Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese on Pretzel Slider

An icon representing a clock 28 min | easy
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Introduction

These honey mustard ham and cheese on pretzel sliders are the perfect bite-size party snack or easy game day dinner.

Soft, salty pretzel buns are loaded with Black Forest ham, melty provolone, and a sweet-tangy honey mustard spread.

A quick buttery garlic drizzle and a sprinkle of sesame seeds take these simple sliders from basic to seriously craveable.

Ingredients  (12 servings)

Ingredients

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Close-up of a pretzel slider sandwich with a glossy sesame-topped bun, layered Black Forest ham, and melted provolone cheese spilling over the edge; background is softly blurred.

How to Make Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese on Pretzel Slider

  1. Preheat the oven and prep the pan

    Set your oven to 350°F and let it preheat while you prepare the sliders.

    Line a 9x13 inch baking dish or sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup and less sticking.

  2. Mix the honey mustard spread

    In a small bowl, stir together the honey mustard and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.

    Taste and adjust with a little extra honey mustard if you like a stronger sweet-tangy flavor.

  3. Slice and arrange the pretzel buns

    Slice each pretzel slider bun horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached to each other if possible.

    Place all the bottom halves in the prepared pan, fitting them snugly into a single layer.

  4. Layer ham and cheese

    Spread the honey mustard mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bun bottoms.

    Fold or gently layer the ham slices over the sauce, using all the ham for a generous layer.

    Top the ham with the halved provolone slices, covering the surface as evenly as possible.

    Place the bun tops over the cheese, lining them up with their bottoms.

  5. Brush with garlic butter and sesame

    In a small bowl, stir the melted butter with the garlic powder until the garlic is evenly dispersed.

    Brush the tops of the buns generously with the garlic butter, letting it drip slightly down the sides.

    Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the buttered tops.

  6. Bake the sliders

    Cover the pan loosely with foil, tenting it so the foil does not touch the buns.

    Bake for 8 minutes, then remove the foil and bake 3 to 5 more minutes until the cheese melts.

    The bun tops should look lightly toasted and the centers should feel hot.

  7. Serve and secure with toothpicks

    Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and the buns are easier to slice.

    Cut between the sliders to separate them, then insert toothpicks into each one for neat serving.

Close-up of a ham and provolone pretzel slider on a white board, topped with sesame seeds and secured with a toothpick; melted cheese and folded ham peek out, with more sliders blurred in the background.

Substitutions

Use honey ham instead of Black Forest ham
Honey ham adds more sweetness and a softer bite, which plays nicely with the honey mustard and pretzel buns.
Use smoked ham instead of Black Forest ham
Smoked ham brings deeper smoky flavor and a slightly firmer texture, which balances the sweet mustard glaze beautifully.
Swap provolone cheese with Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese melts just as well and adds a nutty, slightly sharper flavor that stands out against the rich butter.

Tips

Warm, not hot, butter for brushing
Let the melted butter cool slightly before brushing so it soaks in without making the pretzel buns soggy.
Use a serrated knife for clean slices
Cut the sliders with a sharp serrated knife using gentle sawing motions to avoid squashing the soft pretzel buns.
Add a cheese barrier to prevent sogginess
If your buns feel very soft, place cheese directly on the bottoms first, then add ham and sauce on top.
Scale for a crowd easily
For parties, line buns on a full sheet pan and double everything, keeping layers even but not overly tall.
Toastier tops option
For extra color, broil the sliders for 1 minute at the end, watching closely to avoid burning the pretzel tops.

Nutrition Facts *

Energy 206 kcal
Protein 12 g
Total Fat 8 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g

* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy on the bottom?
Toast the bottom buns for a few minutes in the oven before assembling if you worry about moisture. Also, avoid overloading with sauce and serve within 20 to 30 minutes of baking.
Can I assemble these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, covered tightly with foil. Hold off on brushing the butter until just before baking so the buns stay nicely textured.
What if I cannot find mini pretzel slider buns?
Use regular dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls and follow the same method, adjusting the ham and cheese amounts slightly. Soft rolls work best, since they compress a bit and hold the filling without cracking.
How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?
After baking, cover the pan loosely with foil and keep it in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. For longer holding, rewarm briefly right before serving so the tops stay soft, not dried out.
Can I make these without mayonnaise?
Yes, just use straight honey mustard on the buns and skip the mayonnaise entirely. The flavor will be a little tangier and less creamy, but still very delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders make an easy centerpiece for casual gatherings, especially alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

For extra fun, set out small bowls of spicy mustard, pickles, or jalapeños so everyone can customize their own bite.

A sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving adds fresh color and makes the tray look even more inviting.

More pairings:

Reviews

  • Barbara, Kansas City, MO: Elegant sliders, perfectly melty and savory. — 5 ★

    Eunice: Happy these came out melty and savory for you, Barbara! 😊

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