Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe – Perfect Party Food
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If you’re looking for the ultimate Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders recipe, you’ve found it! These irresistible little sandwiches are my go-to solution for using up leftover ham from our Honey Baked Ham Recipe. They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes these sliders so special? It’s the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, melty cheese, and that incredible buttery topping that gets all golden and crispy in the oven. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your most-requested party food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These ham and cheese sliders are more than just another sandwich recipe. Here’s why they’re a winner every single time:
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a tray of delicious sliders ready to devour. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining!
Budget-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for stretching that leftover holiday ham. One pound of ham makes 12 sliders – enough to feed a hungry family or party guests without breaking the bank.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble these sliders up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Talk about stress-free entertaining!
Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these cheesy, buttery sliders. The sweet and savory combination hits all the right notes.
Recipe Notes and Tips
Before we dive into making these Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders, let me share some tips I’ve learned from making them countless times. These little tricks will help you achieve slider perfection every time!
About the Ham I always use leftover ham from our Honey Baked Ham Recipe, but you’ve got options! Deli ham works great – just ask for it sliced a bit thicker than usual. Ham steak is another fantastic choice; just give it a quick sear in a pan and chop it into small pieces. The key is having about a pound of ham, which distributes perfectly among 12 sliders.
Choosing Your Cheese While I’m partial to Colby Jack for its perfect melt and mild flavor, this recipe is super flexible. American cheese gives you that classic deli taste, mozzarella creates amazing cheese pulls, and Cheddar adds a sharp bite. Feeling adventurous? Try Monterey Jack for a mild option or Pepper Jack when you want to spice things up!
The Secret’s in the Spread That butter and Dijon mustard mixture isn’t just there for moisture – it’s what takes these sliders from good to incredible. But don’t feel locked into this combo! Garlic butter works beautifully, aioli adds a gourmet touch, or even plain mayo does the trick. Some folks love honey mustard for extra sweetness. The key is to spread it generously on those bottom buns.
The Perfect Topping The garlic herb butter that goes on top is what creates that irresistible golden crust. Make sure your butter is fully melted so it brushes on easily, and don’t be shy – cover every bit of those roll tops. The Italian seasoning adds great flavor, but you could also use everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of garlic salt.
Storage Solutions These sliders keep beautifully! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For reheating, I swear by the air fryer – 2-3 minutes at 330°F brings back all that crispy, melty goodness. No air fryer? The oven works great too at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Make It Your Own This basic recipe is like a blank canvas! Add caramelized onions for sweetness, sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or fresh spinach for a pop of color. Don’t have Hawaiian rolls? A French baguette cut into pieces works wonderfully. You can even switch up the meat – turkey, roast beef, or even crispy bacon are all delicious alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these ham and cheese sliders couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps for slider perfection:
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Slice the Rolls: Here’s a time-saving trick – don’t separate the Hawaiian rolls! Instead, slice the entire sheet horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected. This makes assembly so much faster.
Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. This flavorful spread is what takes these sliders from good to amazing!
Layer the Bottom: Spread that delicious butter mixture on the cut side of the bottom rolls. Place them in your prepared baking dish.
Add the Cheese and Ham: Layer 6 slices of cheese on the bottom rolls, then distribute the ham evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining 6 cheese slices. This double layer of cheese ensures every bite is perfectly melty!
Top It Off: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. In another small bowl, mix the topping ingredients – melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20-23 minutes. The foil helps the cheese melt evenly without over-browning the tops.
Get Golden: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-8 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Serving Suggestions
These ham and cheese sliders are pretty perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:
For Game Day: Serve alongside cheesy corn dip, buffalo chicken dip, creamy guacamole, and plenty of cold drinks. These sliders are sturdy enough to eat while cheering on your team!
For Potlucks: Pack these in a covered dish that can go straight from oven to table. Bring along a Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad, and you’ve contributed a complete meal.
For Family Dinners: Pair with tomato soup for a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. Add some fresh fruit or veggie sticks for the kids.
We Love Sliders!
This basic Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are some of my favorite variations:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders – Another delicious slider recipe. Make plenty because they disappear quickly.
Corned Beef Sliders: Get the taste of a Reuben with leftover corned beef.
Cuban-Style Sliders: Use Swiss cheese, add pickle slices, and brush with a mixture of butter and yellow mustard.
Breakfast Sliders: Add scrambled eggs and use breakfast sausage instead of ham. Perfect for brunch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the sliders, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls? While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and soft texture, you can use dinner rolls, slider buns, or even cut a French baguette into sections.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms? The butter mixture actually helps create a barrier, but if you’re concerned, you can lightly toast the bottom rolls before assembling. Also, make sure your ham isn’t too wet.
Can I double this recipe? Yes! Just use two 9×13 pans and double all ingredients. You might need to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
But beyond the taste, this recipe works because it’s practical. It uses up leftover ham (check out our Honey Baked Ham Recipe for the perfect holiday ham), feeds a crowd on a budget, and can be made ahead. What more could you want?
Ready to Make Them?
So next time you’re wondering what to do with that leftover ham, or need a guaranteed hit for your next gathering, remember this Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders recipe. Your family and friends will thank you!
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your favorite slider variations! Drop a comment below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover these delicious sliders!
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 12 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 1 lb cooked ham you can also use ham from the Deli bakery
Butter mixture inside the sliders
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Butter mixture for the topping
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Butter a 9×13 baking dish, or you can also use a nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until all are combined.
- Spread the mixture on the inside of the bottom part of the rolls.
- Place 6 slices of cheese on top.
- Add the ham evenly on top of the cheese.
- Cover the ham with the remaining cheese.
- Place the top part of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter mixture for the topping. In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the garlic/herb butter mixture on top of the buns.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes or until the cheese is hot and melted.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the sliders are golden to your liking.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes
Don’t let any of that delicious honey baked ham go to waste! Check out our other favorite ways to use leftover ham:
- Ham and Bean Soup
- Three Cheese Ham Calzones
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Cuban Sandwiches
- Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- Split Pea Soup with Ham
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