Ham Swiss Hawaiian Sliders

These buttery baked Ham and Swiss Sliders are the secret weapon for busy nights and casual gatherings. Bursting with salty ham and gooey cheese, all tucked into sweet Hawaiian rolls, this recipe never fails to disappear first at potlucks. The special butter sauce soaks right in, infusing every bite with savory flavor and keeping the rolls perfectly tender.

When my kids had their first sleepover, I made these sliders as a late-night snack. They vanished in minutes, and now I am always asked to bring them to every team picnic and neighborhood party.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Provide pillowy texture and a touch of sweetness. Pick packages with soft, golden tops and no dryness.
• Deli Ham thinly sliced: Adds a salty bite and layers easily. Look for freshly sliced or quality pre-packaged ham without excess water.
• Swiss Cheese slices: Melts into a creamy layer. Select real Swiss with a mild nutty taste and avoid pre-shredded cheese for the best melt.
• Butter unsalted: Enriches the sliders with richness and moisture. Choose high-quality sticks for a clean flavor.
• Yellow Mustard: Cuts through the richness and adds tang. Classic yellow gives the right punch.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings classic umami boost. Opt for a brand without lots of sugar or artificial flavors.
• Dried Minced Onion: Delivers savory depth and a hint of sweetness. Use fresh dried flakes, not powder, for texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Balance and highlight the other flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for more impact.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a bit of nutty sharpness and golden finish. Grate fresh for best results.
• Dried Parsley (optional): Sprinkled for color and mild herby note. Look for bright green flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking dish with foil covering all sides and spray lightly with cooking spray to keep the rolls from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Cut and Layer the Rolls:

Take the whole block of Hawaiian rolls out of the package and slice them right through the center to create a connected top and bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in the baking dish ready to hold all the fillings.

Assemble the Sliders:

Lay out half of the ham evenly over the bottom slab ensuring every roll area gets some coverage. Layer on all the Swiss cheese slices so they slightly overlap for even melty coverage. Add the rest of the ham over the top so you get layers in every bite.

Add the Roll Tops and Press:

Gently ease the top slab of rolls over the fillings. Press the whole block down with flat hands just enough to hold everything together but not squish completely.

Make and Mix the Butter Sauce:

In a microwave safe dish melt the butter in short bursts until fully melted. Stir in the mustard Worcestershire dried minced onion salt and pepper until completely blended and smooth. This sauce makes the sliders incredibly tender and aromatic.

Pour Butter Sauce Over the Sliders:

Slowly pour the combined butter sauce right over the tops of the rolls letting it seep down the sides and in between each roll. Ensure good coverage for all the sliders so every bite is flavorful.

Let Sit and Absorb:

Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the butter sauce so the flavor goes all the way through.

Bake the Sliders:

Transfer the covered baking dish to the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes so the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through but the tops do not brown too quickly.

Finish with a Golden Top:

Take off the foil cover and return the dish to the oven for five more minutes. This step gives the tops a beautiful golden finish and allows any extra moisture to be absorbed.

Add the Finishing Touches and Serve:

If you like sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley on top. Carefully cut between the rolls to separate the sliders. Serve while hot and the cheese is still perfectly melty.

Pin it

Swiss cheese has always been my go to for slider recipes because it gives such a perfect melt and a subtle nutty flavor. My grandmother used to sneak an extra slice of cheese into the middle just for me and it is now my little trick for maximum melty goodness.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place them back in a foil wrapped baking dish and warm in a 325 degree oven just until the cheese is bubbling again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the rolls soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey or roast beef instead of ham for a different flavor twist. Muenster or cheddar work well if Swiss is not available. For a spicier sauce add a teaspoon of Dijon or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders as the centerpiece for a game day spread or alongside a crisp green salad for a quick weeknight dinner. They also make a great addition to brunch buffets when cut into smaller pieces.

A Little Cultural Context

Hawaiian rolls have become a beloved sandwich base in America thanks to their soft texture and sweet flavor which pairs beautifully with savory fillings. Sliders like these took off at potlucks and parties for being easy to share and satisfying for all ages.

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These sliders prove that party food can be deliciously simple to make with the right ingredients and a little love in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I slice the rolls for assembly?

Keep the package of rolls intact and carefully slice horizontally through the entire loaf to make top and bottom slabs for easy layering.

→ What type of ham works best?

Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal for even layers and melts well with the cheese between the soft rolls.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders and refrigerate before baking. Add the butter sauce and bake when ready to serve.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

Try provolone or cheddar for a different flavor, but Swiss complements ham and the sweet rolls especially well.

→ Do I need to use the butter sauce?

The butter sauce adds moisture and tang, but you can use less or omit some seasonings to adjust to your taste.