Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

These Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate answer to “What’s something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table?” They’re buttery, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a tray of warm, melty sliders on the table in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: These come together quickly and bake in under 20 minutes. No complicated steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, melty cheese, and a buttery glaze—what’s not to love? These disappear fast!
• Customizable: Whether you like them classic or want to spice them up, this recipe is a great base for endless variations.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. They’re also ideal for potlucks and parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these golden, gooey sliders:

• Hawaiian Rolls: Their sweet, fluffy texture is unmatched for slider recipes and balances the salty ham beautifully.
• Ham: Go with deli-sliced ham for convenience. Honey ham or black forest ham adds excellent flavor.
• Cheese: Swiss is a classic pairing, but provolone, cheddar, or even mozzarella work well too.
• Butter: For the savory glaze that gets brushed over the top—adds richness and helps crisp up the tops.
• Dijon Mustard: Mixed into the butter glaze for a mild tang that cuts through the richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth to the glaze. Just a splash makes a big difference.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Boosts the flavor of the buttery topping without overpowering the sandwich.
• Poppy Seeds: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and a bakery-style finish.

Variations

There are so many fun ways to customize these sliders:

• Spicy Kick: Add a smear of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter glaze.
• Different Meats: Try roast beef, turkey, or even pepperoni for a new twist.
• Veggie Version: Layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers instead of meat.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a thin spread of fig jam or cranberry sauce under the ham for a burst of sweetness.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish or sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating them, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. You’ll have a top and bottom sheet of rolls. Place the bottom half in your baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Layer sliced ham evenly over the rolls, followed by cheese. Then place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan or bowl, melt the butter and stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Mix well.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the buttery glaze generously over the tops of the rolls. Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve warm. Get ready for these to vanish fast!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Separate the Rolls: Keeping the rolls together while assembling makes it easier and cleaner.
• Let the Butter Soak In: After brushing on the glaze, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before baking to allow it to soak into the bread.
• Use Fresh Deli Meat: It melts and layers better than pre-packaged slices.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, then add the glaze and bake when ready.

How to Serve

These sliders are amazing served warm straight from the oven. Here are a few pairing ideas:

As a Main Dish:

Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.

For Parties:

Cut them smaller and serve with toothpicks. Add chips, a veggie platter, or some fruit skewers for a fun spread.

Dipping Sauce:

Try honey mustard, spicy mayo, or ranch on the side for dipping—total flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sliders tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap the unbaked sliders (without the butter glaze) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, add glaze, and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and cover them tightly in the fridge. Wait to add the butter glaze until just before baking for the best texture.

What cheese works best for these sliders?
Swiss is the classic choice, but cheddar, provolone, or Havarti are also fantastic. Use what you love or have on hand.

How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Using foil and letting the butter soak in before baking helps. Also, don’t overload with too many wet ingredients like pickles or sauces inside the sandwich.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger baking sheet or two pans. These scale up beautifully and are always a hit at parties and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are comfort food at its finest—easy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick family dinner, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your table!

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