These ham and cheese sliders are a classic for a reason. They bring together sweet rolls, savory ham, and nutty Swiss cheese, all tied together with a flavorful butter sauce. They are baked in the oven until the cheese is gooey and the tops are golden.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 35 minutes, making it a great option for a quick lunch, a simple weeknight dinner, or an easy appetizer for a gathering. The preparation is fast and the oven does most of the work.
Why is Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls a Must-Try?
Keeping the rolls connected in a single slab makes assembly much faster than building individual sandwiches.
The savory butter sauce adds a lot of flavor and moisture, preventing the tops of the rolls from drying out in the oven.
Baking covered first allows the cheese to melt completely without the tops burning. A few minutes uncovered at the end creates a nice golden-brown finish.
Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Ingredients
• Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls are key to the recipe, but other pull-apart dinner rolls will also work.
• Deli Ham: Thinly sliced cooked ham, like Black Forest or honey ham, works well. Ask for it to be sliced thin at the deli counter.
• Swiss Cheese: Sliced Swiss cheese provides a classic nutty flavor and great melt. Provolone or mild cheddar are good alternatives.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy complexity to the butter sauce. Yellow mustard can be used, but it will have a milder flavor.
• Poppy Seeds: These add texture and a classic look. If you don’t have them, you can leave them out or substitute sesame seeds.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Step 1: Assemble the Sliders
First, preheat your oven and grease a baking dish. Take your slab of Hawaiian rolls and slice it in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom section in the dish and layer it with all of the ham and then all of the Swiss cheese. Place the top slab of rolls back on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add the Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Sliders
Pour the butter mixture over the assembled sliders, spreading it to cover the tops and drip down the sides. Cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese is melted. Finally, remove the foil and bake for a few more minutes to get the tops golden brown before serving.
Expert Tips for Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
For food safety, ensure the sliders are heated through. A food thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F (74°C) when reheating precooked ingredients.
Allowing the sliders to sit for a few minutes after adding the sauce helps the rolls absorb the flavor before baking.
You can assemble the sliders without the sauce up to one day ahead. Store covered in the fridge, then add the sauce just before baking.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls?
These sliders are great on their own or served with a simple side like potato chips, a green salad, or a bowl of soup.
How to Store and Freeze Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. We don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of the rolls can become soggy upon thawing.
Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Recipe FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders with the ham and cheese a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. Prepare and pour the butter sauce over them right before you are ready to bake.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Certainly. While Swiss is traditional, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all great substitutes that melt well.
Why did my sliders turn out soggy on the bottom?
Sogginess can happen if too much of the butter sauce pools at the bottom of the pan. Be sure to pour the sauce slowly over the tops and use a brush to spread it, encouraging it to coat the tops and sides rather than just running to the bottom.
Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls 12
- 12 oz thinly sliced deli ham 340g
- 12 oz thinly sliced Swiss cheese 340g
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 2 tsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Without separating the rolls, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the ham evenly over the bottom slab of rolls, followed by an even layer of the Swiss cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese to complete the sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onion, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
- Slowly pour the butter mixture over the top of the rolls. Use a brush or spatula to spread it evenly, making sure some drips down the sides.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Let the sliders rest for a minute before slicing them apart. Serve warm.
Notes
