Ham Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes, I make Ham Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls.

They’re warm, melty, slightly sweet, and savory all at once – and they come together with minimal effort.

I love how the soft Hawaiian rolls soak up that buttery glaze while the ham and cheese melt into perfect layers.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for parties. The combination of sweet rolls, salty ham, gooey cheese, and a buttery mustard topping creates that irresistible balance people can’t stop eating.

Jump to Recipe

These sliders have become one of my go-to recipes for gatherings. Whether it’s game day, a holiday brunch, or a casual weekend get-together, they’re always the first thing to go.

The best part? You can prep them ahead and bake just before serving.

Recipe Highlights

Ham Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls are one of those recipes I come back to again and again because they check every box – easy, fast, affordable, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering.

The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese creates that perfect balance of flavors that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Once the buttery mustard glaze soaks into the top layer and bakes to a golden finish, the aroma alone draws people into the kitchen.

What makes these sliders especially great is the oven-baked method. Instead of building individual sandwiches one by one, you assemble everything in layers and bake it as one large tray.

This keeps prep simple and ensures the cheese melts evenly across every slider.

The result is soft, warm rolls with just enough crispness on top for texture.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the glaze, switch up the cheese, or add extra fillings to match the occasion.

Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting game day, or planning a holiday brunch, these sliders always feel like the right choice.

• Perfect for parties and gatherings
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• Sweet and savory flavor balance
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• Ready in under 30 minutes
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• Easy make-ahead option
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• Family-friendly

Why This Recipe Works

The magic is in the layering and the glaze. Baking the sliders together allows the cheese to melt evenly while the rolls toast slightly on top and stay soft underneath.

The buttery mustard glaze seeps into the bread, infusing it with incredible flavor without making the sliders soggy.

Hawaiian rolls are key. Their slight sweetness complements the saltiness of the ham and the richness of the cheese.

Combined with the warm oven bake, it creates a soft, melty interior with a lightly crisped top.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

• Hawaiian rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold together when baked
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• Deli ham – Thinly sliced and easy to layer evenly
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• Swiss cheese – Melts smoothly and balances the sweetness
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• Butter – Forms the base of the flavorful glaze
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• Dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth
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• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances savory flavor
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• Poppy seeds – Add texture and classic slider appearance

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While these sliders are indulgent, they provide protein from the ham and calcium from the cheese, making them more filling than typical snack foods.

Using quality deli meat and real cheese ensures better flavor and fewer additives.

You can lighten them slightly by using reduced-fat cheese or lean ham.

Pairing them with fresh vegetables or a salad creates a more balanced meal.

How to Make My Ham Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This ensures the bottoms don’t stick and helps the rolls brown evenly.
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2. Slice the rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom half intact. Place the bottom layer into the baking dish without separating the rolls.
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3. Layer the fillings: Evenly distribute the sliced ham over the rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the ham completely so every slider gets that gooey melt.
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4. Replace the tops: Gently place the top half of the rolls back over the layered ham and cheese.
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5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds until fully combined. This glaze is what gives the sliders their signature flavor.
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6. Brush and bake: Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, letting it seep into the cracks. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
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7. Rest and slice: Allow the sliders to cool slightly before slicing into individual portions. This helps the cheese set just enough to keep everything intact.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair perfectly with simple sides that balance their richness.

• Coleslaw
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• Potato salad
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• Fresh fruit salad
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• Pickles
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• Deviled eggs

Occasions to Serve This Recipe

These sliders are perfect for game day spreads, birthday parties, and potlucks. They travel well, reheat easily, and are simple to serve buffet-style.

Whenever I bring them to a gathering, they’re usually the first tray emptied.

They’re also great for holiday brunches, Easter gatherings, and even casual weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but quick.

Because they’re easy to scale up, they work just as well for feeding a large group as they do for a small family dinner.

Variations & Substitutions

You can swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Each cheese changes the flavor slightly but keeps that melty goodness.

For added texture and tang, layer in sliced pickles or thinly sliced red onions. A little crunch can make a big difference in flavor balance.

You can also turn this into a breakfast slider by replacing ham with scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage.

The same glaze works beautifully for a sweet-savory brunch version.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, these sliders are excellent for making ahead. You can assemble them several hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Just brush the glaze on right before baking for the best texture.

You can also prepare the glaze separately and store it until needed. If reheating baked sliders, use the oven instead of the microwave to preserve the texture.

They’re ideal for party prep because most of the work can be done ahead of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking can dry out the ham and harden the tops of the rolls. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes.

Using too much glaze may cause the bottoms to become soggy. Brush evenly rather than pouring heavily in one spot.

Separating the rolls before assembling can make layering uneven and cause filling to slide around.

Tips for the Best Ham Sliders on

Hawaiian Rolls

For the best results, avoid separating the rolls before baking — slicing them as a whole keeps everything aligned and makes assembly easier.

Cover with foil during the first half of baking so the tops don’t brown too quickly, then uncover for that final golden finish.

Be generous but not excessive with the glaze — you want flavor without making the bottoms soggy.

If you want extra crispness, bake uncovered for the last few minutes and let the sliders rest briefly before cutting so the melted cheese stays in place.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days
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• Reheat in the oven for the best texture
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• Assemble ahead and bake later
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• Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey ham instead of regular ham?

Yes, honey ham works beautifully and enhances the sweet-savory balance even more.

Can I make these sliders without mustard?

Yes, you can omit the Dijon or substitute a small amount of mayonnaise for a milder flavor.

How do I keep sliders warm for a party?

Keep them loosely covered in foil in a low oven (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until ready to serve.

Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Can I use turkey instead of ham?

Absolutely, turkey works well with the same glaze.

What’s the best cheese for sliders?

Swiss, provolone, and cheddar are all excellent choices.