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–+ servings
Ella Cooks

The Ultimate Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

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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
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 Sliders
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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
    5. Tops are golden
    6. Edges are slightly crisp
    7. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

    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.

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