If there’s one thing I make when I need something fast, filling, and guaranteed to disappear, it’s ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders.
They’re soft, buttery, cheesy, and just sweet enough. You bite in and it’s comfort.
These little Hawaiian sliders work for busy weeknights, potlucks, even Superbowl appetizers. And the best part? You don’t need chef skills.
If you can layer and bake, you can make this. Trust me, I’ve made these half-awake and they still turned out amazing.
Ingredients Needed To Make Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Here’s everything laid out clearly so you don’t miss a thing:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (1 standard pack, kept attached)
- 250 to 300 grams sliced ham (thin deli style works best)
- 6 to 8 slices Swiss cheese (or mozzarella/provolone if you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon regular yellow mustard (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey (balances the salt)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional but classic)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Simple, right? But together, they become magic.
Instructions To Make Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Take the Hawaiian rolls and, without separating them individually, slice the entire slab horizontally using a serrated knife.
Go slow. Keep your hand flat on top so they don’t slide around. If you rush this part, it can tear.
Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Now comes the fun part.
Start with the sliced ham. Fold each slice loosely instead of laying it flat.
This creates little air pockets and makes the Ham Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls more fluffy and not compressed.
I sometimes overlap generously because I like mine extra meaty.
Next, layer the cheese evenly. Make sure it covers edge to edge. If it doesn’t, the corners won’t melt properly and that’s just sad.
Place the top half of the rolls back on gently.
Don’t press down hard. Let it breathe.
Step 3: Make the Butter Glaze
Now take a small saucepan and over low heat, melt the butter.
Once melted, whisk in:
- Dijon mustard
- Yellow mustard
- Honey
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Turn off heat and stir in poppy seeds.
This glaze smells incredible. It should smell buttery and slightly tangy. If it taste flat, add a tiny bit more mustard.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly spoon or brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the Hawaiian Roll Sliders.
Go slow here. Let the rolls soak it in. If you dump it all at once, it pools at the bottom. And nobody wants soggy bottoms.
Utilize a pastry brush to ensure it reaches every corner. The tops should look glossy but not swimming.
Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Rolls absorb flavor deeply.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil.
Bake for 15 minutes covered.
Then remove the foil and bake another 5–8 minutes until:
- The tops are golden
- The cheese is melted
- The edges are slightly crisp
Keep an eye on it. Ovens vary and sometimes it brown faster than expected.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips That Actually Matter
Want them extra crispy?
Bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes.
Want a stronger flavor?
Add a thin layer of mayo under the ham.
Making for a party?
These are one of the best Easy Crowd Meals because you can double the recipe in two trays.
You can even prep them 4–6 hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake fresh before guests arrive. That’s why they’re perfect Potluck Recipes and reliable appetizer recipes.
Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Roll Slider Variations You Can Try
- Swap Swiss for cheddar if you want sharper flavor.
- Add thin pickle slices for a deli vibe.
- Use smoked ham for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for subtle heat.
I once added caramelized onions and wow, it changed everything.
And honestly, Slider Recipes like this are forgiving. If you slightly overbake, they still taste good. It’s hard to mess up.
Appetizer Serving Ideas
These Hawaiian Sliders pair beautifully with:
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Tomato soup (yes, dip them)
They’re especially popular during game nights and Superbowl Appetizers spreads. I’ve seen a full tray vanish in under 10 minutes. No joke.
Final Thoughts
The secret to great ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders isn’t just the ingredients.
It’s the balance. Sweet bread. Salty sliced ham. Creamy melted cheese. Tangy glaze.
When you understand that balance, you can adjust confidently. That’s the difference between following a recipe and actually cooking.
Once you master this, you’ll see how flexible Hawaiian Rolls can be for quick meals and easy ham sandwiches baked into something better. And that’s when you start creating your own signature version.
