Cooking for a crowd? This easy ham and cheese slider recipe fed 65 hungry camp guests and is ideal for large family gatherings, retreats, church lunches, and other group meals.
For two years I worked in a busy camp and conference kitchen, preparing meals for retreats, family camps, church groups, and special events. Over time I collected a handful of dependable, easy-to-scale recipes that worked well when feeding dozens of people. One of the most reliable lunch options was these warm, buttery ham and cheese sliders.
They’re straightforward to assemble, inexpensive to make in large quantities, and adaptable to different cheeses and deli meats. On the day these photos were taken we served roughly 65 people and prepared about 140 small sliders—just over two per person since the buns were small. This recipe and the process below are written so you can reproduce a crowd-sized batch with predictable results.
Why These Ham and Cheese Sliders Work So Well for Large Groups
- Easy to prep ahead and store
- Budget-friendly when purchased in bulk
- Appeals to both kids and adults
- Customizable—swap meats or cheeses to suit tastes
- Bakes quickly when arranged in sheet pans
- Ideal for buffet-style or plated service
Recipe for 65 Ham & Cheese Slider Sandwiches
Below is the full, printable-style recipe and step-by-step instructions to help you scale and execute this lunch for a crowd.
Ham & Cheese Slider Sandwiches for a Crowd
Yield: 65 (about 140 small sliders)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Need an easy large-group lunch idea? These ham and cheese sliders fed 65 people at camp and work well for church groups, family reunions, retreats, and other gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the sliders:
- 140 small dinner rolls or slider buns
- Mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, or a combination
- Deli ham (enough to cover 140 sliders)
- 35 slices mozzarella or Swiss cheese, cut in half (one half-slice per slider)
- Butter sauce:
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2¾ cups butter, melted
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat ovens to 350°F (175°C). Slice all dinner rolls in half horizontally and lay them out on a clean surface or sheet tray.
- Spread mayonnaise or Miracle Whip on the inside of each bun half.
- Layer deli ham evenly across the bottom halves. Place a half-slice of cheese on top of the ham. Replace the top buns and press gently to close. Arrange the assembled sliders tightly in baking pans—nestling them together helps them steam and stay moist.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, poppy seeds, yellow mustard, minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Evenly pour the butter mixture over the assembled sliders. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops and get the sauce into any gaps. Let the pans sit for 10 minutes so the sauce begins to absorb and set slightly.
- Cover pans with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. If the assembled sliders are very cold from refrigeration, allow a few extra minutes of baking time.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 2 minutes to lightly brown and crisp the tops. Serve warm.
Notes
These sliders can be assembled the day before and kept covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. If chilled, allow for a little longer in the oven. When planning portions, count on roughly two small sliders per adult for a main-course serving; adjust based on your crowd and the number of side dishes offered.
Pictures of How to Make these Ham & Cheese Sliders
Serving Suggestions for Camp or Group Meals
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides—choose a few to round out the meal depending on your group and service style:
- Fresh fruit platters
- Vegetable trays with dip
- Tomato basil soup for a cozy pairing
- Pasta or potato salad
- Pickles and chips
For ladies’ luncheons we often served these sliders with tomato basil soup for a comforting combination. For family camps and kids’ groups, fruit and veggie trays make easy, crowd-pleasing sides.
Want More Large-Quantity Cooking Ideas?
If you enjoy cooking for groups, try other reliable crowd-pleasing menus such as taco bars, warm one-pot entrees, and roast dinners that can be portioned and served buffet-style. Planning, good prep, and a helpful kitchen team make all the difference when feeding dozens at once.
The key to successful quantity cooking is teamwork—on busy service days a dependable assistant makes prep faster and more enjoyable.