Ham and Cheese Sliders (Easy Hawaiian Roll Recipe)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about pulling a tray of warm ham and cheese sliders from the oven. The tops are golden and glossy, the cheese inside is perfectly melted, and the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls ties everything together into one cozy, crowd-pleasing bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, or looking for a foolproof dish to bring to a potluck, these easy ham and cheese sliders never disappoint.

What makes this recipe such a favorite is how simple it is. No complicated prep, no fancy ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples that come together in the oven to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. The buttery topping seeps into the rolls, the mustard adds just enough tang, and the ham and cheese become melty and savory in the best possible way. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then memorize because it’s that dependable.

These sliders are also wonderfully nostalgic. Many of us first encountered them at family gatherings, holiday parties, or school events where the tray emptied faster than anything else on the table. They feel familiar and comforting, yet they’re endlessly adaptable, which is why they’ve stood the test of time.

Ingredients:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (kept connected)
• 12 slices deli ham
• 6 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar, halved)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Using a serrated knife, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the ham evenly over the rolls, folding slices if needed so every slider gets a generous amount.
4. Place the cheese slices over the ham, making sure the cheese reaches the edges so it melts into every bite.
5. Set the top half of the rolls back in place, gently pressing down.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
7. Slowly pour or brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, letting it drip down the sides.
8. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Soft Hawaiian rolls layered with ham and melted cheese, baked with a buttery mustard topping until golden and irresistible.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12 sliders

Course: Appetizer, Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sliders

• 12 rolls Hawaiian sweet rolls kept connected
• 12 slices deli ham
• 6 slices Swiss cheese halved
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
2. Slice rolls horizontally and place bottom half in the dish.
3. Layer ham and cheese evenly over the rolls and add the tops.
4. Mix butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and seasonings.
5. Brush butter mixture over the sliders.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden.

Notes

Great make-ahead sliders for parties, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.

Tips & Tricks

• For ultra-soft sliders, don’t overbake once the foil comes off—just enough time to brown the tops.
• If you like crispier edges, leave the foil off for the last 10 minutes.
• Use a pastry brush to ensure the butter topping coats every roll evenly.

Variations

• Honey Mustard Sliders: Swap Dijon for honey mustard for a sweeter twist.
• Turkey & Cheese: Use sliced turkey and provolone for a lighter option.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
• Everything Bagel Style: Replace poppy seeds with everything bagel seasoning.

Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair perfectly with potato chips, coleslaw, pasta salad, or a simple green salad. They’re great for brunch spreads, game day tables, or even as a quick dinner alongside roasted vegetables.

Storage Information
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• What cheese works best? Swiss is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella all work beautifully.
• Can I use dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls? Absolutely, though Hawaiian rolls add that signature sweet contrast.

History / Fun Facts
Ham and cheese sliders became wildly popular in the U.S. thanks to their simplicity and adaptability. Hawaiian rolls, introduced in the 1950s, added a sweet spin that turned these sliders into a modern classic often called “party sandwiches” or “funeral sandwiches” in different regions.