Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally without separating them completely, keeping the top and bottom connected.
Lay the bottom halves of the buns in your baking dish with the cut sides facing up, creating an even layer.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the cut sides of the buns, adding a tangy flavor that complements the cheese and ham.
Layer the sliced ham evenly over the mustard-coated buns, covering the entire surface for a savory base.
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the ham, ensuring even coverage for gooey meltiness.
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and ham layers, pressing down gently to compact everything slightly.
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and a pinch of paprika for added flavor and color.
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with the melted butter mixture, making sure to cover all the edges for a golden finish. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.
Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Remove from the oven and let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.
Slice between the buns and serve warm, enjoying the fragrant, cheesy, and savory layers with every bite.
