasts beautifully under a buttery topping infused with onion flakes, garlic, Dijon mustard, and poppyseeds. It’s a touch fancy, yet completely approachable for everyday cooks.
Each bite hits that sweet spot between buttery crunch and melty, savory goodness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make ahead and bake right before serving. Whether you’re prepping for brunch with Mini Frittata Muffins or setting out finger foods like Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels and BBQ Pulled Chicken Mini Sandwiches, these sliders always steal the spotlight.
Making Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders at Home
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sliders
These buttery croissant sliders come together fast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prep, bake, and serve in under 30 minutes. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 butter croissants
- 12 slices deli ham (Black Forest or honey ham work well)
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved (or Swiss, provolone, or Havarti)
- Mustard or mayo (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 clove garlic, finely crushed or grated
- 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons poppyseeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps brown the croissants evenly. - Slice and Fill the Croissants:
Slice each croissant in half horizontally (like a sandwich bun). Arrange the bottom halves in your baking pan.
Optional: spread a thin layer of mustard or mayo for extra flavor and moisture. - Layer the Filling:
Add one slice of ham and half a slice of cheese to each croissant bottom. Top with the upper halves. - Mix the Buttery Topping:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, onion flakes, garlic, mustard, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper. - Brush and Bake:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the croissants. Use a pastry brush to coat each one thoroughly, making sure they’re fully covered.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 3–5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. - Serve Warm:
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Slice, serve warm, and enjoy!
This method gives you buttery, savory croissant sliders with crisped edges and gooey melted cheese inside. They reheat beautifully, so you can even prep them the night before and bake when ready.
You’ll also love how well they pair with easy sides like Dill Pickle Potato Salad or fresh veggie trays.
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Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders
These ham and cheese croissant sliders are buttery, golden, and packed with melty cheddar and savory ham. Topped with a flavorful poppyseed butter glaze, they’re perfect for parties, brunch, or a cozy dinner.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
12 Butter Croissants
12 slices deli ham
6 slices cheddar cheese
Mustard and/or mayo (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon onion flakes
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons poppyseeds
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Slice each croissant in half horizontally and place the bottoms in the pan.
3. Spread mustard or mayo on the bottom halves if desired.
4. Top each with 1 slice of ham and half a slice of cheddar cheese.
5. Place the croissant tops back on.
6. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, onion flakes, garlic, mustard, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the croissants and brush to coat.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for 3–5 more minutes, until golden and the cheese is melted.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can assemble the sliders a day ahead and refrigerate. Pour the butter topping on just before baking for best texture. Swap in Swiss or provolone cheese for fun variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Tasty Variations to Try for Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders
If you’re like me and enjoy giving a classic recipe a twist every now and then, you’ll love these flavorful ideas for switching up your croissant sliders:
1. Change the Cheese:
Not a fan of cheddar? Try smoked gouda, provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack, or brie for a more elevated flavor. A combo of cheddar and mozzarella gives a melty stretch that’s irresistible.
2. Try Different Meats:
You can sub in turkey, roast beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Keep the sliced meat thin so it heats through easily.
3. Make Them Spicy:
Add a little kick with sliced jalapeños, a smear of chipotle mayo, or a drizzle of hot honey over the cheese before baking. These pair great with Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders for a slider sampler tray.
4. Add Sweet or Savory Layers:
Layer in caramelized onions or fig jam for sweet-savory contrast. Or tuck in fresh spinach or arugula if you want something green in the mix.
5. Turn into a Holiday Brunch Casserole:
Want to prep this for a family holiday morning? Assemble the sliders in a disposable tray the night before, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. The croissants soak up even more flavor overnight.
Tip: Serve alongside American Flag Taco Dip for the perfect game day or potluck spread.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders
Crowd-Pleasing Sides for the Perfect Spread
When you’re serving ham and cheese croissant sliders, the right side dishes can turn a simple tray into a memorable meal. Because the sliders are rich and buttery, pairing them with something crisp, creamy, or fresh creates balance.
