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I Love Making Two Trays of These for Guests — Especially for Game Nights
Cheesy Baked Sliders That Disappear Every Single Time
There are some foods that are just made for sharing. Not fancy. Not delicate. Just warm, cheesy, handheld perfection that keeps people hovering near the kitchen instead of the TV.
This is one of those recipes.
These Cheesy Baked Sliders are the reason I always make two trays — not because I’m being generous, but because I’ve learned the hard way. One tray is never enough. Ever.
They’re easy to prep, feed a crowd without stress, and somehow taste even better sitting out during a long game night. Whether it’s cards, board games, football, or a loud living room full of friends, these sliders are always the first thing gone.
And the best part?
They look impressive… but they’re ridiculously simple.
Why This Is the Ultimate Game Night Recipe
Game night food needs to check very specific boxes:
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Easy to grab
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No utensils required
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Stays warm and tasty
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Loved by picky eaters
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Easy to double (or triple)
These sliders do all of that — and then some.
They’re:
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Soft on the inside
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Slightly crisp on top
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Packed with melty cheese
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Brushed with buttery seasoning that makes people ask, “What did you put on these?”
Why Two Trays Are Non-Negotiable
The first tray disappears while people are still saying hello.
The second tray?
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Goes during halftime
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Becomes “just one more”
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Ends with someone scraping crumbs
Making two trays isn’t overkill — it’s survival.
Cheesy Baked Slider Recipe (Game Night Classic)
Yield: 24 sliders (2 trays recommended)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Ingredients
Slider Base
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24 slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls are best)
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1½ pounds sliced deli meat (ham, turkey, roast beef, or a mix)
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12 slices Swiss cheese
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12 slices cheddar or provolone
Buttery Topping
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Pinch of salt
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a serrated knife, slice the entire slab of rolls horizontally, keeping them connected.
Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
Start layering evenly:
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Half the cheese
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All the deli meat
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Remaining cheese
Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Press gently to compact.
Step 3: Make the Magic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Melted butter
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Dijon mustard
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Worcestershire sauce
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Poppy seeds
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Onion powder
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Garlic powder
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Salt
This is what takes these from “good” to “please text me the recipe.”
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
Let it drip down the sides and soak into every crevice.
Cover loosely with foil.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake covered for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes, until:
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Cheese is fully melted
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Tops are golden
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The kitchen smells unreal
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into individual sliders.
What These Sliders Taste Like
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Soft, slightly sweet rolls
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Savory, melty cheese
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Juicy layers of meat
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Rich, buttery topping with a hint of tang
They’re comforting, addictive, and impossible to stop eating.
Why They’re Perfect for Guests
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No last-minute prep
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Easy to transport
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Look impressive on a platter
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Work for kids and adults
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Still good at room temperature
You can focus on hosting — not cooking.
Make-Ahead Friendly (Huge Bonus)
You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance.
Just cover tightly and refrigerate.
When guests arrive:
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Pour butter sauce
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Bake
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Serve
Zero stress.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Reheat
Warm in the oven at 300°F or microwave briefly.
They reheat shockingly well.
Easy Variations for Different Crowds
Turkey & Swiss
Classic, mild, always popular.
Ham & Cheddar
Salty, sharp, crowd favorite.
Roast Beef & Provolone
Add caramelized onions for next-level flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Use shredded chicken + buffalo sauce + mozzarella.
Pizza Sliders
Pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara.
Game Night Hosting Tips
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Cut sliders before serving
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Keep them covered loosely with foil
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Put out napkins (trust me)
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Make two trays even for small groups
Someone will ask if there’s more.
Why This Recipe Becomes a Tradition
Because it’s:
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Reliable
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Easy
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Comforting
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Loved by everyone
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes expected.
“Are you bringing those sliders again?”
Yes. Yes you are.
Final Thoughts
Some recipes are flashy.
Some are trendy.
This one is dependable, and that’s better.
If you love hosting, love feeding people, and love watching a tray empty faster than you thought possible — this is your recipe.
And that’s why you make two trays.
Always.
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