Updated: September 18, 2026
These Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders are one of my favorite appetizers to make for tailgates, game nights, and football Sundays because they’re always one of the first things to disappear! Sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory deli ham, melted Swiss cheese, and honey mustard, then finished with a buttery poppy seed topping seasoned with Worcestershire, garlic, and onion. They’re warm, cheesy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make when you need an appetizer that can feed a crowd.
Want to Email This for Later?
Email this post to yourself and we’ll share more inspiration when it’s ready!
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients for Hawaiian Bread Ham and Cheese Sliders
- How to Make Ham and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders
- Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Substitutions & Variations
- Why Use Hawaiian Rolls for Ham and Cheese Sliders?
- How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
- What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders
- FAQ
- Recipe Card
- Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Craving More?
Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet and savory flavors – Sweet Hawaiian rolls pair perfectly with salty ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy honey mustard for a delicious balance of flavors.
- That addictive buttery glaze! – Melted butter, honey mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion create a flavorful topping that soaks slightly into the rolls while helping the tops bake until golden.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd – Since the sliders bake together in one pan, you can make 12 warm sandwiches at once without assembling each one individually.
- Easy to make ahead – Assemble the ham and cheese ahead of time, then add the butter topping and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Made for hosting and entertaining – These hot ham and cheese sliders are easy to grab and serve, making them perfect for game day, tailgates, parties, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Bread Ham and Cheese Sliders
Below you will find a list of ingredients needed for this recipe. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below:
Slider Ingredients:
- Hawaiian rolls – Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are the perfect base and complement the savory ham and Swiss cheese. (My favorite brand to use are King’s Hawaiian Rolls)
- Honey mustard – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham, cheese, and butter.
- Deli ham – Thinly sliced ham gives the sliders their savory, smoky flavor and makes them easy to bite into.
- Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully over the ham and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
Butter Topping Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, golden topping and carries all of the seasonings over the rolls.
- Honey mustard – Gives the butter topping another layer of tangy sweetness and ties it into the honey mustard inside the sliders.
- Poppy seeds – Add a subtle nutty flavor and the classic appearance of baked Hawaiian roll sliders.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth and umami that balances the sweetness of the rolls and honey mustard.
- Garlic powder – Adds a savory garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder – Adds another layer of savory flavor throughout the butter topping.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the butter and seasonings.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild peppery bite that balances the rich, buttery topping.
How to Make Ham and Swiss Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Below you will find step-by-step instructions with photos. Detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Sliders – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab in half horizontally (I recommend using a serrated knife if you have one). Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish and spread with half of the honey mustard.
STEP 2: Melt the Cheese – Layer the ham evenly over the rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese. Bake the bottom half of the sliders for 5 – 10 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is completely melted.
STEP 3: Make the Butter Topping – While the cheese melts, whisk together the melted butter, 2 tablespoons of honey mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
STEP 4: Add the Tops & Bake – Spread the remaining honey mustard over the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the tops over the melted cheese. Generously pour the butter mixture over the rolls, allowing some to run down between the seams. Return the sliders to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and lightly crisp. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Keep the rolls connected – Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally instead of separating them first. This makes layering the ham and cheese much quicker and keeps everything together while baking.
- Layer the ham evenly – Fold or slightly overlap the thin slices of ham so every slider gets plenty of meat.
- Don’t skip the first bake – Melting the Swiss cheese before adding the top layer of rolls ensures you get warm, gooey cheese throughout each slider.
- Pour the butter topping between the seams – Let some of that seasoned butter run between the individual rolls so the flavor reaches more than just the tops.
- Avoid soggy sliders – Don’t let the assembled sliders sit too long after adding the butter mixture. Once the topping goes on, bake them right away so the rolls become buttery and golden without absorbing too much liquid.
- Let them rest before cutting – Give the sliders about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the melted cheese to settle slightly and makes them easier to slice and serve.
Substitutions & Variations
These ham and cheese sliders are easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or the flavors you prefer.
