Ham and Cheese Sliders (Easy Hawaiian Roll Recipe)
Ham and cheese sliders on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are one of those recipes that never go out of style. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a casual family dinner, or looking for a guaranteed hit at game day parties, these baked sliders deliver every single time. Warm, buttery, slightly sweet, and irresistibly cheesy, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and effortless entertaining.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that looks impressive, smells incredible, and disappears faster than almost anything else on the table. The magic happens in the oven, where the rolls turn golden on top, the cheese melts into the ham, and the buttery glaze soaks into every layer.
This easy Hawaiian roll slider recipe is beginner-friendly, customizable, and endlessly adaptable. You can keep it classic with ham and cheese, or use it as a base for creative variations. Once you make these sliders once, they’re almost guaranteed to become part of your regular rotation.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Are Perfect for Sliders
Hawaiian rolls are the secret weapon of this recipe. Their soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness complement salty ham and savory cheese beautifully. Unlike regular dinner rolls, Hawaiian rolls absorb the buttery topping without becoming soggy, creating that irresistible contrast between a tender interior and a slightly crisp, golden top.
Because they’re sold already connected, Hawaiian rolls also make prep incredibly fast. You can slice the entire slab in half horizontally, layer your fillings, and bake everything together—no individual sandwich assembly required.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (kept connected)
- 12 slices deli ham (smoked or honey ham works best)
- 6–8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls, folding slices slightly for texture.
- Add the cheese slices evenly over the ham, covering as much surface area as possible.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on, aligning them carefully.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, letting it drip slightly into the seams.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley if desired, rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in the dish.
- Layer ham evenly over the rolls, followed by cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.
- Whisk melted butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush butter mixture generously over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 8–10 minutes until golden and melted.
Notes
What Makes These Sliders So Popular
Ham and cheese sliders have earned their reputation as a party classic for good reason. They’re:
- Easy to make ahead
- Budget-friendly
- Kid-approved
- Perfect for feeding groups
- Equally good for lunch, dinner, or snacks
The buttery glaze adds a layer of flavor that transforms a simple sandwich into something special. Dijon mustard brings tang, Worcestershire adds depth, and poppy seeds give subtle texture without overpowering the dish.
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Use good-quality ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best for even layers and easy biting.
- Don’t skimp on butter: The glaze is what gives the sliders their signature flavor.
- Cover first, uncover later: This ensures the cheese melts before the tops brown.
- Let them rest briefly: This helps the sliders hold together when sliced.
Variations to Try
Honey Mustard Sliders
Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey to the butter glaze for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Swap ham for sliced turkey breast for a lighter option.
Spicy Sliders
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Cheddar Lovers Version
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder, more pronounced cheese flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Ham and cheese sliders pair perfectly with:
- Potato chips or kettle chips
- Coleslaw or pasta salad
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
- Tomato soup for dipping
- Fresh fruit trays for balance
They’re ideal for brunch spreads, game day tables, holiday gatherings, or even quick weeknight dinners when you want something comforting without a lot of effort.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This easy Hawaiian roll slider recipe succeeds because it balances flavors and textures perfectly. Sweet rolls, salty ham, creamy melted cheese, and savory butter glaze come together into a dish that feels indulgent yet familiar. It’s simple food done right—no complicated techniques, just smart layering and baking.
