Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
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Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls come together fast, taste amazing, and never stick around long. Soft rolls filled with layers of ham and melty cheese get brushed with a buttery glaze, then baked until golden and crisp on top. They’re made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes.
This recipe is a go-to for everything from casual lunches to game day or last-minute weeknight dinners. They’re easy to prep, fun to serve, and always the first thing to disappear.
These sliders are among my family’s favorite appetizers, alongside roasted garlic bread and bruschetta al pomodoro. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something warm and cheesy, these sliders always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loved by kids: Simple flavors that always win them over. It’s a snack or meal that even picky eaters get excited about.
- Made for sharing: One pan makes enough for a crowd.
- Quick to make
- Great for freezing
- Cheesy and satisfying
- Make it your own: Use a different cheese, add a little mustard, or toss in extras like jalapeños or onions. You can keep it classic or get creative.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Cheesy ham sliders are a quick fix when you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer fast. You can prep and pop them in the oven in just 5 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Scroll down to grab the printable recipe card with all the ingredients, measurements, and easy step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Slider buns: I like using soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. They hold everything together and soak up the buttery glaze without getting soggy.
- Mayonnaise: I usually reach for Hellmann’s or Duke’s, but any brand works. Homemade mayo is great too if you have some on hand.
- Swiss cheese
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works great. You can also use packaged slices or leftover ham from a previous meal.
- Dijon mustard
- Butter: Melted butter brushed on top helps the rolls bake up golden and crisp.
- Onion
- Poppy seeds
Step-By-Step Instructions
These ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are perfect when you want something easy but still impressive. Just a few everyday ingredients, a quick assembly, and into the oven they go. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of warm, cheesy sliders ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prep the buns
Set your oven to 350 F. Slice all the slider buns in half and place the bottom pieces snugly into a baking dish.
Step 2: Layer
Spread mayo over the bottom buns. Add a layer of Swiss cheese, then the ham, and top it off with more Swiss. Finish by placing the top buns back on.
Step 3: Make the glaze
Stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds. Brush this mixture all over the tops of the buns so they’re nicely coated.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until the tops are golden. Let them cool just a bit, then dig in while they’re warm and melty.
Substitutions
- Slider buns: Hawaiian rolls are great, but if you’re out, brioche or soft dinner rolls will work just fine.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a similar creaminess with just a bit of tang.
- Swiss cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda depending on the flavor you’re going for.
- Ham: Turkey, roast beef, or even shredded chicken can take its place. Smoked tofu works well if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
- Dijon mustard: Whole-grain mustard brings a similar tang if Dijon isn’t on hand.
- Butter: Olive oil or coconut oil is a good backup when you need a dairy-free option.
- Onion: Use shallots or leeks if you want a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Poppy seeds: Sesame seeds or a pinch of Everything Bagel seasoning add great texture and taste.
Expert Tips
- Prep ahead: You can put the sliders together the night before. Just cover and chill, then bake when you’re ready for a quick and easy meal or snack.
- Use the right knife: A serrated knife makes slicing easier and helps keep the sliders looking neat without squishing the bread.
- Toast the buns: Giving the buns a quick toast before assembling keeps them from getting soggy, especially if you’re prepping ahead.
- Mix up the glaze: Toss in extras like honey, parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, or chopped herbs for more flavor. Feeling bold? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve while warm: Don’t wait too long to dig in. These are best when the cheese is melty, the ham is hot, and the rolls are soft.
How to Store This Recipe
Leftover Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. I like placing a paper towel under the bottom layer to help soak up extra moisture and keep the buns from getting soggy.
To reheat, transfer the sliders to a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 375 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. If they’ve been frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight first.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
These work great with whatever you’re serving. For something easy, toss some fries in the oven or make a quick side salad. Air fryer sweet potato fries are another favorite when we want something a little different.
A fresh coleslaw or carrot raisin salad is perfect for adding a bit of crunch and balance to the meal. For a cozy option, pair the sliders with something warm like potato and leek soup, broccoli casserole, or creamy pumpkin pasta.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes To Try
Golden-Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns like Hawaiian rolls
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ pound ham thinly sliced and cooked
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon onion minced
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350 °F. Slice all the slider buns in half and place the bottom pieces snugly into a baking dish.
- Spread mayo over the bottom buns. Add a layer of Swiss cheese, then the ham, and top it off with more Swiss. Finish by placing the top buns back on.
- Stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds. Brush this mixture all over the tops of the buns so they’re nicely coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes more until the tops are golden. Let them cool just a bit, then dig in while they’re warm and melty.
Notes
- You can put the sliders together the night before. Just cover and chill, then bake when you’re ready for a quick and easy meal or snack.
- A serrated knife makes slicing easier and helps keep the sliders looking neat without squishing the bread.
- Toss in extras like honey, parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, or chopped herbs for more flavor. Feeling bold? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don’t wait too long to dig in. These are best when the cheese is melty, the ham is hot, and the rolls are soft.
