Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

These Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly comfort food. Soft, slightly sweet rolls are loaded with savory ham and gooey melted cheese, then brushed with a buttery mustard glaze that’s baked until golden and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a party, or just craving something warm and cheesy, these sliders deliver major flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Foolproof: You’ll go from prep to oven to table in under 30 minutes. Seriously—it’s that easy.
• Flavor Explosion: Between the sweet rolls, salty ham, melty cheese, and buttery tangy glaze, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These sliders are just as great for a casual weeknight dinner as they are for game day, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. You’ll look like a kitchen wizard without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Hawaiian Rolls: Their subtle sweetness adds an extra layer of flavor that regular buns just can’t match. Don’t substitute these—trust me on this.
• Deli Ham: Thinly sliced and easy to layer. Use honey ham for a sweeter bite or Black Forest for a smoky twist.
• Cheese: Swiss is the classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a mix of your favorites work beautifully. Melty cheeses are best here.
• Butter: Used for the glaze, it gives the sliders a rich, golden finish.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A little goes a long way for deep, savory undertones.
• Poppy Seeds: Optional, but they add a fun crunch and a bit of texture to the tops.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Boost the flavor of the glaze with a gentle kick.

Variations

• Turkey Instead of Ham: For a lighter spin, try thinly sliced turkey breast with Swiss or Havarti.
• Add Pickles: Thinly sliced pickles tucked between the ham and cheese give a nice tangy crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze if you like heat.
• Different Cheese Combos: Try pepper jack for spice, mozzarella for extra meltiness, or a cheddar-monterey jack blend.
• Mini Breakfast Sandwiches: Swap ham for cooked bacon or sausage and add scrambled eggs for a breakfast version.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

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

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Without separating the rolls, slice them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom halves in your prepared pan.

Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff

Layer the sliced ham evenly over the bottom rolls. Top with cheese slices, then place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds (if using).

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the buttery glaze generously over the tops of the rolls, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden and crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the sliders cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Prepare for compliments.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Separate the Rolls: Keeping the rolls connected makes assembling and baking so much easier.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: If melting on the stovetop, this ensures even mixing with the mustard and seasonings.
• Double the Glaze: If you like your sliders extra saucy, make a little more glaze and serve on the side for dipping.
• Cover Then Uncover: This ensures the cheese melts perfectly without over-browning the tops.

How to Serve

These sliders are pretty much perfect on their own, but if you want to round out the meal or serve them at a party, here are a few pairing ideas:

Garnishes:

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color or a side of extra mustard for dipping.

Side Dishes:

Serve with coleslaw, potato chips, a crisp green salad, or even a warm bowl of tomato soup.

Drinks:

They pair great with iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap fully assembled but unbaked sliders in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders (including the glaze), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to serve, just bake as directed.

What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Deli-sliced honey ham or Black Forest ham works wonderfully. Just avoid thick slices so the sliders hold together nicely and heat evenly.

Can I use a different kind of roll?
You can, but Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their softness and subtle sweetness. Brioche rolls are a good substitute if needed.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overdo the glaze, especially on the bottom layer. Also, serve them shortly after baking for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are everything you want in an easy, flavorful meal—gooey, buttery, slightly sweet, and packed with comfort. Whether you’re making them for dinner or a party, they’re guaranteed to be devoured in no time. Give them a try and see just how simple and delicious dinner can be!

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