Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders
The Ultimate Party Appetizer - Sweet, Savory & Irresistibly Delicious!
My Ultimate Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders: Your New Go-To Party Recipe
There's something almost magical about the moment I pull a pan of Hawaiian roll ham sliders from my oven. That intoxicating aroma of buttery, golden-topped rolls mingling with melted Swiss cheese and savory ham—it's the kind of smell that brings everyone running to my kitchen. If you've never made these Hawaiian roll sliders before, you're in for a treat. And if you have? Well, you already know why they disappear within minutes of hitting the table.
Why These Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders Are a Crowd Favorite
I've made Hawaiian roll ham sliders dozens of times, and I can confidently say they've earned their place as one of America's most beloved party foods. The combination of pillowy-soft sweet Hawaiian rolls, salty deli ham, and gooey melted cheese creates a flavor profile that appeals to just about everyone—from picky kids to discerning adults. But what really sets my Hawaiian roll sliders apart is the secret weapon: a savory butter glaze loaded with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and garlic. When that glaze soaks into the Hawaiian sweet rolls and caramelizes in the oven, it creates an irresistible crispy-yet-tender texture that's absolutely addictive.
The beauty of this Hawaiian roll ham sliders recipe lies in its simplicity. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes in the oven, I can have a stunning appetizer that looks like I spent hours in the kitchen. Whether I'm hosting a Super Bowl party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, these ham sliders deliver every single time.
A Recipe with Roots in Two Cultures
What many people don't realize is that Hawaiian roll ham sliders tell a fascinating culinary story. The sweet Hawaiian rolls that form the foundation of this dish trace their origins back to Portuguese sweet bread, or pão doce, brought to Hawaii by immigrants in the 19th century. Robert Taira, founder of King's Hawaiian, began baking his family's recipe in Hilo in the 1950s, eventually creating the iconic Hawaiian sweet rolls we know today—perfect for making the best Hawaiian roll sliders.
The "slider" concept, meanwhile, has distinctly American roots—originating at White Castle in the 1920s as an affordable, quick-service option during the Great Depression. Fast forward to the 2000s, and creative home cooks like myself began combining these two traditions, layering ham and cheese between connected Hawaiian rolls and baking them with a flavorful glaze. The result? A fusion dish that's become a staple at gatherings across the country. My Hawaiian roll ham sliders recipe honors this tradition while adding my own special touches.
What Makes My Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe Different
I've taken the classic Hawaiian roll ham sliders and elevated them with an interactive recipe experience designed to make your cooking journey as smooth as possible. My Hawaiian roll sliders recipe page includes:
- A serving size adjuster that automatically recalculates ingredient amounts whether you're cooking Hawaiian roll ham sliders for 6 or 60
- Built-in cooking timers so you never have to fumble with your phone while making these ham sliders
- Metric and imperial measurement toggles for cooks around the world who want to make Hawaiian roll sliders
- Chef's tips hidden within each step, revealing my professional secrets for perfect Hawaiian roll ham sliders
- Ingredient substitution suggestions for dietary restrictions or pantry limitations when making ham sliders
- A progress tracker to keep you motivated as you work through the Hawaiian roll sliders recipe
Plus, I've included five delicious variations of my Hawaiian roll ham sliders—from a spicy jalapeño version to a breakfast-friendly twist with bacon and eggs—so you can customize these sliders for any occasion.
Ready to Get Started with Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders?
Scroll down to dive into my fully interactive Hawaiian roll sliders recipe guide. You'll find everything you need to create the most delicious Hawaiian roll ham sliders you've ever tasted—complete with step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and even a section to save your own personal notes for next time you make these amazing ham sliders.
Trust me: once you make my Hawaiian roll ham sliders, they'll become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. Let's get cooking these incredible Hawaiian roll sliders!
Your Cooking Progress
Let's get started! Check off ingredients and steps as you go.
Ingredients
- For the Sliders:
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12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package)Can substitute with King's Hawaiian rolls or any sweet dinner rolls
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1 lb sliced deli ham (thinly sliced)Try honey ham, black forest ham, or smoked turkey for variety
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12 slices Swiss cheeseGruyere, provolone, or cheddar work great too!
- For the Butter Glaze:
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1/2 cup butter, meltedUnsalted butter recommended; can use salted but reduce added salt
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2 tbsp Dijon mustardYellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp poppy seedsSesame seeds or "everything bagel" seasoning also work wonderfully
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1 tbsp dried minced onion
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1 tsp garlic powder
Kitchen Converter
Step-by-Step Instructions
I always line my baking dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup! I leave some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the sliders.
The key to perfect Hawaiian roll ham sliders is to slice through all the rolls at once while they're still connected. I use a gentle sawing motion and let the knife do the work - I never press down too hard or the rolls will compress.
