🎉🧀 Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are made with juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls and are brushed with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping! Fast, EASY, and a party and family FAVORITE, everyone is going to want this recipe!
Best Ever Ham and Cheese Sliders
If you’re in need of an easy comfort-food recipe for game day, holiday parties or events, an after-school snack that everyone loves, or a quick, easy weeknight dinner on busy weeknights, these Hawaiian roll sliders will do the trick.
This recipe features baked juicy ham and Swiss cheese nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping. Hawaiian bread is one of my all-time favorite kinds of bread, and it’s absolutely perfect for the sliders.
It stays soft and tender in the interior, while the base of the sliders has an ever-so-slight crispiness from the buttery mixture that drips down during baking.
There’s flavor galore from the juicy ham, savory cheese, sharp Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onions, and Worcestershire sauce.
While eating the sliders, the term ‘butter fingers’ may come to mind. Soft, white, warm bread covered in butter is never a bad thing. As a bonus, your cuticles will be extra moisturized.
“I honestly had to make a second batch! The buttery Dijon and poppy seed topping is what sets these apart from every other slider recipe I’ve tried. That combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, salty ham, and melty Swiss is just chef’s kiss.”
Dev
Ham and Cheese Sliders Ingredients
For these Hawaiian roll ham sliders, you’ll need the following:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: These are my go-to and are so much better than white dinner rolls or other types of bread or rolls!
- Cooked sliced ham: I like to use sliced ham from the deli counter (honey ham is great or Black Forest), but you can use ham in packets sold in the refrigerated cases. If you have leftover Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter honey baked ham, this sliders recipe is a wonderful way to use it! Also, check out my Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe for a fun twist to take that ham off your hands.
- Swiss cheese: I like to use Swiss cheese on the sliders, but you can of course use your favorite sliced cheese, such as cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda, and more
- Unsalted butter
- Dijon mustard: I love Dijon mustard in this easy sliders recipe, but you can use yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or your favorite mustard
- Poppy seeds: Don’t omit the poppyseeds in the sauce. They cling to the tops of the rolls and add even more texture. It’s a subtle crunch, but it makes a difference. If you don’t have them, in a pinch, some Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (which has poppy seeds) can work. Sprinkle it into the melted butter
- Dried minced onion or onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders
Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders are a breeze to make! I’ve given the full set of instructions and ingredient ratios in the recipe card below.
Here’s a look at how the hot ham and cheese sliders are prepared:
- Using a large serrated knife, slice the rolls in half so you have a ‘slab’ of tops and a ‘slab’ of bottoms. Don’t pull the rolls apart and slice individually because you want to keep them connected.
- Layer the ham and cheese onto the bottom ‘slab’ of rolls, then place the top ‘slab’ back on.
- Whisk together the melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Brush over the top rolls.
- Before baking, you MUST let the sliders sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature. This gives the butter mixture time to soak into the bread and flavor it.
- Then, cover the dish with foil, and bake the sliders in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil in the last few minutes of baking, and enjoy warm!
Tip! Prevent soggy bottoms
For crispier roll bases, place the bottom slab cut-side up under the broiler for 1-2 minutes before adding the fillings. Alternatively, bake the sliders in a dark metal pan rather than a glass dish. It conducts heat better and crisps the bottom.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. If you want to prepare in advance, cut the rolls into slabs, then layer on the ham and Swiss cheese, and complete the assembly process. Then, cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
If making the hot ham and cheese sliders in advance, wait to brush on the butter mixture until you’re ready to bake them off. Otherwise, the rolls will become soggy. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time if baking the sliders straight from the fridge.
Technically, yes, but with sliders recipes like this, I recommend enjoying them fresh from the oven. However, if your options are to toss the sliders or try freezing them, I say freeze them.
If possible, omit the butter topping. Then, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, brush on the butter topping, and bake as directed.
Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are sometimes nicknamed “funeral sandwiches” because they’ve long been a go-to dish to bring to gatherings after a funeral. They’re easy to make in bulk, travel well, require no utensils, and feed a crowd without much fuss, which makes them just as popular for potlucks, game days, and holidays as they are for somber occasions.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Video
Equipment
- 1 Medium Microwave-Safe Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls), sliced in half (see directions for more details)
- ¾ pound cooked deli ham, thinly sliced
- ¾ pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcesteshire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- Using a large serrated knife, slice the rolls in half so you have a ‘slab’ of tops and a ‘slab’ of bottoms; don’t pull the rolls apart and slice individually because you want to keep them connected.
- Place the bottom ‘slab’ of rolls in prepared pan.
- Evenly layer about half of the ham over the rolls.
- Evenly layer the cheese.
- Evenly layer the remaining ham.
- Add the top ‘slab’ of rolls; set aside.
- To a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
- Add the mustard, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine.
- Evenly and slowly pour the butter mixture over the rolls. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the tops. Some of the mixture will pool at the base of the rolls.
- Cover with aluminum foil and allow rolls to stand at room temp for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Bake covered for about 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Uncover and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until as done as desired. Baking time will vary based on the size of pan used, climate and oven variances, etc. Bake until as done as desired; watch to make sure they don’t burn since all ovens and ingredients vary.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately. Sliders are best warm and fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Party Sliders Recipes:
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders — Pizza by way of supremely cheesy sliders!! EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for parties because everyone LOVES them! Totally IRRESISTIBLE!
