Gourmet ham cheese sliders made easy with King’s Hawaiian rolls transform basic ingredients into crowd-pleasing bites. These sliders pack serious flavor with honey ham, melted Swiss, and a buttery mustard glaze that turns golden brown. Perfect for game day or casual entertaining, they’re ready in under an hour.
I tested eight different roll brands, and King’s Hawaiian delivered the best texture-to-taste ratio. Their slight sweetness balances the savory ham perfectly.
At-a-Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (4 servings)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Game day, potlucks, quick dinners
Why This Works
- Sweet rolls + salty ham create perfect flavor balance
- Butter-mustard glaze prevents dry sliders
- Baking covered then uncovered ensures melty cheese and crispy tops
- Assembly-line method makes prep quick and consistent
Ingredients & Smart Swaps
Base Ingredients:
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 24 slices deli honey ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, quartered
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Smart Substitutions:
- Rolls: Brioche slider buns work well, but avoid dense rolls
- Cheese: Provolone or Gruyere melt similarly to Swiss
- Ham: Turkey or roast beef (adjust salt in glaze)
- Mayo: Greek yogurt + touch of olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Slice rolls horizontally (keep connected). Place bottom half in dish.
- Spread mayonnaise on cut sides of both roll halves.
- Layer ham evenly (2 slices per slider).
- Add cheese pieces, overlapping slightly.
- Replace roll tops.
- Mix melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, Worcestershire.
- Pour mixture evenly over rolls. Let sit 10 minutes to absorb.
- Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes.
- Uncover, bake 5-10 minutes until tops are golden brown.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip the 10-minute absorption time – it prevents dry spots
- Keep rolls connected during assembly for faster prep
- Watch closely during final uncovered bake (can brown quickly)
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting – helps cheese set
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store assembled, unbaked sliders covered in fridge up to 24 hours. Already baked? Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
Like our homemade ham recipes? These sliders freeze well too. Wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Variations
- Pizza Style: Pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian seasoning
- Club: Turkey, bacon, Swiss, like our favorite sandwich variations
- Breakfast: Ham, egg, cheddar (great make-ahead)
- Sweet & Spicy: Add honey and jalapeños to butter mixture
FAQ
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate. Add 5-7 minutes to covered bake time.
Why are my sliders soggy?
Too much butter mixture or underbaked. Try reducing liquid by 2 tablespoons and ensuring proper oven temp. For more party food ideas, check our party appetizer collection.
Can I use regular-sized rolls?
Standard rolls make portions too large and won’t heat evenly. Stick with slider-sized rolls (about 2-3 inches wide).
💡 Loved this recipe? Follow Us on Pinterest for more!
Gourmet Ham Cheese Sliders Made Easy
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Main
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls 12 count
- 24 slices deli honey ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese quartered
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Slice rolls horizontally (keep connected). Place bottom half in dish.
- Spread mayonnaise on cut sides of both roll halves.
- Layer ham evenly (2 slices per slider).
- Add cheese pieces, overlapping slightly.
- Replace roll tops.
- Mix melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, Worcestershire.
- Pour mixture evenly over rolls. Let sit 10 minutes to absorb.
- Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes.
- Uncover, bake 5-10 minutes until tops are golden brown.