Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

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.

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. 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 leftover 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!

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.

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Enjoy!