Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

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Ham and Cheese Sliders — 🙌🏻🎉 Baked juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping! Fast, EASY, and a party and family FAVORITE! Everyone is going to want THIS recipe!

A ham and cheese slider on a Hawaiian roll.

Best Ever Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe

If you’re in need of an easy comfort-food recipe for game day, holiday parties or events, an after-school snack that everyone loves, or a quickie easy weeknight dinner on busy weeknights, these Hawaiian roll sliders will do the trick.

This recipe features baked juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping. Hawaiian bread is one of my all-time favorite kinds of bread, and it’s absolutely perfect for the sliders.

Six ham and cheese sliders topped with poppyseeds.

It stays soft and tender in the interior and while the base of the sliders have an ever-so-slight crispiness from the buttery mixture that drips down during baking.

There’s flavor galore from the juicy ham, savory cheese, sharp Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onions, and Worcesteshire sauce.

While eating the sliders, the term ‘butter fingers’ may come to mind. Soft, white, warm bread covered in butter is never a bad thing. As a bonus, your cuticles will be extra moisturized.

Ham and Cheese Sliders - Baked juicy ham and Swiss nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping!! Fast, EASY, and a party FAVORITE!!

Ham and Cheese Sliders Ingredients

For these Hawaiian roll ham sliders, you’ll need the following: 

  • Hawaiian sweet rolls – They’re my go to and so much better than white dinner rolls or other types of bread or rolls!
  • Cooked sliced ham – I like to use sliced ham from the deli counter (honey ham is great or Black Forest) but you can use ham in packets sold in the refrigerated cases, or leftover ham
  • Swiss cheese – Wondering if you can use other cheese? See the FAQs below
  • Unsalted butter
  • Dijon mustard – I love Dijon mustard in this easy sliders recipe, but you can use yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or your favorite mustard
  • Poppy seeds – Don’t have them but you do have ‘bagel seasoning’ or ‘everything bu the bagel seasoning’ on hand? Sprinkle a bit of that into the melted butter!
  • Dried minced onion or onion powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper 

Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.

HamTip! 

If you have leftover Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter ham or this sliders recipe is a wonderful way to use it! Also check out my Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe for a fun twist to take that ham off your hands.

 

Ham and Cheese Sliders — Baked juicy ham and Swiss nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping!! Fast, EASY, and a party FAVORITE!!

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders are a breeze to make! I’ve given the full set of instructions and ingredient ratios in the recipe card below. 

Here’s a look at how the hot ham and cheese sliders are prepared: 

  1. Using a large serrated knife, slice the rolls in half so you have a ‘slab’ of tops and a ‘slab’ of bottoms. Don’t pull the rolls apart and slice individually because you want to keep them connected. 
  2. Layer the ham and cheese onto the bottom ‘slab’ of rolls, then place the top ‘slab’ back on. 
  3. Whisk together the melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Brush over the top rolls. 
  4. Before baking, you MUST let the sliders sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This gives the butter mixture time to soak into the bread and flavor it. 
  5. Then, bake the sliders in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and serve! 

Recipe FAQs

can i use cheddar cheese or other cheese?

I like to use Swiss cheese on the sliders but you can of course use your favorite sliced cheese such as cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, gouda, and more.

Should I Use Poppy seeds? 

Yes! Don’t omit the poppyseeds in the sauce. They cling to the tops of the rolls and add even more texture. It’s a subtle crunch, but it makes a difference. If you don’t have them, in a pinch, some Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (which has poppy seeds) can work. Add a bit to the melted butter.

Can sliders Be Prepared in Advance? 

Yes, up to a point. You can cut the rolls into slabs, then layer on the ham and Swiss cheese, and complete the assembly process. Then, cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to add the butter mixture and bake off the sandwiches. Personally, these are so fast to prepare that I always just do it in one fell swoop but if you need to prep in advance, that’s my suggestion.

If making the hot ham and cheese sliders in advance, wait to brush on the butter mixture until you’re ready to bake them off. Otherwise the rolls will become soggy.

how should i store leftovers?

Sliders are best warm and fresh but extras will keep in airtight container or in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheating them gently in the microwave is what I do, about 30 seconds, or as necessary. 

Can the Sliders Be Frozen? 

Technically yes, but with sliders recipes like this I recommend enjoying them fresh from the oven. However, if your options are to toss the sliders or try freezing them, I say freeze them. I imagine you’d want to reheat them from frozen in a hot oven. You may wish to brush a little more of the butter mixture on top if they start to look at all dry. 

