ham and swiss cheese sliders 17

The Ultimate Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

(Buttery, Crispy, and Completely Irresistible)

There’s a reason these sliders never go out of style.

Soft sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Layers of salty ham.
Melty Swiss cheese.
And a buttery Dijon glaze that soaks into every crevice and crisps up the tops.

They’re nostalgic.
They’re ridiculously easy.
And once you put them on the table? They disappear.

If you need one no-fail party food, this is it.

ham and swiss cheese sliders 16


Looking for more game day appetizers? Try these Buffalo Ranch Pickle Chicken Skewers.


Why This Version Is the Best

✔ The tops get golden and slightly crisp
✔ The bottoms stay soft (not soggy)
✔ The glaze has real flavor (not just melted butter)
✔ Perfect for game day, holidays, potlucks, or easy dinners
✔ Make-ahead friendly

This is the version people ask for the recipe for.


What They Taste Like

Think:

Sweet rolls
Salty ham
Creamy melted Swiss
Buttery Dijon richness
A tiny pop of onion and garlic

It’s sweet + savory + melty in the best possible way.

ham and swiss cheese sliders 24

Ingredients (Serves 8–12)

For the Sliders

  • 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian style)
  • ¾–1 lb thinly sliced deli ham
  • 8–10 slices Swiss cheese (or about 8 oz sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)

For the Buttery Glaze

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional but excellent)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Foil

Timing

Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 20–25 minutes
Total: 30–35 minutes

ham and swiss cheese sliders 21

How to Make the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally using a serrated knife.

Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13 baking dish.


Step 2: Layer the Filling

Spread Dijon mustard lightly over the bottom layer (optional but worth it).

Layer in this order:

  1. Half the Swiss cheese
  2. All the ham (fold it slightly for texture)
  3. Remaining Swiss cheese

Place the top half of the rolls back on.


Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter
  • Dijon
  • Honey
  • Worcestershire
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Poppy seeds
  • Salt + pepper

It should smell incredible.


Step 4: Brush + Soak

Slowly spoon or brush the glaze evenly over the tops.

Let it soak for 5–10 minutes before baking — this is key for flavor.


Step 5: Bake

Cover loosely with foil.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until:

  • Cheese is fully melted
  • Tops are golden
  • Edges are slightly crisp

Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.


Why These Work So Well for Parties

  • Easy to prep ahead
  • Feeds a crowd
  • No utensils needed
  • Reheat beautifully
  • Crowd-pleasing flavors

They’re basically the perfect baked party sandwich.


Tips for the Best Texture

  • Don’t skip the soak time.
  • Use thin deli ham so it layers evenly.
  • If you want extra crisp tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully).
  • For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mayo under the cheese.
ham and swiss cheese sliders 12

Make Ahead Instructions

Assemble fully and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours.

Add glaze just before baking.


Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Microwave works — but oven keeps them crisp.


Nutrition (Approximate Per Slider)

Calories: 220–260
Protein: 9–11g
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 18g

(Varies depending on ham and cheese.)


Looking for more game day appetizers? Try these Irresistible Game Day Favourite Appetizers


ham and swiss cheese sliders 17
Ella Cooks

The Ultimate Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Love it? Click to rate
Be the first to rate this recipe!
Why This Version Is the Best✔ The tops get golden and slightly crisp ✔ The bottoms stay soft (not soggy) ✔ The glaze has real flavor (not just melted butter) ✔ Perfect for game day, holidays, potlucks, or easy dinners ✔ Make-ahead friendly
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 Sliders
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Serves 8–12)
  • For the Sliders
  • 1 12-count package Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian style)
  • ¾ –1 lb thinly sliced deli ham
  • 8 –10 slices Swiss cheese or about 8 oz sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard optional, but recommended
For the Buttery Glaze
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional but excellent
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • 9×13” baking dish
  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Foil

Method
 

How to Make the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders
    Step 1: Prep the Rolls
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally using a serrated knife.
    3. Place the bottom half into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
    Step 2: Layer the Filling
    1. Spread Dijon mustard lightly over the bottom layer (optional but worth it).
    2. Layer in this order:
    3. Half the Swiss cheese
    4. All the ham (fold it slightly for texture)
    5. Remaining Swiss cheese
    6. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
    Step 3: Make the Glaze
    1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
    2. Melted butter
    3. Dijon
    4. Honey
    5. Worcestershire
    6. Onion powder
    7. Garlic powder
    8. Poppy seeds
    9. Salt + pepper
    10. It should smell incredible.
    Step 4: Brush + Soak
    1. Slowly spoon or brush the glaze evenly over the tops.
    2. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes before baking — this is key for flavor.
    Step 5: Bake
    1. Cover loosely with foil.
    2. Bake for 15 minutes.
    3. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until:
    4. Cheese is fully melted
      ham and swiss cheese sliders 24
    5. Tops are golden
    6. Edges are slightly crisp
    7. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
      ham and swiss cheese sliders 21

    Nutrition

    Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 11gFat: 14g

    Notes

    Why These Work So Well for Parties

    • Easy to prep ahead
    • Feeds a crowd
    • No utensils needed
    • Reheat beautifully
    • Crowd-pleasing flavors
    • They’re basically the perfect baked party sandwich.
     

    Tips for the Best Texture

    • Don’t skip the soak time.
    • Use thin deli ham so it layers evenly.
    • If you want extra crisp tops, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully).
    • For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mayo under the cheese. 
     

    Make Ahead Instructions

    Assemble fully and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours.
    Add glaze just before baking.

    Storage

    Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 300°F until warmed through.  Microwave works — but oven keeps them crisp.

    Tried this recipe?

    Let us know how it was!
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