Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

These ham and cheese Hawaiian rolls are the perfect quick appetizer for any occasion! The combination of sweet rolls, savory ham, and melty cheese comes together with a flavorful butter sauce to create an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need a quick dinner solution, or want to impress at a potluck without hours in the kitchen, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders

Why This Recipe Works

What makes these ham and cheese Hawaiian rolls so special? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures:

• The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls complements the savory ham and cheese
• The butter sauce infuses every bite with incredible flavor
• They’re quick to prepare but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen
• They’re versatile enough for any occasion
• Kids and adults alike can’t resist them

These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat. The entire recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, and most of that is hands-off baking time!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count) – The sweetness of these rolls creates the perfect contrast with the savory fillings. They stay soft on the inside while getting slightly crisp on top.
• ¾ pound ham, medium sliced – You can use deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even honey ham. The quality of your ham will make a difference in the final flavor.
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced – Swiss is traditional for these sliders because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. You can substitute provolone or cheddar if preferred.
• ¼ cup butter – Use real butter for the best flavor. This forms the base of our flavor-packed sauce.
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard – Adds a tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• 1 tablespoon minced onion – Provides subtle flavor without overwhelming the sliders.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – This umami-rich ingredient adds complexity to the butter sauce.
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds – Optional but adds nice texture and visual appeal.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Just a pinch of each is usually sufficient.

Kitchen Tools:

• 9×13 baking dish or similar sized casserole dish
• Serrated knife for cleanly slicing the rolls
• Small bowl for mixing the butter sauce
• Pastry brush (optional but helpful)
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
• Keep all rolls connected and slice horizontally through the entire slab using a serrated knife. This is much easier than slicing each roll individually!
• Place the bottom half in your baking dish, making sure it fits snugly.

2. Add Fillings

• Layer ham evenly across the bottom slab. For maximum flavor, slightly fold each piece to create little pockets that will catch melted cheese and butter sauce.
• Distribute cheese evenly over the ham, making sure to reach all the way to the edges for complete coverage.
• Place the top slab of rolls back on to complete your giant sandwich.

3. Make Butter Sauce

• In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter.
• Whisk in dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, poppy seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• This sauce is what transforms ordinary sandwiches into something special – the flavors will seep into the bread as it bakes.

4. Add Sauce & Bake

• Pour or brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure to get good coverage.
• Let the sauce drip down the sides a bit for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
• Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest makes cutting much easier.

5. Serve

• Cut along the original roll lines with a sharp knife to separate into individual sliders.
• Serve warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders

After making these countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that elevate them from good to great:

• Quality ham matters: This is where splurging a little makes a big difference in flavor.
• Cheese strategy: For the ultimate cheese experience, use both sliced and shredded cheese. The slices create a good barrier between bread and meat, while shredded cheese melts into all the nooks and crannies.
• Make ahead option: You can assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead but add the butter sauce just before baking. Keep refrigerated and covered until ready to bake.
• Toothpick trick: After adding butter sauce, poke a few small holes through the tops with a toothpick to help the sauce penetrate to the bottom layer.
• Golden top perfection: For an extra-gorgeous finish, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter with 1 teaspoon honey and brush on top during the final 3 minutes of baking.
• Prevent soggy bottoms: Place a thin layer of cheese directly on the bottom bread before adding ham to create a moisture barrier.

Easy Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, get creative with these delicious variations:

Breakfast Sliders

Swap ham for bacon and add a thin layer of scrambled eggs. Perfect for brunch gatherings or making ahead for busy mornings.

Italian Style

Use salami and pepperoni instead of ham, swap Swiss for mozzarella, and add Italian seasoning to your butter sauce. It’s like pizza in slider form!

Cuban-Inspired

Layer ham, Swiss, and thinly sliced dill pickles. Use yellow mustard in your butter sauce instead of dijon for authentic Cuban sandwich flavor.

Buffalo Chicken

Replace ham with shredded buffalo chicken, use cheddar cheese, and add a dash of hot sauce to your butter mixture for a spicy twist.

Southwest Style

Use pepper jack cheese and add a layer of sliced jalapeños. Add a pinch of cumin and chili powder to your butter sauce for extra kick.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Sliders

These sliders are substantial enough to be the main attraction, but they pair beautifully with:

• Dill pickles – The tangy crunch offers perfect contrast to the rich sliders
• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Potato chips for essential crunch factor
• Tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo
• Coleslaw for a refreshing side with great texture contrast

For dipping options, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a simple mayo mixed with sriracha work wonderfully – though these sliders are flavorful enough to stand on their own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers (they tend to disappear quickly!):

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Best reheating method: Wrap in aluminum foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This keeps the rolls soft while remelting the cheese perfectly.
• Quick microwave method: Heat for 15-20 seconds per slider, though you’ll sacrifice some of the texture with this method.
• Freezer-friendly: These freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap then foil and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reviving dry rolls: If your leftover sliders seem a bit dry, sprinkle with a few drops of water before wrapping in foil and reheating. This creates steam that refreshes the bread.

Common Questions

Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian? Yes, but you’ll miss the signature sweet-savory contrast that makes these special. If using regular rolls, add 1 tablespoon honey to your butter sauce to recreate some of that sweetness.

Can I make these in an air fryer? Absolutely! Cook at 320°F for about 8 minutes. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

How do I transport these to a potluck? Bake them in a disposable aluminum pan with a lid. If possible, slightly underbake them, then finish them in the host’s oven for 5 minutes just before serving.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use two baking dishes and double all ingredients. The prep and baking time remain the same.

What’s the best cheese to use? Swiss is traditional, but provolone, cheddar, and pepper jack all work beautifully. For the ultimate cheese experience, use a combination!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These ham and cheese Hawaiian rolls have become a staple for so many occasions because they’re:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Made with simple ingredients you might already have
• Kid-friendly while still appealing to adults
• Perfect for parties, game days, and quick family dinners
• Adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences
• Impressive despite minimal effort

Give these sliders a try the next time you need something delicious in a hurry. They’re guaranteed to become part of your regular rotation of go-to recipes that everyone requests again and again!

Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

These Ham and Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick dinner. Layers of sweet Hawaiian rolls, smoky ham, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery poppy seed glaze make these sliders absolutely irresistible. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or an easy weeknight treat!

Ingredients

• 12-count pack Hawaiian sweet rolls

• ¾ lb deli ham, thinly sliced

• 6–8 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: mayonnaise or mustard for spreading

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with parchment paper.
• Slice the rolls in half horizontally.
  Keep the bottom half intact as one piece, and place it in the baking dish.
• Layer the fillings.
  Lay slices of ham evenly over the roll base. Top with cheese slices to cover completely. If you like, spread a thin layer of mayo or mustard on the top roll half before placing it on.
• Prepare the buttery glaze.
  In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Brush and bake.
  Pour or brush the glaze evenly over the assembled rolls. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
• Slice & serve warm.
  Use a sharp knife to cut along the roll seams and serve immediately!

Notes

• You can substitute Swiss with cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
  Turkey, roast beef, or even pepperoni can work instead of ham.
  For a crispier top, broil the rolls for 1–2 minutes after baking (watch closely!).
  These can be prepped a few hours ahead and baked when ready.