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!
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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.
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 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.
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:
- 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.
- Layer the ham and cheese onto the bottom ‘slab’ of rolls, then place the top ‘slab’ back on.
- Whisk together the melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Brush over the top rolls.
- 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.
- Then, bake the sliders in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and serve!
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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Ham and Cheese Sliders
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Party Sliders Recipes:
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!
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.
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders – Grilled pineapple slices brushed with a soy and ginger marinade add a Hawaiian-inspired twist to these irresistible sandwiches!
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!
Roast Beef Sliders — Tender roast beef is mixed with sauteed green peppers and onions, piled into soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with Provolone cheese, and brushed with butter and garlic before baking!
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.
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!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that you make them often and that the whole family devours them!
Hi Averie!
I am going to make your ham & cheese sliders for a Friday night gathering (this week). I have not made this before, but I have tasted others! ❤
My question has to do more with transporting the baked item. This week, my spouses job requires him to work the weekend. We have to leave our Small Group on Friday night earlier than normal. I really don’t want to leave a pan behind for someone else to be responsible for. Any suggestions?
I would just put the sliders that are leftover on a paper plate or whatever your host has, take your pan with you, and head on your way.
The nutitional info for these is WAY off, for anyone reading this. I popped the ingredients in a few calculators as well as did some math myself, and the calorie content, alone, has been almost halved.
Awesome recipe! I have made these numerous times for football parties and finger-food potlucks and they’re always a hit! If I’m doubling or tripling the recipe for large groups, in addition to the traditional recipe, I also like to switch out the meat & cheeses on some of the others for variety; I’ve used turkey, chicken, and beef deli slices with White Cheddar Horseradish cheese or Provolone. All are excellent. Note: Although the recipe calls for letting them sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the butter mixture to soak into the rolls before baking, I typically prepare mine up to two or more hours in advance, including the butter mixture, and refrigerate them until I’m ready to bake them. I haven’t personally had any issues with the bottoms of the rolls becoming soggy from sitting too long, but if that’s a concern for you, Averie offers a solution in the Tips section. Great recipe, Averie! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome recipe! I have made these numerous times for football parties and finger-food potlucks and they’re always a hit! If I’m doubling or tripling the recipe for large groups, in addition to the traditional recipe, I also like to switch out the meat & cheeses on some of the others for variety; I’ve used turkey, chicken, and beef deli slices with White Cheddar Horseradish cheese or Provolone. All are excellent. Note: Although the recipe calls for letting them sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the butter mixture to soak into the rolls before baking, I typically prepare mine up to two or more hours in advance, including the butter mixture, and refrigerate them until I’m ready to bake them. I haven’t personally had any issues with the bottoms of the rolls becoming soggy from sitting too long, but if that’s a concern for you, Averie offers a solution in the Tips section. Great recipe, Averie! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that they’re always a hit! Good to know too that even if they sit in the butter mixture for a couple hours, they aren’t soggy. Great to know!
How accurate are the macros? 2carbs per serving doesn’t sound right when it is 15 per roll.. they are great but would love accurate macros
How accurate are the macros? 2carbs per serving doesn’t sound right when it is 15 per roll.. they are great but would love accurate macros
The nutrition estimates are provided as a courtesy only and use recipe data to come up with the estimate but it’s just that – an estimate – and sometimes it’s not perfectly accurate. All bloggers though are limited by the recipe plugins we use to create this data. You can always calculate by hand to be absolutely sure.
I love these sliders. A slight adjustment I made is that I pour the butter/mustard/Worstershire mixture and then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Yum.
I love these sliders. A slight adjustment I made is that I pour the butter/mustard/Worstershire mixture and then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Yum.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad you love the sliders! The Everything Bagel Seasoning sounds great!
I love making these! I like to use honey dijon and any thinner lunch meat that we have. I also like to use gouda or colby jack & I add some sugar into it. Once they’re uncovered, I like to get the tops a tad crispy. So yummy!! I forgot to rate it! 5☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks for writing up and sharing this recipe. The whole family enjoyed these! So easy and delish!
Thanks for writing up and sharing this recipe. The whole family enjoyed these! So easy and delish!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your whole family enjoyed these!
I love making these! I like to use honey dijon and any thinner lunch meat that we have. I also like to use gouda or colby jack & I add some sugar into it. Once they’re uncovered, I like to get the tops a tad crispy. So yummy!! I forgot to rate it! 5☆☆☆☆☆
I am glad you love making these and have been able to mix it up based on what you have!
I love these sliders. I haven’t tried the poppyseeds yet, but I plan to make these tonight and I will try the poppyseeds. The Hawaiian rolls make all sliders amazing.
I love these sliders. I haven’t tried the poppyseeds yet, but I plan to make these tonight and I will try the poppyseeds. The Hawaiian rolls make all sliders amazing.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad you love these with or without the poppyseeds! Hawaiian rolls indeed are the best for sliders!
Hi, Averie! Merry Christmas to you and your family! I have made these sliders the last Friday! It was sooooo good! You are absolutely right that adding poppy seeds makes a huge difference! Thank you for sharing this quick and easy meal!