Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleaser that blends sweet, savory, and melty goodness all in one bite, you have to try this Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe. These little sandwiches are packed with layers of tender ham and creamy Swiss cheese, hugged by soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and topped with a buttery, tangy glaze. They come together quickly, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for effortless entertaining or just a cozy, satisfying snack at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward slider nirvana. Each component has a role: from the softness of the Hawaiian rolls, the meaty savoriness of the ham, to the melty richness of Swiss cheese, everything works in harmony to create that perfect handheld experience.

• 12 Hawaiian rolls: Choose fresh, soft rolls for that signature sweet and pillowy base.
• 1 pound sliced ham: Quality ham with a nice balance of flavor and tenderness is key.
• 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild nuttiness connecting all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creates the luscious topping that soaks into the rolls and keeps them moist.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that wakes up the palate.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a delicate crunch and visual interest.
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion: Gives a hit of savory depth to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Infuses a touch of natural sweetness that complements the ham and rolls.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is hot and ready for a perfectly baked set of sliders that will come out warm and gooey.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half but keep them connected like a single loaf. This keeps assembly manageable and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Bottom Layer

Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish, creating a sturdy base for your layers of delicious fillings.

Step 4: Layer the Ham

Evenly spread the sliced ham over the bottom layer, making sure every slider gets plenty of that savory, smoky flavor.

Step 5: Add the Swiss Cheese

Lay slices of Swiss cheese over the ham, covering all the rolls so every bite has that perfectly melted cheese pull.

Step 6: Close the Sandwiches

Place the tops of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese layer, gently pressing down to ensure everything stays compact during baking.

Step 7: Make the Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter, then stir in Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, and honey until the mixture is smooth and aromatic.

Step 8: Apply the Glaze

Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to saturate every crevice for that signature golden, flavorful crust.

Step 9: Baking the Sliders

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes so the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the sliders cool slightly before slicing into individual servings. This helps everything set just right for neat, tidy sliders ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra poppy seeds on top can brighten the look and add a fresh pop of color to your sliders. For a fun twist, try a light drizzle of honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, or even a light coleslaw to cut through the richness and keep the meal well-balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider arranging the sliders in a circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like tangy mustard or spicy aioli. You could even offer mini picks or toothpicks so guests can grab sliders mess-free!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sliders (and that can happen only if you have great willpower), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay delicious for up to 3 days without drying out.

Freezing

These sliders freeze beautifully. Wrap the assembled but unbaked sliders tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover sliders with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a great flavor, you can swap it for cheddar, provolone, or even a pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. Just choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

Is there a vegetarian version of this slider recipe?

If you want to skip the ham, you can use slices of grilled vegetables, like zucchini or portobello mushrooms, paired with your favorite cheese to recreate the layers. Adding flavorful condiments will help keep the bold taste alive.

Can I prepare the sliders a day ahead?

Definitely. Assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready, add the butter glaze and bake fresh for that just-made warmth and aroma.

What type of ham works best for these sliders?

Thinly sliced deli ham or baked ham works best here due to its tenderness and flavor. Avoid overly thick or dry ham as it might overpower the soft rolls and mellow cheese.

Can I make the butter glaze without honey?

Yes, you can omit honey or substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. The sweetness helps balance the tangy mustard and savory onion, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe is truly a gem that brings comfort, ease, and flavor together in a small but mighty package. Perfect for sharing, snacking, or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that invites you to kick back and enjoy every delicious bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite slider to make again and again!

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