Looking for the ultimate ham and cheese sliders? This recipe takes your classic favorite up a notch with pretzel buns, a savory cheese blend, and the bold punch of everything bagel seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a game day or prepping ahead for a weekday dinner, these ham and cheese pretzel sliders are chewy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why We Love These Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders
A Cozy Favorite Reinvented
These Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders were born out of a last-minute lunch idea one Sunday after church. We had leftover deli ham, a bag of King’s Hawaiian pretzel buns (a happy accident), and just about every cheese in the fridge. I topped them off with everything bagel seasoning because—why not? The result? Chewy, cheesy, golden-baked heaven.
I’ve always loved how sliders bring people together. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard gathering or just need a quick dinner, these sliders are both nostalgic and new. The pretzel bun gives them that salty snap you didn’t know you needed, and layering provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar creates a gooey bite every time. It’s one of those meals where nobody talks much—they’re too busy eating.
If you’re a fan of my Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe or looking for something to pair with Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad, these pretzel sliders are a delicious crossover of fun and filling. You can prep them ahead, bake them hot, or even serve leftovers (if there are any). Trust me—these sliders are worth every cheesy pull.
The Power of Pretzel Buns and Everything Seasoning
Switching from a traditional sweet roll to a pretzel bun was the game-changer here. The buns hold their shape even when drenched in buttery sauce, so you avoid the dreaded soggy-bottom situation. Plus, they toast beautifully in the oven, getting crispy on the edges while locking in the melt.
Then there’s the everything bagel seasoning—a pantry staple in my house. It adds a punch of flavor: garlicky, oniony, with sesame and poppy seed crunch. Sprinkling it generously over the buttered tops gives the sliders the character and color of a bakery-style finish. It’s like giving your sliders a little upgrade without adding any effort.
Want another savory party idea? Check out these BBQ Pulled Chicken Mini Sandwiches or even these Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels—both winners in any spread.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders Perfectly
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making ham and cheese pretzel sliders doesn’t require anything fancy—but what you use and how you layer it really matters. Here’s the exact combo that delivers gooey goodness and bakery-quality texture every time:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Buns
- ½ lb thinly sliced honey deli ham
- 14 slices provolone cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, to sprinkle
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese, to sprinkle
Sauce Mixture:
- 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
- 1–2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2–3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
Topping:
- A generous sprinkle of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
Pairing this with something like a tangy Peach Salsa Recipe or a light Dill Pickle Potato Salad can really round out your party table.
Step-by-Step Slider Method That Never Fails
Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, slice the pretzel buns in half, placing the bottoms snugly in the dish. This forms your sturdy slider base.
Layer 8 slices of provolone cheese first—this helps prevent sogginess from the ham’s moisture. Follow with all your sliced honey ham, then lay the remaining 6 slices of provolone over the top. To finish the filling, sprinkle on a light layer of both mozzarella and cheddar cheese for that stretchy, flavorful melt.
Place the top halves of the buns back on and press gently to seal. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk well and pour this mixture evenly over the buns, letting it drip down the sides for maximum flavor.
Finally, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top. Don’t be shy—it adds both texture and visual appeal. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are slightly crisp.
Looking to double your party options? Try these BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad or these quick American Potato Salad recipes—they pair beautifully with sliders of any kind.
These ham and cheese pretzel sliders are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they’re surprisingly good reheated the next day. Just a few minutes in the toaster oven brings them back to life.
Print
Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Warm, gooey ham and cheese pretzel sliders baked with everything bagel seasoning and buttery glaze. Perfect for sharing.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
1 package King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Buns
½ lb thinly sliced honey deli ham
14 slices provolone cheese
A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese
A sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar cheese
1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
1–2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2–3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1.5 tsp garlic powder
Everything but the bagel seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the pretzel buns and place bottom halves in a buttered 9×13-inch dish.
3. Layer 8 slices provolone, honey deli ham, 6 more provolone slices, mozzarella, and cheddar.
4. Top with bun tops and press gently.
5. Mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire, onion and garlic powders.
6. Pour evenly over sliders.
7. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously.
8. Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
Use a cheese layer on bottom to prevent sogginess.
Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Troubleshooting for Pretzel Bun Ham and Cheese Sliders
Why Pretzel Bun Ham and Cheese Sliders Turn Out Soggy
One of the most common frustrations when making pretzel bun ham and cheese sliders is sogginess. But don’t worry—it’s preventable. The key is layering and oven prep. Always start with a cheese layer on the bottom. Provolone acts like a moisture barrier between the ham and the bread, which stops the buns from absorbing too much liquid.
Make sure your butter mixture is well-whisked and not overly wet. Avoid pouring it too quickly in one spot—drizzle evenly so the sliders absorb just the right amount without soaking. Covering the dish tightly with foil while baking also helps maintain structure while allowing the cheese to melt gradually.
If you’re planning to serve these at a party, consider pairing them with crispy sides like Zucchini Garlic Bites or an Air Fryer Chicken Salad to balance the textures.
Can You Prep These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes—you can absolutely prepare pretzel bun ham and cheese sliders the night before. Assemble the full tray up to the point just before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Don’t pour the butter mixture over the top until you’re ready to bake—it’ll keep the buns from turning too soft overnight.
When you’re ready, remove the tray from the fridge, uncover it, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then pour the butter mix over, sprinkle on the everything seasoning, and bake as usual. This method makes these sliders a perfect make-ahead option for events or holiday brunches.
They also travel well. Just bake them in a foil-lined tray and wrap tightly—great for potlucks or picnics. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
These reheat tips also work well for recipes like Meat Lovers Frittata or our beloved Mini Frittata Muffins, both make-ahead champions.
Toppings, Swaps & Serving Ideas for Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders
Creative Twists for More Flavor
When it comes to Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders, a few creative swaps can transform them from tasty to unforgettable. Start with the cheese—provolone is great, but try Swiss, Havarti, or sharp white cheddar for a deeper flavor. Add a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika into your butter mix for a slight kick that balances the saltiness of the pretzel rolls.
Love a little tang? Slide in thin pickle chips or pepperoncini slices with the ham before baking. They add texture without overpowering the gooey cheese layers. You can even make a vegetarian version of Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders by swapping out the meat with grilled mushrooms or sautéed spinach and onion.
Want more inspiration? Try serving them with Peach Salsa Recipe for a sweet and savory combo, or pair them with our zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad to round out your appetizer spread.
Smart Ways to Serve and Store
These Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders shine when served warm from the oven, but they also hold up beautifully for events. For parties, slice and stack them neatly on a wooden tray and insert toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re bite-sized but hearty, so a dozen goes a long way.
Looking to prep ahead? Assemble the full tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just don’t pour the butter sauce until right before baking—this keeps the buns crisp on top and soft underneath. Reheat leftovers uncovered at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, and they’ll taste just as fresh.
For a full party menu, pair these Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders with Mini Frittata Muffins or these Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Every bite delivers a buttery crunch and melty interior that keeps people coming back for more.
These Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders aren’t just a recipe—they’re a reliable, craveable classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes on top of ham and cheese sliders?
The best topping for Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders is a rich butter sauce made with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Once the sauce is poured over the sliders, sprinkle a generous layer of everything bagel seasoning to add texture, color, and bold flavor.
Why are my ham and cheese sliders soggy?
Soggy Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders usually come from layering without protection or over-saturating with sauce. To avoid this, place provolone cheese below the ham to act as a moisture barrier. Use pretzel rolls—they’re sturdy and toast well. Drizzle the butter mix evenly and bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes to crisp the tops.
Do you put mayo on ham and cheese sliders?
Traditional Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders don’t call for mayonnaise, but a thin layer can be added if you prefer extra creaminess. Keep it minimal to avoid overwhelming the cheese or making the buns soggy during baking.
Can ham and cheese sliders be prepared the night before?
Yes! You can assemble Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders the night before—just don’t add the butter topping yet. Store the prepared tray tightly covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour the butter mix over, top with seasoning, and bake as usual for hot, fresh flavor.
Conclusion
When you want a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd, Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders deliver every time. The salty chew of the pretzel bun, gooey layers of cheese, and bold everything bagel seasoning combine into one satisfying bite after another.
They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night at home with the family. You can make them ahead, store them with ease, and even freeze extras for a quick meal later. Whether you’re serving them with fruit salad, pasta sides, or crispy veggie snacks, these Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders always hit the mark.
Looking for more comfort classics like this? Be sure to try my Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe or browse through crowd favorites like Mini Frittata Muffins and Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels.
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