Ham and Cheese Sliders with Poppy Seed Sauce

These ham and cheese sliders are made with Hawaiian rolls layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then brushed with a buttery poppy seed sauce and baked until hot and melty.

We also love cheeseburger sliders and meatball sliders for easy dinners, game day or parties!

Ham and Swiss cheese slider on a spatula above a pan of Hawaiian roll sliders with poppy seed topping.

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Key Takeaways: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Easy party favorite: These ham and cheese sliders are made with soft Hawaiian rolls, sliced ham and melty Swiss cheese.
Flavorful topping: A buttery Dijon and poppy seed sauce soaks into the rolls as they bake.
Great for gatherings: Perfect for game day, holidays, parties or an easy dinner.
Make ahead friendly: Assemble the sliders ahead of time, then add the butter mixture and bake when ready to serve.

Why I Love This Recipe

These ham and cheese sliders are one of my go-to recipes when I need an easy dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. The soft Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese and buttery poppy seed topping are always a hit.

I also love making them when we have leftover dinner rolls, baked ham or crockpot spiral ham. For another easy slider night, we also love roast beef sliders and Philly cheesesteak sliders.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for ham and cheese sliders including Hawaiian rolls, ham, Swiss cheese, butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and poppy seeds.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they pair perfectly with the savory ham and buttery topping.
Ham: Honey ham, smoked ham or thinly sliced deli ham all work well. Leftover baked ham can also be used.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is the classic choice, but provolone or mozzarella are great substitutes.
Mayonnaise: Adds a little tang and extra creaminess between the layers.
Poppy seed butter sauce: Melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and poppy seeds create the savory topping that gives these sliders so much flavor.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Hawaiian rolls sliced in half horizontally on a cutting board for ham and cheese sliders.

Step 1: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected, then place the bottom half in a baking dish.

Ham and Swiss cheese layered over Hawaiian rolls in a baking dish for ham and cheese sliders.

Step 2: Spread mayonnaise over the rolls, then layer the ham and Swiss cheese before placing the top half of the rolls back on, ensuring that the top and bottom are lined up evenly.

Poppy seed butter sauce brushed over assembled ham and cheese sliders before baking.

Step 3: Mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and poppy seeds, then brush or pour it evenly over the sliders.

Baked Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders topped with poppy seed butter sauce in a casserole dish.

Step 4: Cover the sliders with foil and bake until the cheese is melted, then uncover and bake a few more minutes until the tops are golden.

Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls with melted Swiss cheese and poppy seed butter sauce.

Recipe Tips

Keep the rolls connected: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without pulling them apart. This makes layering and baking much easier.
Don’t skip the soak: Let the poppy seed butter sauce sit on the sliders for about 10 minutes before baking so the tops absorb more flavor.
Cover first, then uncover: Bake covered so the cheese melts without the tops browning too quickly, then uncover near the end so the rolls can turn golden.
Use thin slices: Thinly sliced ham layers more evenly and makes the sliders easier to pull apart and eat.

Hawaiian Roll Ham and Cheese Sliders FAQs

What sauce goes on ham and cheese sliders?

These sliders are topped with a buttery poppy seed sauce made with melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and poppy seeds. It adds savory flavor and helps the tops of the Hawaiian rolls bake up golden.

Do I need to use poppy seeds?

No. The poppy seeds add a classic look and a little texture, but you can leave them out without changing the overall flavor of the butter sauce.

Why are my ham and cheese sliders soggy?

Too much sauce or letting the sliders sit too long before baking can make the rolls soggy. Use the amount called for in the recipe, let the sauce soak in briefly, then bake as directed and uncover near the end so the tops can brown.

Do I need to cover ham and cheese sliders while baking?

Yes. Covering the sliders at first helps the cheese melt without the tops getting too dark. Remove the foil near the end of baking so the Hawaiian rolls can turn golden.