Appetizers
This Arby's ham and cheese recipe delivers the iconic crispy-fried sliders with melty, gooey cheese and perfectly toasted buns—now you can make them at home. The secret lies in layering the ingredients just right and achieving that signature crunch without deep-frying.
I've perfected this technique after countless test batches, and the results are dangerously close to the restaurant version.
The foundation starts with high-quality white bread, lightly toasted until golden but still soft enough to hold up to the filling. Thinly sliced ham and American cheese create the classic combination, while a light coating of mustard adds that tangy kick.
The magic happens when you press the sandwiches in a hot pan just long enough to crisp the edges while keeping the inside warm and melty.
What you'll end up with is a crispy-fried slider that's crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and oozing with melted cheese in every bite. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, and the first bite delivers that perfect balance of textures and flavors.
These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you're craving that nostalgic Arby's taste.
Pro tip: Keep the sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest of the batch to maintain that fresh-from-the-fryer quality. Serve with toothpicks for easy handling and watch them disappear faster than you can say "mozzarella cheese steak." Let's get cooking!
Ingredients for arby's ham and cheese
Twelve sliders with that iconic Arby's crunch and melty cheese—just like the restaurant, minus the drive-thru wait.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Sandwich Buns 🍞 | 12 whole | Thinly sliced, crusts removed |
| Thinly Sliced Ham 🥓 | 1 ½ lb | Deli-style, not too thick |
| American Cheese Slices 🧀 | 12 slices | Thin-cut, not pre-shredded |
| Yellow Mustard 🫒 | ¼ cup | Smooth, not chunky |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Melted, full-fat preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ½ cup | For dredging buns |
| Vegetable Oil 🫒 | ½ cup | For pan-frying |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | For extra flavor |
| Toothpicks 📌 | 24 whole | For serving |
The buns are everything here. Sara Lee or Wonderbread are my go-tos—they toast just right without burning. Grab the thin-sliced ham from the deli counter (the pre-packaged stuff is too thick). American cheese slices should be thin-cut, not pre-shredded—shredded melts weird. For the mustard, French's Classic Yellow is the gold standard. Pro tip: Toast the buns lightly golden before assembling—they'll crisp up perfectly in the pan later.
No thin-sliced ham? Deli turkey or roast beef works in a pinch, but ham's that signature flavor. Shredded cheese won't melt right—stick with slices. Short on mustard? Mayonnaise thinned with a splash of water mimics the tang. The butter matters—full-fat is non-negotiable for that crispy crust. No toothpicks? Mini skewers or even wooden skewers from the craft store do the trick. And if you're making a big batch, double the oil—just keep it at 350°F in a deep pan.
Keep the assembled sliders warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest—10 minutes max or they'll dry out. The cooked sliders reheat beautifully in a toaster oven for 2 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days, but honestly? They disappear faster than that. Freeze extras on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Game day hack: Serve with pickles and extra mustard for the full Arby's experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear by this combo—ham, cheese, mustard, butter, and those soft buns. That’s it. No fancy prep, no stress. Just assemble, toast, and devour.
- Nostalgia in Every Bite: The moment the melted American cheese stretches and the buttery bun gets crispy? Instant throwback to childhood. Honestly, it’s the kind of simple joy that makes weeknights better.
- Lunchbox Hero: Pack these for school or work—no reheating needed. The ham stays tender, the cheese holds up, and the mustard adds that tangy kick. My kids actually eat their lunches now.
- Budget Win: A single ham steak and a block of American cheese stretch for days. Butter and mustard? Pantry staples. This is the kind of meal that fills you up without draining your wallet.
Step-by-step instructions for Arby's-style ham and cheese sliders
Here's how to make those iconic crispy-fried sandwiches with melty cheese—just like Arby's.
Prepare the Ham and Cheese Assembly
Start by spreading 0.25 cup yellow mustard evenly on the cut sides of all 12 whole white sandwich buns. I like to use a small offset spatula for this—it gives you clean, even coverage without making a mess. Lay out the buns on a clean work surface with the mustard side facing up.
Next, layer 1.5 lb thinly sliced ham and 12 slices American cheese on half of the buns. I arrange the ham slices slightly overlapping for maximum flavor, then place a cheese slice on top of each ham layer. The cheese should cover the ham completely so it melts evenly during frying. Keep the other half of the buns separate for now.
Create the Crispy Bun Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder. Give it a quick whisk to break up any lumps. This seasoned flour will create that perfect crispy texture on the outside of your sliders.
Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until completely liquid. Then, in a separate shallow dish, mix the melted butter with 0.5 cup vegetable oil. The butter adds richness while the oil helps create that signature crispy crust. Dip each unfilled bun into the butter-oil mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Fry the Buns Until Golden
Heat 0.5 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F—you should see gentle bubbles forming around the edges. Working in batches (I recommend no more than 4 buns at a time), carefully place the butter-dipped buns in the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown color.
As soon as they're golden, remove the buns with a slotted spatula and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The buns should be crispy but not greasy—if they're browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. This is where you get that perfect Arby's-style crunch.
Assemble and Serve the Sliders
Now it's time to complete the sandwiches. Take each crispy fried bun and place it mustard-side down on a clean plate. Top with the ham and cheese assembly you prepared earlier. Press down gently but firmly—this helps the cheese melt evenly and creates that satisfying "squish" when you take your first bite.
For serving, insert 24 whole toothpicks through the center of each slider, one per sandwich. This makes them easy to handle and gives you that classic Arby's presentation. Serve immediately while the buns are still crispy and the cheese is perfectly melty in the center.
Keep Them Warm (Optional but Recommended)
If you're making these for a crowd, keep the assembled sliders warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack for no more than 10 minutes. This maintains the crispiness without making the buns soggy. The cheese should stay warm and gooey—exactly how you want it. Serve with extra mustard or pickles on the side for that complete Arby's experience.
Pro Tips For Making Arby'S Ham And Cheese
- TOAST BUNS HOT: Butter those buns fast—just 30 seconds on each side in a dry pan over medium-high heat. I used to skip this and ended up with soggy bottoms every time, no matter how much I pressed down. The butter adds flavor and structure, so don’t rush it.
- STACK CHEESE LOW: Place the American cheese slices under the ham, not on top. The heat from the pan melts them into a gooey blanket that clings to the ham instead of sliding off. I learned this after watching three sandwiches fall apart mid-assembly.
- SMEAR MUSTARD THIN: Use the back of a knife to spread mustard lightly—a thin, even layer prevents it from pooling and turning the bun into a soggy sponge. Too much? It’ll make the first bite taste like a condiment explosion.
- PRESS GENTLY: After stacking, press down with a spatula for 10 seconds—just enough to help the cheese bond, but don’t mash the bun flat. Over-pressing squishes the ham and turns it into a sad, mushy mess. Think "coax," not "crush."
Storing and reheating this recipe
Fridge Storage Tips
Store your leftover Arby's-style sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. I like using glass Pyrex containers because they keep the sliders from drying out. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the buns soggy. 🥪
When reheating from the fridge, use a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the buns regain their crispiness. A microwave will work in a pinch, but it often makes the buns rubbery.
For best results, cover the sliders with a damp paper towel to trap moisture.
Freezer Prep
For longer storage, freeze unassembled sliders (just the ham and cheese on toasted buns) on a parchment-lined tray for 1 hour to prevent sticking. Transfer them to a freezer bag with toothpicks included—this keeps them from sticking together. They’ll keep for up to 2 months this way. 🧊
To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the buns are golden. If you prefer a crispier texture, finish them in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side after baking.
Reheating Perfection
For the crispiest reheated sliders, use a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and warm the sliders for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. This mimics the original pan-frying method and restores that Arby's-style crunch. 🔥
If you're short on time, a toaster set to medium-high works in a pinch—just watch closely to avoid burning. The goal is to melt the cheese without overcooking the buns. A quick spray of cooking oil before toasting helps restore crispiness.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these sliders without frying?
For a healthier version, skip the frying and toast the buns in a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter per side until golden. Assemble with ham and cheese, then press under a hot skillet with a weight (like a cast-iron pan) for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. The texture will be different but still delicious.
What's the best way to keep the sliders crispy?
The secret is frying the buns first, then assembling immediately. If you need to hold them, keep assembled sliders in a 200°F oven on a wire rack for no more than 10 minutes. For extra crispiness, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet with a splash of oil. Never microwave—it turns the buns soggy.
Can I use different types of cheese?
American cheese is key for that authentic Arby's melt, but you can experiment! Mozzarella works well for a milder taste, while provolone adds a sharper flavor. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Thin slices are essential for even melting.
How do I make these sliders for a large group?
Double or triple the recipe, but work in batches. Fry the buns first, then assemble and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the next batch. Use two skillets if needed to maintain 350°F oil temperature. For serving, set up a station with toothpicks, extra mustard, and pickles. A chafing dish keeps them warm for hours.
Why did my cheese not melt properly?
This usually happens when the sliders aren't pressed firmly enough or the cheese isn't thinly sliced.