- Try a different cheese – Swap the Swiss for cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
- Change the meat – Instead of deli ham, try thinly sliced turkey or roast beef. You can also use leftover baked ham sliced thin enough to layer easily.
- Swap the mustard – Dijon or spicy brown mustard can replace the honey mustard if you prefer a sharper, less sweet flavor.
- Make them spicy – Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
- Use different rolls – Hawaiian rolls provide the signature sweet-and-savory flavor, but soft dinner rolls or brioche slider buns will also work.
- Double the recipe for a crowd – Making these for a larger game-day party or gathering? Double the ingredients and prepare two pans of sliders rather than overcrowding one baking dish.
Why Use Hawaiian Rolls for Ham and Cheese Sliders?
I’ve tried different types of bread for this recipe, but I find that Hawaiian rolls work especially well for these sliders because the’re soft and have subtle sweetness to balance the salty ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and tangy honey mustard. They also come connected in one convenient slab, making it easy to slice, layer, and bake all 12 sliders at once. I also find that the tops absorb some of the seasoned butter mixture well while becoming lightly golden and crisp during baking.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
- Store: Allow leftover ham and cheese sliders to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled sliders individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
- Reheat in the oven: Place the sliders in a baking dish, loosely cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp the tops.
- Reheat in the air fryer: Heat the sliders at 325°F (165°C) for about 3-5 minutes, checking early to prevent the tops from becoming too dark.
- Reheat in the microwave: Microwave an individual slider for about 20-30 seconds, then continue in short intervals as needed. The microwave works in a pinch, but the rolls will stay softer than when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Sliders
These ham and cheese sliders work well with simple sides or as part of a larger game-day appetizer spread. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
FAQ
How do you keep ham and cheese sliders from getting soggy?
Add the butter topping immediately before the sliders go back into the oven rather than letting it sit and soak into the rolls. After baking, serve the sliders while they're still warm for the best texture.
Can you freeze ham and cheese sliders?
Yes. Allow the baked sliders to cool completely, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make ham and cheese sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare the ham and cheese portion ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, wait to add the seasoned butter topping until you're ready to bake.
What cheese goes best with ham sliders?
Swiss cheese is my favorite because its mild, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with ham and honey mustard. Provolone, cheddar, Gouda, or pepper jack are also great options.
Recipe Card
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients:
- 12 Hawaiian Rolls , (I recommend King's Hawaiian Rolls)
- ⅓ cup Honey Mustard, (divided)
- 12 slices Deli Ham, (thinly sliced (about 10 oz))
- 12 slices Swiss Cheese, (sliced (about 8oz))
Butter Topping Ingredients:
- 7 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Honey Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Without separating the rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire slab in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the baking dish and spread with half of the honey mustard. Layer the ham evenly over the rolls, followed by the Swiss cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is completely melted.
- While the cheese melts, whisk together the melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the sliders from the oven. Spread the remaining honey mustard over the cut side of the top half of the rolls, then place it over the melted cheese. Pour the butter mixture generously over the tops, allowing some to run between the seams.
- Return the sliders to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and lightly crisp. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into 12 individual sliders and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Honey mustard: The ⅓ cup of honey mustard is divided between the bottom and top halves of the rolls. The additional 2 tablespoons is used specifically for the butter topping.
- Rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet flavor that pairs especially well with the salty ham, Swiss cheese, and savory butter topping. Soft dinner rolls can also be used.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully in these sliders, but provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella are good substitutes.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best because it layers easily and keeps the sliders from becoming too bulky.
- Don’t skip the first bake: Baking the ham and cheese before adding the tops gives the cheese time to fully melt without over-browning the rolls.
- Butter topping: Pour the mixture evenly over the rolls and allow some to run between the seams for extra flavor throughout the sliders.
- Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the ham, cheese, and honey mustard ahead of time and refrigerate covered. Add the butter topping just before baking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make these Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out, or tell me what slider recipe you’d like to see me make next. You can also tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio so I can see your creations, and follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes, appetizers, and entertaining inspiration.