Why are the ham and cheese sliders made with Hawaiian Rolls?

Although you could technically use regular slider rolls to make this easy recipe, I highly recommend using sweet Hawaiian rolls if at all possible. Hawaiian rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. They pair perfect with the melted Swiss cheese and salty deli ham! 

I also think the sweet Hawaiian rolls pair well with the sweet and salty honey mustard sauce that’s drizzled over top. The combination of textures and flavors is what makes these sliders so good! 

should Ham and swiss sliders be covered or uncovered when baking?

You’ll want to cover the baking dish with foil before baking. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders

This easy sliders recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as an entree.

other great dips and appetizers

If serving the sliders as a main, try pairing it with one of the following: 

sides and salads

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4.55 from 849 votes

Ham and Cheese Sliders

By Averie Sunshine
🙌🏻🎉 Baked juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping! Fast, EASY, and a party and family FAVORITE! Everyone is going to want THIS recipe!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
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Ingredients  

  • 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls), sliced in half (see directions for more details)
  • ¾ pound cooked deli ham, thinly sliced
  • ¾ pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons Worcesteshire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  • Using a large serrated knife, slice the rolls in half so you have a ‘slab’ of tops and a ‘slab’ of bottoms; don’t pull the rolls apart and slice individually because you want to keep them connected.
  • Place the bottom ‘slab’ of rolls in prepared pan.
  • Evenly layer about half of the ham over the rolls.
  • Evenly layer the cheese.
  • Evenly layer the remaining ham.
  • Add the top ‘slab’ of rolls; set aside.
  • To a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
  • Add the mustard, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine.
  • Evenly and slowly pour the butter mixture over the rolls. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the tops. Some of the mixture will pool at the base of the rolls.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and allow rolls to stand at room temp for about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Bake covered for about 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.
  • Uncover and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until as done as desired. Baking time will vary based on the size of pan used, climate and oven variances, etc. Bake until as done as desired; watch to make sure they don’t burn since all ovens and ingredients vary.
  • Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately. Sliders are best warm and fresh.

Video

Notes

Storage: Sliders are best warm and fresh but extra will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheating them gently in the microwave is what I do, about 30 seconds, or as necessary. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1slider, Calories: 257kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 526mg, Potassium: 133mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.5g, Vitamin A: 474IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 272mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

More Party Sliders Recipes:

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Pepperoni Pizza Sliders - Pizza by way of supremely cheesy sliders!! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for parties because everyone LOVES them! Totally IRRESISTIBLE!!

Beer and Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders — Chicken is cooked with beer and bourbon before being soaked in bbq sauce! So juicy, flavorful, easy, and ready in 25 minutes!

Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders - Chicken is cooked with BEER and BOURBON before being soaked in BBQ SAUCE!! So juicy, flavorful, easy, and ready in 25 minutes! A guaranteed hit at parties!!

Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Sliders with Fry Sauce – Meatless comfort food at its finest! Hearty, satisfying and so good!

Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Sliders with Fry Sauce - Meatless comfort food at its finest! Hearty, satisfying and so good!

Ranch Chicken and Swiss Sliders — Tender chicken is coasted in tangy ranch dressing and topped with Swiss cheese. It’s all nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping. 

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Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders - Grilled pineapple slices brushed with a soy and ginger marinade add a Hawaiian-inspired twist to these irresistible sandwiches! Juicy ham, melted Swiss cheese, and melted butter are impossible to resist! FAST, EASY, perfect as a game day or party appetizer, snack, or quick weeknight dinner!

BBQ Chicken Sliders — These FAST and EASY sliders are made with shredded chicken, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls with cheese, and baked until warm! 

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Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cheese Sliders — Juicy turkey, Swiss cheese, and cranberry sauce all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls that are brushed with butter and topped with poppy seeds for the BEST turkey sliders! 

Originally published August 2016, updated April 2019, and republished January 15, 2021. 

4.55 from 849 votes (714 ratings without comment)

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Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are the best appetizer that Iโ€™ve ever made! Easy to make, can be doubled or tripled! And, can be made in advance covered and left until itโ€™s time to add the buttery topping. I let them sit for 15-20 minutes before baking. I love the poppy seeds but have also swapped them out for everything bagel topping! Iโ€™ve caught guests guests swiping up any leftover topping with chips and plain bread!-itโ€™s that good

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad this is the best appetizer you’ve ever made! That’s some high praise and I am glad it’s been a such a winner for you. Great tip about the everything bagel seasoning too!

