Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Roll Sliders Recipe

Image cc: lifeloveandsugar, confessionsofagroceryaddict

The first bite of a slider, warm, cheesy, and buttery, is pure comfort in every bite.—the soft, slightly sweet roll giving way to layers of savory ham and melty cheese, all wrapped in a buttery, flavorful embrace. 

You're walking into your kitchen on a lazy Sunday afternoon, setting the table for friends during game day, or planning your holiday feast—and there they are: Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Roll Sliders, golden, aromatic, and irresistible. 

These little bites of heaven aren’t just appetizers—they’re a story on a plate, a combination of flavors that somehow manages to feel both comforting and indulgent.

Looking for the perfect anytime appetizer? Look no further than our iconic Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Sliders! 

This recipe brings together the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness, making it a crowd favorite for everything from casual Slider Sundays to lively summer cookouts, family gatherings, or even a last-minute game day snack. 

And when the holidays roll around, these sliders truly shine—they’re perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers or as part of your Christmas party spread, offering guests a bite-sized taste of festive joy without the fuss.

The magic begins with key ingredients you probably already love. Tender, thinly sliced deli ham forms the savory heart of each slider, layered between two slices of rich, nutty Swiss cheese for that extra gooey goodness that keeps people coming back for more. 

All of this sits snugly atop pillowy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, like King’s Hawaiian, which elevate the flavor to something extraordinary. But what really ties it all together is the buttery glaze—a dreamy mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder—brushed generously over the top and finished with a sprinkle of poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and visual charm.

The process is simple, yet incredibly satisfying. Slice the rolls in half, layer the cheese, ham, and cheese again, and then cover the whole slab with the buttery poppy seed topping before tucking it into the oven. 

As it bakes, the aroma fills the kitchen, pulling everyone to the table, hungry and eager. Once baked to golden perfection, these sliders are cut into individual portions, ready to be devoured immediately—or stored to enjoy again the next day, when reheating brings back that melty, buttery magic all over again.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, Thanksgiving feast, Christmas gathering, or just want to indulge in a little comfort food, Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Sliders deliver every time. 

They’re sweet, savory, cheesy, and buttery—a combination that’s impossible to resist, and the kind of recipe that turns any occasion into a celebration. So grab your rolls, layer on the ham and cheese, and get ready to savor the most delightful sliders you’ll ever make—perfect for making your holiday table extra festive and unforgettable.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 12 slices Swiss cheese (about 7 ounces), divided

• 12 thin slices deli ham (about 10 ounces)

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Image cc: confessionsofagroceryaddict

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

01. Place an oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking, then turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350°F. Allow the oven to fully preheat so it reaches the desired temperature before you place any food inside, ensuring consistent and perfectly cooked results.

02. Put 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave until melted, about 20–30 seconds. (Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.) 

03. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, then whisk everything together until well combined.

04. Without separating the rolls, take 1 package of Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls and carefully slice them in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Take your time with this step to ensure an even cut, so the tops and bottoms remain intact. 

05. Once sliced, gently place the bottom halves of the rolls into a 9x13-inch or 7x11-inch baking dish, arranging them closely together to form a uniform layer that will hold the fillings or toppings perfectly.

06. Place 6 slices of Swiss cheese on the rolls, overlapping them as needed to fully cover each one. Next, fold and layer 12 thin slices of ham over the cheese, placing one slice on each roll. Top the ham with the remaining 6 slices of Swiss cheese. Finally, cover with the top halves of the rolls.

07. Lightly brush melted butter over the entire surface of the rolls, ensuring each one is evenly coated for a rich, golden finish. Once the butter is applied, evenly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds (or sesame seeds) and chopped finely across the tops, allowing them to adhere nicely. 

08. After this, cover the baking dish securely with a layer of aluminum foil, making sure it is tightly sealed to trap the heat and moisture during baking, which will help the rolls cook evenly and stay soft and fluffy.

09. Bake the assembled sandwich until it is thoroughly heated and the cheese inside has fully melted, which should take about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure even warming throughout. 

10. Once the initial baking time is complete, remove any covering and return the sandwich to the oven, allowing the rolls on top to bake until they achieve a light golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture, which usually takes an additional 7 to 8 minutes. 

11. Carefully transfer the entire baked slab onto a large cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the slab into individual sliders, making sure each piece maintains its shape and layers. 

12. Arrange the sliders on a serving platter and serve warm for the best flavor and presentation.

Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Roll Sliders

These sliders are as versatile as they are delicious, making them perfect for a wide range of occasions:

• Holiday Feasts: Serve them as part of your Thanksgiving appetizer table or as finger food during a Christmas party—they’re easy for guests to grab and packed with festive flavor.

• Game Day Snacks: Perfect for football Sundays or watch parties, these sliders satisfy cravings and are easy to eat without utensils.

• Casual Gatherings: Bring them to potlucks, family get-togethers, or summer cookouts—they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Pair a few sliders with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a simple, comforting dinner.

Image cc: lifeloveandsugar, the-girl-who-ate-everything

Tips for Baking the Perfect Sliders

Getting your sliders golden, melty, and flavorful is all about the baking technique:

• Cover for Even Heating: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the sandwiches to heat evenly all the way through without browning too quickly.

• Uncover for a Golden Finish: After the initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking until the tops of the Hawaiian rolls are lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Watch the Timing: Total baking time is around 28 minutes, but keep an eye on your oven as times may vary slightly depending on the size of the sliders and your appliance.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These sliders are just as good the next day, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sandwiches and prepare the butter mixture up to 1 day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and simply melt the butter again for 30–35 seconds in the microwave before brushing on top.

• Storage: Leftover sliders can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and the cheese is melty again.