These ham and cheese sliders are the best for game day parties. Ham and cheese are layered in Hawaiian rolls, brushed with a poppyseed butter sauce, baked and served hot!

Ham and cheese sliders on a plate.

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Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

Whenever we have leftover dinner rolls, baked ham or crockpot spiral ham from the holidays, ham and cheese sliders are one of my favorite ways to use it up. It’s such a quick and easy appetizer idea that everyone always loves.

If you have time, you can make this Hawaiian rolls recipe, too! They taste best hot right out of the oven when the melty cheese is still fresh!

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“That poppyseed sauce was soooo good! I made these with provolone and my husband LOVED them. He said that sauce put them over the top – thank you!”

Tracy

Recipe Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory ham and butter.
  • Ham: Honey ham or a smoky ham are great, but sliced deli ham works great too.
  • Cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice with ham, although mozzarella or provolone work, too.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds a slight tang and another layer of flavor.
  • Poppyseed butter sauce: Melted butter, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

Sweet Hawaiian buns, salty ham, melty cheese and a savory butter sauce with crunchy poppy seeds, it’s no wonder that this hot ham and cheese sliders recipe are a favorite!

Slicing Hawaiian rolls.

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a large bread knife, keeping the rolls connected to each other while cutting. Then remove the top section and place on a cutting board.

Hawaiian rolls with ham and cheese slices in a baking dish.

Add bottom roll section to baking dish, then spread mayo on insides of both the bottom and top sections. Layer the ham and slices of cheese on each bottom half of the rolls.

Pouring poppy seed sauce over ham and cheese rolls.

Whisk together the butter, mustard, Worcestershire, onion powder and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Pour or brush the butter mixture evenly over the ham sliders. Let sit about 10 minutes for sauce to soak in. Then cover the pan with foil and bake sliders in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Tips and Variations

  • Other meat: Try cranberry turkey sliders or your favorite deli meat, like roast beef and cheddar or salami and provolone.
  • Grill: You can also pour the sauce on the inside instead of over top. Then wrap with foil and place the sliders on the grill for about 5 minutes until melted.
  • Cheese options: These can be made with cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, American, pepper jack or your favorite!
  • Make ahead: Assemble with the mayo, ham, and slices of cheese. Cover with foil and place in the fridge. Make the dressing, but don’t add it until you are ready to bake. The next day, pour poppyseed butter sauce over the sliders, soak for 10 minutes, and bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden.
Ham and cheese sldiers.

Sliders are so versatile and always a favorite. Also try Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, BBQ pork sliders, cheeseburger sliders or buffalo chicken sliders.

More Easy Appetizer Ideas

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Ham and cheese sliders.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

5 from 112 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
These ham and cheese sliders are the best for game day parties. Ham and cheese are layered in Hawaiian rolls, brushed with a poppyseed butter sauce, baked and served hot!
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Ingredients 

  • 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 12 slices deli ham , or leftover ham
  • 6 slices swiss cheese , cut in half
  • 4-6 Tablespoons butter , melted
  • ½ Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon onion powder , or minced onions
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  • Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13" baking dish. Slice 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a large bread knife. Make sure to keep the rolls connected to each other while cutting. Once sliced, remove the top section and place on a cutting board. 
  • Assemble. Add bottom section to your baking dish. Spread 2 Tablespoons mayo onto the insides of both the bottom and top sections. Then place 12 slices of ham and 6 slices Swiss cheese on each roll in the bottom section. Add top roll section back to baking dish and evenly match up.
  • Butter sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 4-6 Tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 Tablespoon mustard, 1/4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. The more butter the gooey they will be. Pour evenly over all of the rolls. Let sit about 10 minutes for sauce to soak in. 
  • Cover ham sliders with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes. Uncover and cook an additional 2 minutes to brown the top of the rolls. Best served while warm. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Another fun way to make these is to put the poppyseed sauce in the inside, wrap with foil and place on the grill until melted, about 5 minutes.
Storing: If you have leftover sliders, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or even enjoy cold.
Freezing: After baking, let cool and wrap them individually foil. Freeze in an airtight zip top bag or container. Allow time to thaw before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 51mg, Sodium: 500mg, Potassium: 90mg, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 235IU, Calcium: 117mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Ham and cheese slider with poppy seed sauce on top.