Here are some of our favorite combos:
1. Potato or Pasta Salads:
Classic potato salads or creamy pasta salads work well with these warm, savory sliders. Try something like Dill Pickle Potato Salad for a tangy bite, or serve with BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad for a protein-packed option.
2. Fruit or Green Salads:
A bowl of fresh fruit or a light salad cuts through the richness of the sliders. A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette or a crisp apple slaw is perfect if you’re serving this for brunch or lunch.
3. Chips and Dips:
For game day, pair these ham and cheese croissant sliders with a dip like the American Flag Taco Dip or a classic spinach artichoke dip. Add a bowl of kettle chips or pretzels and you’re ready to go.
4. Soup for a Cozy Touch:
A warm bowl of tomato basil or broccoli cheddar soup is a fantastic side for these croissant sliders, especially in colder months.
This makes the recipe incredibly adaptable — it fits everything from tailgate spreads to holiday brunch tables.
Expert Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders
You don’t have to be a professional chef to get perfect results from this dish every time. Here are some reliable tips to help:
1. Use Day-Old Croissants:
Slightly stale croissants absorb the buttery glaze better and hold their shape well during baking. Fresh ones work too, but the texture may be softer.
2. Don’t Skip the Foil:
Covering the sliders for the first 15 minutes traps moisture and helps the cheese melt evenly. Removing it at the end lets the tops crisp up for that perfect finish.
3. Use Real Butter:
Avoid margarine or butter substitutes for this recipe. The rich flavor of real unsalted butter is key to that indulgent, crave-worthy taste.
4. Keep It Warm for Serving:
If you’re serving a crowd, place the baked sliders on a warm tray or baking stone. You can also loosely tent with foil to keep the heat in without steaming the tops.
5. Double the Recipe — Always:
Even when you think one pan is enough, it usually isn’t. These ham and cheese croissant sliders disappear fast. They reheat beautifully, so leftovers are never a problem.
You’ll find the same comforting, cheesy joy in similar recipes like Ham and Cheese Sliders or if you’re in the mood for breakfast-style sliders, check out How to Make a Frittata next.
PART 4: FAQs About Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders
How do you keep ham and cheese sliders from getting soggy?
The trick to avoiding soggy ham and cheese croissant sliders lies in two steps: first, avoid overusing mayo or mustard on the inside of the croissants. A light spread is fine but keep it minimal. Second, always bake the sliders uncovered for the last few minutes. This crisps the tops and prevents moisture from building underneath. If you’re making them ahead, assemble everything but wait to pour the butter mixture until just before baking.
Can I make these croissant sliders ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. Assemble your ham and cheese croissant sliders in the pan, cover tightly with foil, and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour the fresh butter mixture over the top and bake as directed. You can even pre-mix the butter topping and store it in a container to reheat before baking.
What kind of cheese goes best with ham sliders?
Cheddar is classic, but this recipe is flexible. Swiss cheese offers a sharper flavor, while Havarti and provolone melt beautifully. Brie is great if you want something a little more upscale. If you’re looking for melty goodness and mild flavor, mozzarella is also a good pick for these croissant sliders.
Can I freeze baked ham and cheese croissant sliders?
Yes, they freeze well. Let the sliders cool completely, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or until warm throughout. They’re especially handy for quick lunches or unexpected guests.
Conclusion: Why These Sliders Are Worth Repeating
Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday spread, or just want a warm and cozy dinner, these ham and cheese croissant sliders are a sure win. They’re buttery, savory, slightly sweet from the croissant, and so easy to customize. Plus, they’re fast—on the table in 30 minutes with almost no cleanup.
Their versatility makes them ideal for pairing with party sides, soups, or fresh salads. Once you try them, they’ll become a part of your go-to favorites—right up there with Mini Frittata Muffins and Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels.
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