I fold or crinkle the ham slices slightly rather than laying them flat - this creates little pockets and adds more ham flavor to each bite of my Hawaiian roll sliders. I never skimp on the cheese - it acts as the "glue" that holds everything together!
This glaze is my secret weapon for the best Hawaiian roll ham sliders! The combination of butter and seasonings creates an incredible savory-sweet coating. I always make sure the butter is fully melted for easy mixing and even distribution.
I'm never shy with the glaze when making Hawaiian roll ham sliders! I let it drip down the sides and between the rolls. This creates those amazing crispy, buttery edges that everyone fights over.
Covering with foil traps steam and keeps my Hawaiian roll ham sliders soft and moist while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly. I make sure the foil doesn't touch the tops of the rolls.
I watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking my Hawaiian roll sliders! The rolls can go from golden to overdone quickly. I want them beautifully golden with crispy edges but still soft inside.
I let my Hawaiian roll ham sliders rest briefly before cutting - this allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from oozing out everywhere. I serve them immediately while they're still warm for the best texture and flavor!
Nutritional Information
Per slider (makes 12 servings)
Recipe Variations
This is my original Hawaiian roll ham sliders recipe as written above - perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings. The sweet Hawaiian rolls paired with savory ham and the buttery poppy seed glaze creates an irresistible combination that my guests can't get enough of!
Substitute:
- Replace ham with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms sautéed with soy sauce
- Or use roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant)
- Add a layer of spinach or arugula for extra nutrition
- Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Add:
- 2-3 jalapeños, thinly sliced, layered with the ham in my Hawaiian roll sliders
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss
- Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the butter glaze
- Drizzle with sriracha mayo before serving
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes after baking
Substitute:
- Use low-carb bread or "cloud bread" instead of Hawaiian rolls
- Or skip the bread entirely and make ham & cheese "roll-ups"
- Omit the sugar in the glaze or use sugar-free sweetener
- Double the cheese for extra richness
- Serve in lettuce cups for a deconstructed version
Estimated Carbs: 4g per serving (without bread)
Modify:
- Replace ham with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage patties
- Add scrambled eggs as an additional layer
- Use cheddar cheese instead of Swiss
- Add a thin layer of maple syrup to the glaze for sweet/savory flavor
- Top with everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! I can assemble my Hawaiian roll ham sliders completely (through step 5) and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. When I'm ready to bake, I let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Yes! I assemble my Hawaiian roll ham sliders completely (don't bake), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. I freeze them for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, I add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time. I can also freeze already-baked sliders and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
The key to perfect Hawaiian roll ham sliders is not to over-saturate the rolls with the glaze. I also make sure my oven is fully preheated, and I don't let them sit too long after assembling before baking. If I'm making them ahead, I refrigerate immediately after assembly. The butter glaze should mostly stay on top where it creates that delicious crispy crust.
For best results, I reheat my Hawaiian roll ham sliders in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 10-12 minutes. This keeps them from drying out. I can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, but they won't be as crispy. For a crispy top, I pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after reheating.
While Hawaiian rolls are traditional and I highly recommend them for their sweet flavor, I can use other dinner rolls, slider buns, or even croissants for a fancier version. I just keep in mind that different breads may absorb the glaze differently and could require slight adjustments to baking time.
I store leftover Hawaiian roll ham sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They're best eaten within the first 2 days for optimal texture. I always reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Room Temperature: Best consumed within 2 hours of baking
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes (covered) or microwave 20-30 seconds
- Wine: I serve Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or light Pinot Noir
- Beer: Light lager, wheat beer, or amber ale
- Non-Alcoholic: Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling apple cider
- Cocktails: Moscow Mule, Aperol Spritz, or Classic Margarita
- ❌ Not slicing the rolls while still connected - this makes assembly messy
- ❌ Using cold butter for the glaze - it won't mix properly or spread evenly
- ❌ Skipping the foil cover - this dries out the rolls and melts cheese unevenly
- ❌ Overcrowding the meat - too much ham makes them hard to cut and eat
- ❌ Not letting them rest before cutting - the cheese will ooze out everywhere
- ❌ Baking at too high temperature - the tops burn before insides are heated through
Your Personal Notes
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Bryan Murphy is the creator of Hawaii’s Best Travel and a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert through the Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau. He’s an active member of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and continues ongoing education focused on Hawaiian culture, history, and sustainable travel. As the host of the “Hawaii’s Best Travel” podcast—one of the top travel podcasts in the U.S.—Bryan shares practical, respectful guidance to help visitors experience Hawai‘i in a more meaningful way. His work reaches nearly half a million people across podcast, blog, and social media.