Ham and Cheese Sliders (Easy Hawaiian Roll Recipe)

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food that disappears faster than you can say “seconds,” ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls reign supreme. These warm, melty, buttery sliders are soft in the middle, golden on top, and loaded with savory-sweet flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a family, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this easy Hawaiian roll slider recipe delivers every single time.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery glaze baked until perfectly golden—it’s a combination that never fails. These baked ham and cheese sliders are comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly versatile, making them a go-to recipe for holidays, game days, potlucks, and busy evenings alike.


Why Hawaiian Roll Sliders Are Always a Hit

Hawaiian rolls bring something special to sliders. Their slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with salty ham and rich cheese, creating a perfect balance that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Here’s why these sliders are so popular:

  • Soft, fluffy rolls that bake up golden
  • Sweet-and-savory flavor balance
  • Quick prep with simple ingredients
  • Easy to make in large batches
  • Perfect for sharing

Once baked, the rolls soak up the buttery topping while staying pillowy inside—making them irresistible.


What Makes This Ham and Cheese Slider Recipe Special

This isn’t just ham and cheese between rolls. The buttery topping takes these sliders to the next level. A mixture of melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds creates a glossy glaze that seeps into every crevice while baking.

The result is:

  • Lightly crisp tops
  • Soft, melty interiors
  • Rich, savory-sweet flavor
  • Pull-apart perfection

It’s a simple upgrade that transforms basic sandwiches into something truly crave-worthy.


Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sliders:

  • Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count package)
  • Deli ham (thinly sliced)
  • Swiss cheese (or cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)

For the Butter Glaze:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Dijon mustard
  • Brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Poppy seeds (optional but classic)

Every ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture, with no unnecessary extras.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Slice the rolls
    Keeping the rolls connected, slice the entire slab horizontally to create top and bottom halves.
  3. Layer the sliders
    Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Layer ham evenly over the rolls, followed by cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
  4. Make the butter glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
  5. Brush generously
    Pour or brush the glaze evenly over the tops of the sliders, allowing it to drip into the sides.
  6. Bake covered
    Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered
    Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
  8. Rest and serve
    Let sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Sliders

  • Use thin-sliced ham so the sliders stay tender.
  • Cover first, then uncover to prevent over-browning.
  • Don’t skip the glaze—it’s the star.
  • Let them rest briefly so they hold together when cut.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is incredibly flexible:

  • Turkey sliders: Swap ham for turkey
  • Extra cheesy: Use two layers of cheese
  • Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños
  • Breakfast sliders: Add scrambled eggs
  • No poppy seeds: Skip them or replace with sesame seeds

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders

These sliders pair perfectly with:

  • Potato chips or fries
  • Coleslaw or pasta salad
  • Pickles or pickle spears
  • Fruit salad
  • Soup for a cozy meal combo

They work equally well as a main dish or a hearty appetizer.


Perfect for Parties, Holidays, and Game Day

These ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders are one of the most reliable party foods you can make. They’re easy to transport, reheat beautifully, and always get rave reviews. From holiday brunches to Super Bowl spreads, they fit any occasion.


Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead:
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.


Why This Recipe Works Every Time

  • Minimal prep
  • Simple pantry ingredients
  • Foolproof baking method
  • Crowd-pleasing flavors

It’s one of those recipes you’ll memorize after making it once—and then keep coming back to forever.


Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fail recipe that’s comforting, delicious, and universally loved, these ham and cheese sliders (easy Hawaiian roll recipe) are it. Soft, buttery, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ham and Cheese Sliders (Easy Hawaiian Roll Recipe)

Soft Hawaiian roll sliders layered with ham and cheese, baked with a buttery mustard glaze until golden and melty.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Sliders
  • 12 count Hawaiian rolls
  • 12 slices ham
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese halved
Butter Glaze
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds optional

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
  2. Slice rolls horizontally and place bottoms in baking dish.
  3. Layer ham and cheese evenly, then add roll tops.
  4. Whisk together butter glaze ingredients.
  5. Pour glaze over sliders and bake covered 15 minutes.
  6. Uncover and bake until golden and melted.

Notes

Let rest briefly before slicing for clean cuts.