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.

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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!!

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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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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
    I made these for my family game night on Christmas Eve. They were absolutely delicious. They were gone in a blink of an eye. I came looking for the recipe to make again this weekend and realized I never commented on how good they turned out.

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe is FABULOUS!! It is a family favorite that we make every New Year’s Eve with friends and every Easter night after enjoying ham for lunch. They make incredible make ahead sandwiches which can be easily reheated or eaten cold. So much flavor and goodness!

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you love these and are a family holiday favorite!

  3. 5 stars
    Hi Averie,

    Thank you for sharing this recipe. Another kitchen success. You help make “Kelley’s Kitchen” my kids favorite place for dinner.

    Love the new photo!

    Kelley

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a hit! And thanks for the photo compliment, I appreciate it!

  4. 5 stars
    The ham and cheese sliders are so yummy! ย Easy to make and left overs are even good reheated! ย Iโ€™ve made these many times and always a big hit!ย 

  5. 5 stars
    Didnt have the mustard but made these any way. Added some garlic and they were a big hit! Thanks for the recipe

  6. Wanted to know how they “traveled” and if they are not served right out of the oven, are they still OK. Need to bake then carry to an event about 1 hour away. Will they get soggy if they are covered up.
    thanks for any advice!

    1. 5 stars
      My friend made these, put the butter mixture on, and refrigerated for 24 hours, then baked. They tasted great! I’d just do that, then pop them in the oven when you reach your destination.

      1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that method worked out great!

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad they turned out yummy and that you only needed half the buttery mixture!

  7. 5 stars
    There are few foods that make me throw my head back and make โ€œyummmโ€ sounds, especially home made foods, but this is one of them. I could eat these for every meal, every day. Seriously insanely deliciously sweet and savory. Bless you for sharing this!!!

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you love these so much and could eat them for every meal – I think most people feel that way!

  8. 5 stars
    These are such an easy delicious slider! We made these for Super Bowl Sunday, my husband was a bit skeptical.
    They are just yummy and the perfect size slider with such great flavor! Instead of using poppy seeds, I opted to
    sprinkle Everything Spice to the top before putting them in the oven. Husband did not want Everything Spice, but
    yup, he loved the spice. Made just 6 for just the two of us, then a couple days later the other 6. Thinking of making a couple trays for Easter. Thank you for the great recipe.

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your husband enjoyed them after being skeptical to start with! I bet the Everything Spice was great here!

  9. 5 stars
    These Sliders were easy to make and SO delicious! I always hesitate to try new recipes for the first time when I’m having company, but I hosted a party today and gave this recipe a try. The directions were perfect and they turned out so well! These Sliders were a huge hit and everyone LOVED them. Thank you so much!

  10. 5 stars
    Made these last year for Super Bowl party making them again this year but making twice as many everyone loved them and they did not last long ,great recipe very yummy

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that these are a Superbowl party hit and you’re making them again today!

  11. 5 stars
    Have had them before when someone else made them for a party so glad I was able to find a recipe. It was really good but waaaay too much butter to the point of it not being finger food because its so greasy and the bread taste like pure butter. I’m making these for a super bowl party this weekend and whenever I make a new recipe for other people, I always try it first a few days before. Still really good but I’m going to halve the amount of butter for next time. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Thanks for the 5 star review despite the butter issue. Honestly, this recipe gets tons of positive comments on it, but no one has ever mentioned that. Yes no doubt they are super buttery and on the greasy side but not impossible to eat in my experience. Maybe your bread just didn’t absorb well? Who knows but glad you tried it in advance and will halve the butter.

  12. 5 stars
    My daughter in law made these for Christmas Eve. My husband fell in love with them. I have made some before, but he thought these superior. I’m going to make them today. Can hardly wait. Thanks

    1. 5 stars
      Hi, Averie, well let me start by saying I came across your recipe during our unfortunate time of stay at home. This is a magnificent slider recipe, I actually made it with left over honey baked ham, and my husband enjoyed it. With that said I will be preparing it again. Thank you for sharing., -:)