Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

Introduction

There is something about a pan of warm sliders that feels like a kitchen hug: soft, buttery rolls cradling gooey cheese and slices of savory ham, topped with a sweet Hawaiian glaze. The moment you pull these Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders from the oven, the scent of melted butter, brown sugar, and sharp cheese wraps the room in nostalgia. Whether it’s a sleepy Sunday supper, a birthday buffet, or that impromptu game night, this easy recipe is the kind of comforting food that stitches people together around the table. If you love quick dinner ideas that feel homemade and a little bit festive, you are going to adore this family favorite. For another cozy casserole to pair with sliders, try this hearty hamburger tater tot casserole with bacon and cheese for a full-hearted meal.

Why You’ll Love Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

They are comforting and nostalgic — like a warm memory in every bite.
Quick to assemble and ready faster than takeout, perfect as a quick dinner idea.
Versatile — swap cheeses, breads, or add veggies to make it a healthy option.
Crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or a festive meal centerpiece.
Melted cheese and sweet glaze balance to create an indulgent, irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

12 Hawaiian sweet rolls — soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for slider-sized sandwiches. Substitute with dinner rolls if needed.
8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese — melts beautifully; cheddar or provolone are great swaps.
1 pound thinly sliced deli ham — choose smoked or honey ham for extra flavor; turkey ham works as a lighter alternative.
1/2 cup unsalted butter — melted, to brush on the top and mix with the glaze.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard — adds a gentle tang; use grainy mustard for texture.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce — deepens the savory notes; omit for a milder taste.
1/4 cup brown sugar — creates the signature sweet glaze; coconut sugar is a decent substitute.
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional) — classic on slider tops for texture and visual charm.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — for subtle warmth; fresh minced garlic can be used (1 clove).
Freshly ground black pepper — to taste.

Substitutions: For a vegetarian take, swap ham for grilled seasonal vegetables and add extra Swiss or a melty plant-based cheese. To lighten it up, use light butter or brush the tops with a neutral oil and reduce brown sugar slightly.

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Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

These sliders are one of those quick dinner ideas that feel gourmet but come together in under 40 minutes — quicker than most takeout and infinitely more comforting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish large enough to hold the sliders snugly — this keeps them steamy and soft.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the top and bottom as sheets so you can layer them easily. Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls, folding slices to distribute the meat. The smell of the salty ham hitting the warm rolls is already making the kitchen wonderful.
Add a generous layer of Swiss cheese over the ham. Repeat layers if you like thicker sandwiches, but keep it even so everything bakes uniformly.
Place the top half of the rolls over the layered fillings, pressing gently to compact the sliders.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Drizzle and brush this glaze over the tops of the rolls, making sure it seeps into the seams.
Sprinkle poppy seeds over the tops if using, for that classic diner look and a tiny crunch.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 3–6 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is beautifully melted.
Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm and watch the faces of your loved ones light up.

Your kitchen will smell like a celebration — buttery, sweet, and savory all at once.

Tips and Variations

Swap Swiss for cheddar for a sharper bite, or use a mix of provolone and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Make it a festive meal by adding a slice of pineapple for a Hawaiian twist, or a smear of cranberry sauce for holiday flair.
For a healthier option, use whole-grain rolls and lean ham, and reduce the brown sugar by half.
Turn these into mini pizzas: add a spoonful of marinara under the cheese and top with basil after baking.
Want more texture? Add caramelized onions or thinly sliced apples for a bright contrast.

For another comforting side that pairs beautifully with sliders, consider this creamy corn casserole idea found at awesome and easy creamy corn casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders warm on a large wooden board for a family-style presentation. Pair them with:

Crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Sweet potato fries or roasted baby potatoes for a hearty plate.
A tangy slaw made with apple and cabbage for crunch.
For drinks, light beers, sparkling lemonade, or a fruity iced tea make lovely companions.

Imagine sitting around the table, the sunlight catching the melted cheese as everyone reaches in — it’s the small, shared moments like this that become traditions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To refrigerate: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10–12 minutes.
To freeze: Assemble sliders but do not bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to brown the tops.
Make-ahead for parties: Prepare the sliders the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before guests arrive for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

Warm the butter slightly so it mixes smoothly with the mustard and sugar — no grainy glaze.
Keep the rolls snug in the pan; gaps can dry out the edges.
If you like extra goo, add a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom roll before the ham — it turns golden and savory when baked.
Use a serrated knife and a sawing motion to slice the sliders cleanly without squashing them.
Let the sliders rest briefly after baking to settle the cheese and make slicing easier.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free rolls and ensure all sauces you use are labeled gluten-free. The method stays the same.

Q: How many sliders does this recipe make?
A: Using 12 Hawaiian rolls, you’ll get 12 sliders, perfect for a small family dinner or as party finger food.

Q: Can I use leftover ham from a holiday roast?
A: Absolutely. Leftover ham is ideal — it adds depth of flavor and reduces waste.

Q: What’s the best cheese for meltiness?
A: Swiss melts wonderfully and pairs beautifully with ham, but provolone and mozzarella are great if you want extra stretch.

Q: Can I prepare vegetarian sliders?
A: Yes. Swap the ham for grilled vegetables, seasoned mushrooms, or a hearty plant-based deli slice and follow the same assembly.

Conclusion

These Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders are more than a recipe — they are a small celebration you can make any night of the week. They bring together sweetness, savoriness, and melted comfort into one golden tray that invites conversation and second helpings. Try them, tweak them, and let them become one of your go-to family favorites. For another delicious take and inspiration on ham and cheese sliders, check out I Am Baker’s Ham and Cheese Sliders — a lovely companion to this recipe.

Contents

1 Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

Easy Ham And Cheese Hawaiian Sliders

Comforting Hawaiian sliders stuffed with gooey cheese and savory ham topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for any gathering.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Total Time 33

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

For the sliders

12 pieces Hawaiian sweet rolls Soft and slightly sweet. Substitute with dinner rolls if needed.
8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese Can substitute with cheddar or provolone.
1 pound thinly sliced deli ham Smoked or honey ham is recommended.
1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted, for brushing on top and mixing with the glaze.

For the glaze

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds a gentle tang; can use grainy mustard.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Omit for a milder taste.
1/4 cup brown sugar Creates the sweet glaze; coconut sugar is a substitute.
1 teaspoon poppy seeds Optional, for texture.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used (1 clove).
to taste freshly ground black pepper For seasoning.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish large enough to hold the sliders snugly.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the top and bottom as sheets.
Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
Layer the ham evenly over the bottom rolls.
Add a layer of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
Repeat layers if desired but keep it even.
Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings and press gently.

Glazing and Baking

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Drizzle and brush this glaze over the tops of the rolls.
Sprinkle poppy seeds over the tops if using.
Cover with foil and bake for 12 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3–6 minutes until golden.
Let rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing into individual sliders.