Beer and Bourbon BBQ Chicken Sliders — Chicken is cooked with beer and bourbon before being soaked in bbq sauce! So juicy, flavorful, easy, and ready in 25 minutes!
Caramelized Onion and Portobello Mushroom Sliders with Fry Sauce – Meatless comfort food at its finest! Hearty, satisfying, and so good!
Ranch Chicken and Swiss Sliders — Tender chicken is coasted in tangy ranch dressing and topped with Swiss cheese. It’s all nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery Dijon, onion, and poppy seed topping.
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders – Grilled pineapple slices brushed with a soy and ginger marinade add a Hawaiian-inspired twist to these irresistible sandwiches!
BBQ Chicken Sliders — These FAST and EASY sliders are made with shredded chicken, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls with cheese, and baked until warm!
Roast Beef Sliders — Tender roast beef is mixed with sauteed green peppers and onions, piled into soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with Provolone cheese, and brushed with butter and garlic before baking!
Hawaiian Roll Turkey and Cheese Sliders — Juicy turkey, Swiss cheese, and cranberry sauce all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls that are brushed with butter and topped with poppy seeds for the BEST turkey sliders!
Originally published August 2016, updated April 2019, and republished January 15, 2021.
I made these for my family game night on Christmas Eve. They were absolutely delicious. They were gone in a blink of an eye. I came looking for the recipe to make again this weekend and realized I never commented on how good they turned out.
Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad these are a hit with your family!
This recipe is FABULOUS!! It is a family favorite that we make every New Year’s Eve with friends and every Easter night after enjoying ham for lunch. They make incredible make ahead sandwiches which can be easily reheated or eaten cold. So much flavor and goodness!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you love these and are a family holiday favorite!
how can i save this on Pinterest???
There are hoovering Pin It buttons on the top corners of all photos.
Hi Averie,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Another kitchen success. You help make “Kelley’s Kitchen” my kids favorite place for dinner.
Love the new photo!
Kelley
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was a hit! And thanks for the photo compliment, I appreciate it!
Wow a like
The ham and cheese sliders are so yummy! Easy to make and left overs are even good reheated! I’ve made these many times and always a big hit!
I give them 5 stars
Great to hear they’re always a big hit!
Didnt have the mustard but made these any way. Added some garlic and they were a big hit! Thanks for the recipe
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad these were a big hit!
Yehhhh!!!
Wanted to know how they “traveled” and if they are not served right out of the oven, are they still OK. Need to bake then carry to an event about 1 hour away. Will they get soggy if they are covered up.
thanks for any advice!
My friend made these, put the butter mixture on, and refrigerated for 24 hours, then baked. They tasted great! I’d just do that, then pop them in the oven when you reach your destination.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that method worked out great!
Made these today and they are really yummy! I only used 1/2 of the butter mix and it was just right for us!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad they turned out yummy and that you only needed half the buttery mixture!
There are few foods that make me throw my head back and make “yummm” sounds, especially home made foods, but this is one of them. I could eat these for every meal, every day. Seriously insanely deliciously sweet and savory. Bless you for sharing this!!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you love these so much and could eat them for every meal – I think most people feel that way!
These are such an easy delicious slider! We made these for Super Bowl Sunday, my husband was a bit skeptical.
They are just yummy and the perfect size slider with such great flavor! Instead of using poppy seeds, I opted to
sprinkle Everything Spice to the top before putting them in the oven. Husband did not want Everything Spice, but
yup, he loved the spice. Made just 6 for just the two of us, then a couple days later the other 6. Thinking of making a couple trays for Easter. Thank you for the great recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your husband enjoyed them after being skeptical to start with! I bet the Everything Spice was great here!
These Sliders were easy to make and SO delicious! I always hesitate to try new recipes for the first time when I’m having company, but I hosted a party today and gave this recipe a try. The directions were perfect and they turned out so well! These Sliders were a huge hit and everyone LOVED them. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad these were a huge hit and everyone loved them!
Made these last year for Super Bowl party making them again this year but making twice as many everyone loved them and they did not last long ,great recipe very yummy
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that these are a Superbowl party hit and you’re making them again today!
Have had them before when someone else made them for a party so glad I was able to find a recipe. It was really good but waaaay too much butter to the point of it not being finger food because its so greasy and the bread taste like pure butter. I’m making these for a super bowl party this weekend and whenever I make a new recipe for other people, I always try it first a few days before. Still really good but I’m going to halve the amount of butter for next time. Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks for the 5 star review despite the butter issue. Honestly, this recipe gets tons of positive comments on it, but no one has ever mentioned that. Yes no doubt they are super buttery and on the greasy side but not impossible to eat in my experience. Maybe your bread just didn’t absorb well? Who knows but glad you tried it in advance and will halve the butter.
My daughter in law made these for Christmas Eve. My husband fell in love with them. I have made some before, but he thought these superior. I’m going to make them today. Can hardly wait. Thanks
Glad these are a hit with your family!
Hi, Averie, well let me start by saying I came across your recipe during our unfortunate time of stay at home. This is a magnificent slider recipe, I actually made it with left over honey baked ham, and my husband enjoyed it. With that said I will be preparing it again. Thank you for sharing., -:)
Glad it was a winner!