These easy ham and cheese sliders are made with sweet Hawaiian rolls then brushed with a buttery poppy seed topping! The perfect party appetizer or main dish recipe for game day or the holidays.
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Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Whenever we have leftover baked ham or crockpot spiral ham from the holidays, this is one of my favorite ways to use it up. It’s such a quick and easy appetizer idea that everyone always loves.
The ham adds the best flavor! I also love to make potato and ham soup, baked ham and cheese pinwheels or a ham and broccoli frittata.
This “fancy” ham and cheese sliders recipe is one that you’ll want to bookmark! I know you’re probably thinking… hot ham and cheese rolls? Really? I promise this fun twist with a butter mixture makes them absolutely delicious.
My mom has made them for awhile now, and they are always a big hit! She always makes them with leftover ham and dinner rolls from the holidays. Although, you can make this Hawaiian rolls recipe, too! They taste best right out of the oven when the melty cheese is still fresh! MMM…. can’t wait to make these again soon. ;)
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, even better is leftovers of my copycat honey baked ham from the holidays!
- 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.
- Seasoned butter sauce: 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 slightly crunchy poppy seeds, it’s no wonder that these sandwiches are a family favorite!
- 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.
- ASSEMBLE. 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. Then add top roll section over the cheese slices and evenly match up with bottom rolls.
- SAUCE. Whisk together the butter, mustard, Worcestershire, onion powder and poppy seeds in a small bowl. Pour the butter sauce 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. Serve while warm!
Variations
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.
Make them spicy by adding jalapeno pepper in between the layers or make it a club with bacon and turkey! You could even make it Italian with sun-dried tomatoes and some Italian seasoning.
Do I Have to Use Poppy Seeds?
I really recommend it! The poppy seed sauce adds such delicious flavor and texture to the Hawaiian roll sliders! It takes them from ordinary to extraordinary. If you don’t have all of the ingredients needed to make it, you can simply brush on some melted butter with garlic or other spices prior to baking.
Expert Tips
- Feed a crowd: Easily double or triple the recipe for a party, I find most guests can’t resist having two.
- Other meat: Not a fan of ham? Try turkey or your favorite deli meat!
- Cheese options: These can be made with cheddar cheese, American, pepper jack or your favorite!
- Make ahead: Assemble them 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 dressing over the sliders, soak for 10 minutes, and bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden.
Storage
- 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.
5 star review
“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
Sliders are so versatile! For more yummy variations, try making these easy Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, cheeseburger sliders or buffalo chicken sliders.
More Easy Appetizer Ideas
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Ham and Cheese Sliders
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 teaspoon onion powder , or minced onions
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13" baking dish. Slice 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.
- Add bottom section to your baking dish. Spread mayo onto the insides of both the bottom and top sections. Then place a slice of ham and cheese on each roll in the bottom section. Add top roll section back to baking dish and evenly match up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Enjoy!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, American, Appetizers, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Mini appetizers, Nut-Free, Pork, Super Bowl
Served these at a family gathering and everyone loved them! They disappeared quickly!!!
Yay! That is a double when! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed them and they ate them all. That is a great gathering. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Honey, can these be made earlier before a meal and refrigerators until needed?
Yes they can. I typically wait to pour the sauce over, but if you don’t mind the bottoms a little soft you can add before.
My entire family raved about this recipe and we have some picky eaters! Will be making again for sure.
Made these and they were great
We like it a lot. Great to make for a quick meal.
Added dill seasoning and sprinkle of celery seeds. Delicious!!
Thanks for sharing!
How many are a serving?
Sharilyn, the recipe is for 12 but that means there are only 12 individual Hawaiian rolls. If you think your family members or guests would enjoying having 2 or more each then this would serve less. You can also adjust the serving size at the top of the recipe card so you could double or triple the batch. Hope that helps.
So yummy! This is a huge hit with our family. I didn’t have poppy seeds but still turned out great. Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome, Mackenzie! So glad it was a hit with your family!
Outstanding!So easy, so yummy! It’s my Go-To for any gathering!!
Glad to hear the recipe was a hit! :)
The rolls come in a white container. I carefully take down the sides of the container. I make the rolls up and put the top roll on. I cut them all the way through. I put the sides of the container back up. I put the sauce on. I wrap the whole thing in aluminum foil and bake.
Much easier to cut ahead of baking.
Wrap entirely! Put on cookie sheet.
Great tip!
I love how easy this recipe is to make! And my kids enjoyed it!
My husband made these sliders and they were amazing! They were added as one of our go-to recipes.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)