Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy dinner that never fails to impress, let me introduce you to Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls. Imagine golden, buttery rolls layered with smoky ham, gooey melted cheese, and a zesty glaze—each bite delivers soft, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re hosting game night, potluck, or a casual family meal, these sliders pack incredible taste with minimum fuss. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say, “Who wants seconds?”

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient shines on its own yet melds together for a taste that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

• Hawaiian Rolls: Their pillowy softness and hint of sweetness set the perfect stage for these sliders.
• Deli Ham: Choose a good-quality smoked or honey ham for maximum depth; thin slices melt beautifully with the cheese.
• Swiss Cheese: Classic, mild, and melty, it pairs perfectly with ham, but you can swap in provolone or cheddar if you prefer.
• Salted Butter: Ensures the tops of the rolls turn golden and delicious, carrying all the flavors of the topping.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a zippy layer that cuts through the richness and really wakes up your palate.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny bit goes a long way in adding umami and depth to the buttery glaze.
• Poppy Seeds: Offer a bit of crunch and visual pop, making these sliders look as good as they taste.
• Garlic Powder: A touch for savory aroma, because who can resist that classic garlic-butter scent?
• Optional: Fresh parsley or chives: For a final sprinkle of color and freshness before serving.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the entire loaf horizontally. You’ll end up with a single, even top and bottom half. Place the bottom half in a baking dish—it’s like creating a fluffy, ready-made sandwich base!

Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Generously layer sliced ham across the bottom half of the rolls. Follow with an even blanket of Swiss cheese. Remember, the ham and cheese will melt together, so don’t be shy! Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings to assemble the sliders.

Step 3: Make the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, melt the butter then whisk in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds. This fragrant mixture isn’t just for flavor—it locks in moisture and turns the rolls into buttery perfection.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the buttery mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders, making sure every edge is covered for full flavor impact. Loosely cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes or until the tops turn golden and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut along the roll lines for individual sliders. Serve warm—watch those cheese pulls! Your Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are now ready to steal the spotlight.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top adds a pop of color and a zip of freshness that makes these sliders look extra inviting. If you like a little heat, a shake of red pepper flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad, crunchy pickles, or kettle chips for that ideal salty crunch. If you’re serving these at a party, consider a platter of fresh fruit or a tray of roasted veggies alongside—you’ll love how the flavors complement the Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the sliders on a wooden board with tiny flag picks, or serve them on a platter lined with parchment for a rustic, grab-and-go vibe. For larger gatherings, set up a slider bar with a few dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo to let everyone customize their own Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and get even better, making tomorrow’s lunch irresistible!

Freezing

Need to prep ahead? Assemble the sliders (sans the buttery glaze), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, brush on the topping, and bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sliders back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty—about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them perfectly toasty without drying them out. For a quick fix, a microwave works too, but the oven gives you that magical melted-cheese-and-buttery-top combo that defines Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

You sure can! While the soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls makes these sliders special, you can swap in potato rolls, dinner rolls, or even mini brioche buns in a pinch.

What other cheeses work well?

Swiss is classic, but provolone, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all delicious. Mix and match to find your favorite twist!

Can I make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just assemble everything but hold off on baking. Refrigerate covered until ready, then brush with the melted butter topping and pop in the oven when guests arrive.

Is it okay to use leftover holiday ham?

Yes! These sliders are a fantastic way to use up any extra ham from celebrations. Simply slice it thin and layer it in—leftovers never tasted so good.

How many sliders does this recipe make?

Most packages of Hawaiian rolls come as a dozen, so you’ll get 12 sliders per batch. It’s super easy to double or triple everything for a larger crowd.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls—they’ve become my go-to for every party, quick dinner, or “just because” craving. Warm, cheesy, and always a hit, these sliders are pure comfort in every bite. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking—you’re about to create a new favorite for family and friends!

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