Ham And Cheese Sliders

These Ham And Cheese Sliders are my no-fuss solution for feeding a hungry crowd or making a weekday lunch feel special. Soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls layered generously with sweet ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all blanketed in a buttery, garlicky glaze that soaks into every crevice. Once baked, the tops are crisp and golden while the insides stay melty and decadent. Game day or family brunch, these disappear in seconds—there is never a crumb left.

After trying dozens of slider combos this one always wins big at family gatherings. I came across it one holiday when I needed something quick but wow-worthy. Even my normally hesitant eaters gobbled them up and now ask for them on special occasions.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: melted for rich flavor and to help the glaze soak in always choose real butter for best results
• Dijon mustard: for a tangy bite that balances the cheesy richness look for smooth Dijon without extra sugar
• Garlic powder: to infuse the glaze with savory depth pick fresh and aromatic powder for the fullest flavor
• Poppy seeds: for a gentle crunch and classic look use fresh seeds that taste slightly nutty
• Dried chives: to add a subtle herby note and bit of color check that chives are bright green for freshness
• Worcestershire sauce: for umami depth and boldness opt for a high-quality sauce without too many additives
• Salt and freshly ground pepper: to bring all the flavors together try flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if possible
• Hawaiian sweet rolls: super soft and a touch sweet always check for freshness and intact packaging
• Thinly sliced deli ham or leftover ham: either works as long as the ham is moist and flavorful
• Swiss cheese: sliced thicker slices melt best choose real Swiss for that nutty tang but provolone or cheddar work too

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with cooking spray so your sliders will not stick

Make the Butter Glaze:

In a small bowl combine melted butter Dijon mustard garlic powder poppy seeds dried chives Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper. Whisk until everything is well blended and you see the poppy seeds evenly scattered

Slice the Rolls:

Keep the Hawaiian rolls together. With a sharp serrated knife slice horizontally through the middle so you have a top and a bottom slab. Avoid pulling rolls apart which keeps the sliders neat

Layer the Fillings:

Gently lay the bottom slab of rolls into your prepared dish. Evenly arrange half of your ham slices over the rolls making sure every roll gets enough. Layer all the Swiss cheese slices across the ham allowing the cheese to slightly overlap. Top with the remaining ham slices for extra savoriness

Add the Top Rolls:

Carefully lay the top half of the rolls over your layered fillings so everything looks like the original package

Brush with Glaze:

Using a pastry brush generously brush the butter mixture over the top of the rolls. If you have any leftover glaze pour it evenly over the surface letting it seep into the edges

Bake:

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for ten minutes to melt the cheese and warm the ham. Then remove the foil and let bake another ten minutes so the tops turn crisp and lightly golden

Serve:

Once baked cut into individual sliders using a sharp knife. Serve warm so the cheese is delightfully gooey and the tops are still crisp

Pin it

Hawaiian rolls make these extra special. I remember the first time I swapped plain dinner rolls for their sweet fluffiness and it made such a difference that my whole family swore we could never go back. Now whenever I spot them on sale I stock up for just this recipe.

Storage Tips

Let sliders cool completely before packing them into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat and restore crispness place them in a warm oven or use an air fryer for two to three minutes. They can also be frozen before baking—just wrap tightly and add fresh glaze before baking straight from the freezer.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Swiss cheese on hand cheddar provolone or gouda melt beautifully. For a different twist use turkey or roast beef instead of ham. Hawaiian rolls are traditional but any pillowy soft rolls work in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with kettle chips or a fresh green salad for a simple lunch. For parties offer alongside a big fruit tray and pitcher of lemonade. If you want to make them a meal add a cozy soup on the side.

Cultural Context

Sliders like these have their roots in American home cooking and potluck culture. The combination of soft sweet rolls with savory ham and cheese became a staple for feeding a crowd in the Midwest. The buttery mustard and poppy seed topping has taken on a life of its own as a party favorite in recent decades.

Pin it

These sliders are impossible to resist right out of the oven but make great leftovers too. Enjoy every melty, savory bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of rolls work best?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are recommended for their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the savory fillings beautifully.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Yes, while Swiss is classic, cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda can be used for a unique twist.

→ Are these suitable for making ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble the sliders in advance, but add the butter topping just before baking for best results.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

→ Do I need to separate the rolls before baking?

No, slice the rolls horizontally as a whole, fill and top them, then bake. Cut into individual sliders after baking.