Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders

Introduction

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy in a warm, melty sandwich. Made with tender ham, gooey cheese, and soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The sweet, fluffy rolls paired with the savory ham and cheese create a delicious contrast, while a flavorful buttery topping ties it all together. Whether for game day, parties, or a casual family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit!

I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. The aroma of the buttery topping filling the kitchen was irresistible, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What’s great about these sliders is how easy they are to make yet still feel like a special treat. The combination of flavors is always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re so simple to prepare ahead of time. Whether serving them at a party or making them for a quick dinner, these sliders are always a favorite.

Perfect for:

• Game day gatherings
• Family dinners
• Potlucks
• Quick weeknight meals
• Sandwich lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders will become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Sweet and Savory: The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls with savory cheese and ham creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Make: These sliders come together quickly with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
• Great for Groups: Whether you’re hosting a crowd or meal prepping, these sliders are easy to make in batches and serve to a group.
• Kid-Friendly: The soft rolls and gooey cheese make these sliders a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences – swap in different types of cheese or add extra veggies for more flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders:

For the Sliders:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (whole, not split)
• 12 slices of cheese (Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella)
• 1 lb of cooked, sliced turkey or chicken (substitute for ham)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Hawaiian Rolls: The sweet, soft rolls provide a pillowy base that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
• Turkey or Chicken: A lean, delicious alternative to traditional ham, keeping the dish light yet flavorful.
• Cheese: Gooey cheese adds richness and binds everything together in each slider.
• Butter: A buttery topping gives the sliders a golden, crispy finish and adds extra flavor.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: These seasonings give the sliders depth, with a savory kick that balances the sweetness of the rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders:

Prepare the Sliders:

1. Slice the Rolls: Cut the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Lay the bottom half in a baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
2. Add the Cheese: Layer a slice of cheese on each roll, making sure they cover the entire bottom half of the buns.
3. Add the Turkey or Chicken: Layer the cooked turkey or chicken slices evenly over the cheese, then add the top half of the rolls on top to complete the sliders.

Prepare the Topping:

4. Mix the Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey (or brown sugar), garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and ground mustard.
5. Brush the Sliders: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls, making sure all the sliders are well-coated. Use a brush to spread the topping if needed.

Bake the Sliders:

6. Bake the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Uncover and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve:

8. Slice and Serve: Once the sliders are baked and golden, slice them along the seams of the rolls and serve warm.

How to Serve

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a Side Salad: Pair the sliders with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal.
• With Potato Chips or Fries: Serve with a side of crispy chips or homemade fries for a fun, casual meal.
• As an Appetizer: These sliders make for great finger food at parties, BBQs, or gatherings.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Offer a tangy mustard or ranch dressing as a dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.
• For Meal Prep: These sliders can be made ahead and reheated for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders turn out perfectly:

• Use Lean Meat: If you’re looking to make these even lighter, use lean turkey or chicken breast for a healthier alternative to traditional ham.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sliders in advance, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. Just increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.
• Try Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding spinach, arugula, or even sliced tomatoes before baking.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations you can try for Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders:

• BBQ Turkey Sliders: Replace the Dijon mustard with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
• Veggie Sliders: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Use shredded cooked chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce before assembling the sliders.
• Italian Chicken Sliders: Use pesto sauce and mozzarella cheese, adding some tomato slices for an Italian-inspired version.
• Spicy Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese to make the sliders spicy.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze these sliders before baking. Just assemble the sliders, cover them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders easier:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Brush for Butter: A silicone pastry brush is helpful to evenly spread the butter topping on the sliders.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the sliders into individual portions once baked.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of roll?
   Yes, you can use regular dinner rolls or any other soft bread of your choice, but the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls adds a special touch.
2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them overnight before baking them the next day.
3. Can I use deli ham?
   Yes, deli ham can be used, but cooked turkey or chicken is a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
4. Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Omit the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
5. How can I add extra flavor?
   You can try adding pesto, hot sauce, or even a slice of pineapple for a fun twist.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders are a delicious and versatile dish that brings sweet and savory together in one perfect bite. Whether you’re serving them for a party, family meal, or quick snack, these sliders are sure to please. With easy-to-find ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy these sliders fresh out of the oven, and savor every cheesy, buttery bite!

This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a family’s hunger with minimal effort. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory ham and melted cheese, then topped with a buttery, garlicky sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a quick, comforting meal, these sliders are always a hit.

I’d love to see how your Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can check out your tasty creations. Enjoy every bite!