Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders – Easy Make-Ahead Party Sandwiches Everyone Loves
Samantha
These Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders are an easy, crowd-favorite dish made with layers of savory ham and gooey cheese baked between soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with a buttery Dijon glaze. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Party Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 320 kcal
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
- ¾ lb sliced deli ham honey ham or smoked ham work well
- 8 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds optional
Prep the PanPreheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Assemble the SlidersSlice the rolls in half horizontally (keep them connected if possible). Lay the bottom halves in the baking dish. Layer with ham and cheese. Replace the tops. Make the GlazeIn a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls. BakeCover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–7 minutes more until tops are golden and cheese is melted. ServeCool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Extra Delicious Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Want to take your Ham & Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders from great to unforgettable? Here are my personal secret tips that I’ve picked up over dozens of bakes. These tricks guarantee golden tops, melty centers, and just the right flavor in every bite—especially if you're making them for a crowd or prepping ahead.
1. Toast the Bottoms for Extra Crunch: Before assembling, lightly toast the bottom halves of the rolls in the oven for 3–4 minutes. This prevents sogginess and gives your sliders a subtle crispiness that holds up even after reheating.
2. Use Clarified Butter in the Glaze: Clarified butter (or ghee) creates a richer, more intense glaze and browns beautifully in the oven. It also prevents the rolls from getting greasy. You can melt your own butter and skim off the milk solids for a quick fix.
3. Infuse the Glaze with Garlic or Onion Powder: A pinch of garlic powder or dried onion flakes added to the butter glaze boosts flavor without overpowering. It adds that cozy, savory aroma you’d expect from restaurant-style slider sandwiches.
4. Layer Cheese on Both Sides: For extra melt and structure, place half the cheese under the ham and half on top. This creates a gooey center and helps “glue” the sliders together, making them easier to slice and serve.
5. Spoon Glaze Between Layers: For maximum flavor, spoon a tiny bit of the buttery glaze between the roll halves before adding the ham and cheese. It soaks into the bread and adds flavor to every layer—especially if you’re using a sweet-and-savory brown sugar-Dijon glaze.
6. Let Them Rest Before Cutting: Once baked, let the sliders sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from oozing out too fast when you cut into them.
7. Chill Before Baking (for Meal Prep): If you’re making these ahead, chill them in the fridge for an hour or more before baking. This lets the flavors meld and helps the glaze soak into the rolls without making them soggy. It also improves texture and structure after baking.
8. Cut with a Serrated Knife: Always use a serrated knife or a bread knife to slice your sliders. It cuts through the buns cleanly without squishing them—and gives you those perfect bakery-style edges.Keyword baked ham sliders with glaze, buttery glazed ham sliders, ham and cheese sliders recipe, ham cheese sweet rolls, hawaiian roll sliders oven baked, hot ham cheese sliders game day, kid friendly ham sliders, make ahead slider sandwiches, mini ham sandwiches for potluck, party ham and cheese sandwiches
