Ham and Cheese Sliders

This homemade party hot appetizer is loaded with ham and cheese on a sweet roll brushed in a savory butter sauce. Ham and Cheese Sliders are easy and quick to make, incredibly mouthwatering and perfect for a party or game day celebration.

Hawaiian roll sliders are the best! The first time I tried them was during a trip to San Diego about 12 years ago and I’ve been in love since. There’s just something so special about those soft Hawaiian rolls paired with salty ham and loads of melted cheese. I’d eat those little sandwiches every day if I could.

They make perfect finger food that your guests can just grab and enjoy. No plate or cutlery needed! Ham sliders are wonderful party food or served as an easy weeknight dinner. They are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Party sandwiches are great recipe to serve a small crowd. This slider recipe makes 12 individual sliders, but can be easily doubled or tripled if you need to make more. I love that it’s a simple recipe ready to serve in about 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Great way to use up leftover ham
• Easy recipe with simple ingredients and prep
• Perfect for the whole family to enjoy
• Can be served warm or at room temperature
• Tastes delicious even the next day
• Can be served as a main course for dinner, party snack, tailgating, potlucks and more
• Kids love them and they make a yummy school snack

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls – Use 1 package of 12-count slider buns
• Deli ham
• Swiss cheese – I used sliced Swiss cheese
• Salted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Poppy seeds
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sliders

• Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Step Two: With a large kitchen knife, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls so that there are two even slabs.
• Step Three: Place the bottom half of the rolls on the baking sheet. Place 12 slices of the ham on the rolls. Then layer on the 12 slices of Swiss cheese. Add the last 12 slices of ham on top of the cheese and top it with the top half of the rolls.

• Step Four: Add the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce and onion powder to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until well incorporated.
• Step Five: Brush the butter mixture on top of the rolls. Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes.
• Step Six: Cover the rolls with additional aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 18 minutes.
• Step Seven: After 18 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and remove the top layer of the aluminum foil covering the rolls. Place the tray back in the oven for an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
• Step Eight: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Cut sliders and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

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• Pastry brush
• Large serrated knife
• Medium bowl
• Baking tray
• Aluminum foil
• Whisk

What to Serve with Hawaiian Ham Sliders

• Potato chips (try my air fryer potato chips)
• French fries
• Italian pasta salad
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Crab dip
• Creamy salsa dip with veggies or tortilla chips
• Cheesy potato skins

Variations and Substitutions

• Try garlic powder instead of onion powder to make a yummy garlic buttery sauce.
• Use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard for a sweeter taste.
• Substitute cheddar cheese slices for the Swiss cheese.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar to the butter mixture for a sweet and savory experience.
• Use leftover ham instead of deli ham slices. Honey ham is super delicious! 
• Change it up by using roast beef instead of ham.
• Omit the poppy seeds if you aren’t a fan of them.

Storage Instructions

I recommend wrapping any leftovers up in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days.

Can I Freeze?

Yes! Slider sandwiches actually freeze quite well. Wrap them up well in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil. You can freeze them individually or as a slab. 

They’ll keep in the freezer for about 3 months. 

I recommend thawing them completely before reheating them to serve.

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make them up to two days in advance and store, covered, in the fridge. I personally wouldn’t add the buttery sauce until you are ready to bake them so the bread won’t become soggy.

Do They Taste Good Cold?

I don’t mind them cold, but for best results, serve them warm. The cheesy will be soft and melty and the buttery flavor will really pop!

How to Keep Sliders Warm for a Party

• Keep them covered with aluminum foil after you bring them out of the oven.
• Use a chafing dish or warming tray.
• Use a heated blanket or a heating pad under the dish with the sliders.

What If I Can’t Find Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

Hawaiian sweet rolls can be hard to come by especially if you don’t live in the United States. 

Instead, use a package of dinner rolls. You can also make your own Hawaiian sweet rolls if you are feeling up to it.

Do I Have to Use Poppy Seeds?

Nope! You can leave them out completely or substitute with sesame seeds. I like the poppy seeds because they add texture, but the sliders will still be delicious without them.

More Party Snacks

• Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
• Oven Baked Chicken Wings
• Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
• Air Fryer Pickles
• Italian Sliders
• Meatball Sliders
• Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders

You’ll also like these Ham and Swiss Croissant Bake, Cheeseburger Sliders, Breakfast Sliders and Air Fryer Crab Cakes.

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