Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders are my secret weapon for parties and busy weeknight dinners because they are so easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. Soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls baked with layers of savory ham and gooey cheese are finished with a buttery topping that soaks right in for extra flavor. If you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting family meal with almost zero effort these sliders do not disappoint

The first time I made these for a neighborhood game day party every single slider was gone within minutes and now my kids ask me to make them for movie nights too

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: brings a soft fluffy texture and hint of sweetness look for golden brown tops and a package that feels light and pillowy
• Unsalted butter: helps all the flavors meld together opt for high quality butter for best results
• Honey: adds a touch of extra sweetness local honey is even better
• Thinly sliced deli ham: provides the savory base go for honey ham or black forest ham for more flavor check the deli counter for fresh options
• Swiss cheese or white cheddar: both melt beautifully and complement the ham well ask for cheese to be sliced fresh at the counter for best melt
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: a mix of poppy seeds sesame seeds dried onion dried garlic and coarse salt for crunch and flavor make your own or pick up a bottle in the spice aisle
• Dijon mustard: gives a little tang to balance the richness smooth or grainy Dijon both work
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens the savory topping choose a sauce that is dark brown and aromatic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rolls:

Using a long serrated knife carefully cut the entire batch of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have a top and a bottom. Set the top half aside and place the bottom half in a baking dish that fits them snuggly

Brush with Honey Butter:

Melt some butter in a small saucepan or microwave safe bowl. Stir in the honey until smooth and brush this mixture generously all over the bottom half of the rolls making sure every corner is coated to give a sweet base

Layer the Ham:

Evenly arrange half of the thinly sliced ham over the bottom rolls letting the slices overlap and cover all the bread for big flavor in every bite

Add the Cheese:

Lay your choice of cheese slices over the ham making sure edges are covered so you get meltiness in every slider

Top with More Ham:

Arrange the remaining ham on top of the cheese to make a double layer and extra hearty sliders

Replace the Tops:

Gently set the top half of the rolls over the layered ham and cheese aligning the edges so everything stacks neatly

Mix the Topping:

Melt the rest of the butter and whisk in the Everything Bagel Seasoning Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure the seasonings are fully mixed in to flavor every bite

Pour and Soak:

Pour the seasoned butter mixture slowly and evenly over the sliders letting it soak in and run down the sides. Use a pastry brush to help distribute topping and ensure every roll gets flavor

Chill or Bake:

Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to let the flavors soak in. You can also bake them immediately if needed

Bake Covered and Uncovered:

Bake the covered sliders in a preheated oven for 15 minutes to trap moisture and melt the cheese. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the tops become golden and crisp

Slice and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders apart before serving. Serve warm so the cheese is perfectly gooey and the tops are slightly crunchy

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Swiss cheese was always my choice because it melts perfectly and never overpowers the ham. The first Christmas Eve I served these every cousin came back for seconds and no one left a crumb behind

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage you can wrap fully assembled or baked sliders tightly and freeze for up to six months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating from frozen allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Try replacing Swiss or white cheddar with Gruyere provolone or pepper jack for a new twist. For a gluten free version use soft gluten free rolls. You can swap Everything Bagel Seasoning for just poppy seeds or sesame seeds in a pinch or try your favorite savory blend from the store

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders hot from the oven with pickle slices or a spicy mustard on the side. They pair perfectly with chips a crunchy salad or as part of a game day spread alongside wings and dips. As a dinner they are great with a simple tomato soup

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A Little History

Slider style sandwiches got their start as affordable diner food in the early twentieth century. Sweet Hawaiian rolls popularized in the US in the 1980s add an extra touch that makes these sliders truly memorable for modern comfort food fans

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for these sliders?

Swiss cheese is classic for its smooth melt and mild taste. White cheddar also pairs wonderfully, but any preferred cheese can be used.

→ Can I use different rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, regular dinner rolls work, but Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham and cheese.

→ Are the sliders good for making ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking. They’re easy to prep in advance for parties or busy nights.

→ How do I store leftover sliders?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Warm in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze the sliders?

Yes. Assemble and wrap well before freezing for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge, then bake as usual or reheat after baking.

→ What seasonings are in the buttery glaze?

A mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion flakes, dried garlic flakes, coarse salt, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.