  2. 5 stars
    These are sooo good! I do add less poppy seeds, just as a personal preference. But recipe is perfect otherwise.

  3. 5 stars
    Made these for my ladies prayer group. They loved them. Saved a couple for my husband and he loved them also. He cleaned the โ€œdrippingsโ€ from the baking dish.
    ๐Ÿ˜†

  4. 5 stars
    Made these for my ladies prayer group. They loved them. Saved a couple for my husband and he loved them also. He cleaned the โ€œdrippingsโ€ from the baking dish.
    ๐Ÿ˜†

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and I am so glad that your prayer group loved them and I bet your husband really loved those pan drippings and all that buttery goodness ๐Ÿ˜Š

  5. 5 stars
    Have made these by this recipe (exactly) many, many times. I will tell you – you CAN freeze them! Completely made! For family beach vacations I make several dozen and put them in the freezer in foil 9×13 pans. I wrap the pans in foil, then in plastic wrap. When we want some, we take out one pan and put it in the fridgeโ€ฆthen, we heat whatever we want in the microwave (unwrapped on a plate) at 30% power. That way the bread doesnโ€™t get doughy but they get nice and warm.
    Quick and delish beach food!

  6. 5 stars
    Have made these by this recipe (exactly) many, many times. I will tell you – you CAN freeze them! Completely made! For family beach vacations I make several dozen and put them in the freezer in foil 9×13 pans. I wrap the pans in foil, then in plastic wrap. When we want some, we take out one pan and put it in the fridgeโ€ฆthen, we heat whatever we want in the microwave (unwrapped on a plate) at 30% power. That way the bread doesnโ€™t get doughy but they get nice and warm.
    Quick and delish beach food!

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and that’s great info that you have made tons in advance of family vacations, frozen them, and just microwaved when ready to eat them. Great to know you have really tested this well and that it works!

  7. 5 stars
    Simply Delicious

    Traditional Sweets of Karnataka | Babusinghโ€™s Thakur Pedha Bangalore

    Karnataka, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine, offers a delightful array of traditional sweets. Among these, Thakur Pedha stands out as a cherished delicacy that has been savored for generations. At Babusinghโ€™s Thakur Pedha in Bangalore, you can experience the authentic flavors of this iconic sweet, which is crafted with utmost care and precision.

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  8. 5 stars
    We like to make double batches using hotdog buns. Wrap 2 in Saran wrap, freeze, and reheat for 2 minutes in the microwave. Easy to make large batches for birthday parties.

  9. 5 stars
    We like to make double batches using hotdog buns. Wrap 2 in Saran wrap, freeze, and reheat for 2 minutes in the microwave. Easy to make large batches for birthday parties.

    1. That’s a great tip for anyone looking to make ahead for large batches for events, bday parties, and so forth.

  10. 5 stars
    I have made these a ridiculous amount of times! I’ve made them for a variety of people of all ages, and everybody always loves them and comes back for more. I highly recommend this recipe.

  11. 5 stars
    I have made these a ridiculous amount of times! I’ve made them for a variety of people of all ages, and everybody always loves them and comes back for more. I highly recommend this recipe.

  12. Itโ€™s in the oven now! Iโ€™m sure itโ€™ll be delicious! Your website drove me a little crazy though! I was rushing to throw this together and every time I looked back at my phone, the page had jumped up or down due to the adsโ€ฆ I kept having to rinse/dry my fingers and slide the page back to what I needed. It was constant and really annoying. I donโ€™t mind ads because I know thatโ€™s important for revenueโ€ฆ but donโ€™t usually have the issue of the page jumping around from them! :/

    1. I’m sorry about that and I am addressing it with my tech team to minimize the shift. Thank you for understanding the site cannot exist without ads. As a tip though, if you’re cooking from your phone in the recipe card area, look for this and toggle it.

      “Hands Free Mode:
      Prevent screen from sleeping”

  13. 5 stars
    I made these with honey turkey and Swiss, just for a change from ham.

    Everyone at the graduation party went crazy for them!

  14. 5 stars
    I made these with honey turkey and Swiss, just for a change from ham.

    Everyone at the graduation party went crazy for them!

  15. Would these be fine at room temperature? No oven at the place I am bringing them so I have to bake in advance

    1. Yes they should be fine. Cover them well with foil and serve them as soon as possible after baking them but they are still fine at room temp rather than piping hot.

  16. 5 stars
    We make these for lunch every 1-2 weeks. I’m actually making them again today. My whole family devours them. Thanks for the quick and easy recipe!