Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

These irresistible Hawaiian roll ham sliders are party food perfection! Warm, gooey Swiss cheese melts into layers of savory ham, all tucked between sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. The buttery, seasoned topping adds that extra punch that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their first!

What makes these sliders truly special is the contrast of textures and flavors. The rolls stay soft inside while developing a slightly crispy, buttery exterior. That sweet-savory combination is absolutely magical, and the poppy seed butter sauce seeps into every bite, infusing the sandwiches with incredible flavor. These are ridiculously easy to make but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

For the sliders:

• 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls, such as King’s
• 12 slices Swiss cheese (about 7 ounces), divided
• 12 thin slices deli ham (about 10 ounces)

Steps

1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese while allowing the rolls to brown without burning.
2. Place 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until completely melted, 20 to 30 seconds. For more control, you can alternatively melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, removing it as soon as it’s fully melted to prevent browning.
3. To the melted butter, add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. This sauce is what transforms these from basic sandwiches to something special – make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Without separating the individual rolls, use a serrated knife to cut the entire package of Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls in half horizontally. A long bread knife works best, and using a gentle sawing motion prevents squishing the soft rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch or 7×11-inch baking dish.
5. Arrange 6 slices of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of the rolls, overlapping the slices as needed to create a complete cheese layer. This bottom layer of cheese helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
6. Fold and arrange 12 thin slices of ham over the cheese layer, making sure to place approximately one slice on each roll position. The folding creates texture and ensures even distribution of ham in every bite.
7. Layer the remaining 6 slices of Swiss cheese over the ham. This double-cheese approach ensures maximum meltiness and helps hold everything together.
8. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, lining up the edges with the bottom half.
9. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture onto the tops of the rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface. Immediately sprinkle with 1 teaspoon poppy seeds while the butter is still wet so they adhere properly.
10. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, which helps melt the cheese while keeping the rolls soft.
11. Bake covered for 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sandwiches are heated through. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown. Watch carefully during this uncovered period as the butter coating can cause the tops to brown quickly.
12. Transfer the entire slab to a cutting board and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Then use a sharp serrated knife to cut along the natural divisions of the rolls to create individual sliders. Serve immediately while still warm and gooey.

Smart Swaps

• Use honey mustard instead of Dijon for a sweeter flavor profile
• Substitute provolone cheese for Swiss if you prefer a milder flavor
• Try turkey or roast beef instead of ham for variety
• Add a layer of caramelized onions between the meat and cheese for extra depth of flavor

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use whole grain rolls instead of Hawaiian sweet rolls to reduce the glycemic impact (saves approximately 6g carbs per slider)
• Choose reduced-sodium ham to lower salt content without affecting flavor
• Replace half the butter with olive oil to improve the fat profile
• Add thin slices of avocado for healthy fats that slow carbohydrate absorption
• Serve with a side of non-starchy vegetables to balance the meal and add fiber

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, add a thin layer of honey mustard or mayo to the inside of the rolls before adding cheese
• Make sure your ham is patted dry with paper towels before assembly to prevent soggy sliders
• For a crispy top, brush with an egg wash (1 beaten egg) in addition to the butter mixture
• Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier cutting and serving
• These can be fully assembled the night before and refrigerated, making them perfect for entertaining